Living With Unexplained, Fluctuating Hearing Loss and Tinnitus, Craig's Story | Ep 11

Living With Unexplained, Fluctuating Hearing Loss and Tinnitus, Craig's Story | Ep 11

Craig lived with mild tinnitus for over 20 years. Then in 2023, everything changed. A strange vibrating sensation in his left ear turned into constant tinnitus, sudden hearing loss, hyperacusis to low frequency sounds, and vertigo attacks that left him unable to stand. In this episode, Craig shares what it was like to hit a breaking point during a full blown spike, the panic attack that followed, and the months of sleepless nights that came after. He talks through his search for answers, from a possible Ménière's diagnosis to vestibular migraine, and why getting some answers, even without a cure, gave him a path towards acceptance. Craig also shares what has actually helped him manage his tinnitus day to day. This includes exercise, cold water immersion, sauna use, sound therapy through his hearing aid, and stepping back from online forums that only added to his fear. If you're in the middle of a bad flare and feel like you're the only one dealing with this, Craig's story is proof that it does get better, even when it doesn't feel that way right now. Follow me on Instagram @tinnituswithgladys for practical tinnitus strategies. Resources: Free tinnitus masterclass:  ⁠www.drgladys.co.uk/learn [http://www.drgladys.co.uk/learn]

How to Restore Your Relationships and Feel Less Alone

Tinnitus is invisible. But its impact on your relationships is very real. In this episode, I explore how tinnitus can lead to withdrawal, guilt and isolation, and more importantly, how to find your way back to the people who matter. I will share how to explain tinnitus to the people in your life, what to ask for from them, and why warm, stimulating connection is one of the most powerful tools in your recovery. I also work through a typical scenario that I hear daily in my clinic, and I share practical steps to help you re-engage socially, at your own pace, without overwhelm. I have tinnitus myself. I know how lonely it can feel. This episode is for anyone who wants to feel less alone in it. Follow me on Instagram @tinnituswithgladys for practical tinnitus strategies. Resources: Free tinnitus masterclass: ⁠www.drgladys.co.uk/learn [http://www.drgladys.co.uk/learn]

Tuning the Mind's Orchestra to Filter Out Tinnitus, with Dr. Jennifer Gans

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Jennifer Gans, licensed psychologist and founder of mindfultinnitusrelief.com. She shares a very different way of understanding tinnitus, and explains why many people feel stuck with it for years. Most people are told tinnitus is something they have to live with, manage, or hope will go away. Dr. Gans explains why, in many cases, tinnitus is better understood as a brain error, a false alarm that the system keeps repeating. We explore how the brain’s prediction system can get it wrong, especially in states of stress and high vigilance, and how this can keep tinnitus feeling intrusive and distressing. We cover: * Why tinnitus can become a “stuck” pattern rather than an ongoing problem in the ears * How accurate education can reduce fear and distress * The role of mindfulness in creating space between sound and reaction * How attention and anxiety keep tinnitus active * Practical ways to change your response without relying on devices or quick fixes * Why learning to respond, rather than react, is key to moving forward Dr. Gans shares a clear approach that uses mindfulness to help you reduce suffering from tinnitus and regain a sense of control. This is not about finding a cure or eliminating tinnitus. It is about understanding what is happening in your brain, and using that knowledge to change your experience of it. An honest and practical conversation about shifting tinnitus from something that dominates your life, to something your brain no longer needs to prioritise. This episode kicks off a series of conversations with healthcare professionals dedicated to helping people with tinnitus reclaim their lives. Follow me on Instagram @tinnituswithgladys for practical tinnitus strategies. Resources:Free tinnitus masterclass: www.drgladys.co.uk/learn [http://www.drgladys.co.uk/learn]

I Refused To Let Tinnitus Define Me, Emma’s Story | Ep 8

In this episode, I speak with Emma about her journey with tinnitus after noise exposure, and how she moved from despair to living a full life again. We cover: * Telling people about her tinnitus, without it defining you or your self worth * Finding new passions and building a meaningful life alongside it * What she would avoid doing if she developed tinnitus for the first time * Tinnitus spikes and how she responds to them * Turning the pain of tinnitus into purpose and advocating for others * How she navigated tinnitus during her wedding This is not a story about tinnitus disappearing. Emma still has tinnitus. It no longer defines her life or limits what she does. An honest conversation about identity, purpose, and living well with tinnitus. Follow me on Instagram @tinnituswithgladys for practical tinnitus strategies. Resources: www.drgladys.co.uk/learn

"I Honestly Thought I Would Never Habituate", Nick's Story | Ep 7

In this episode, I speak with Nick about his journey with tinnitus, and why he was convinced he was the one person who would never habituate. We cover: * Believing he was the worst tinnitus case and could never recover * The fear of never living a normal life again * Navigating grief alongside the onset of tinnitus * Intrusive thoughts and the obsession to constantly fix the sound * How OCD patterns and reassurance seeking maintained distress * Shifting from control and resistance to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy principles * Addressing wider psychological factors, not just tinnitus itself * Reclaiming his life while still living with tinnitus This is not a story about tinnitus disappearing. Nick still hears tinnitus...though he talks about a period where he did not notice tinnitus for 3 weeks! The difference is that it no longer dictates his choices, attention, or future. An honest conversation about grief, intrusive thoughts, acceptance, and rebuilding life after believing you were the exception. Follow me on Instagram @tinnituswithgladys for practical tinnitus strategies. Resources: Free tinnitus masterclass⁠⁠⁠ [http://www.drgladys.co.uk/learn]: ⁠www.drgladys.co.uk/learn [http://www.drgladys.co.uk/learn]