Caris Lount, author of ‘The Tinnitus Cookbook’, is a social media influencer and tinnitus advocate. Below she shares how tinnitus has shaped her life, and how she is helping others navigate the condition.
Tinnitus can be an incredibly isolating experience, and if you’re reading this, chances are it’s touched your life in some way.
Whether you’re living with tinnitus, supporting someone who is, or simply trying to understand the condition, I want you to know you’re not alone. I’ve been there, overwhelmed and unsure how to move forward. But I also want you to know there is hope.
My story is proof that while tinnitus can be life-changing, it doesn’t have to define who you are.
Tinnitus took so much
For as long as I can remember, tinnitus has been a part of my life.
As a child, I thought the high-pitched ringing in my ears was something everyone experienced. It was not until later that I realised this ‘ringing’ was not normal. That realisation marked the start of a long and challenging journey.
Fast forward to university and my tinnitus became an especially tough obstacle.
The constant noise made it hard to focus on lectures or study, and even socialising became difficult. It felt unfair, like everyone around me was running a smooth race, while I was stumbling over hurdles that no one else could see.
The noise wasn’t just in my ears, it affected my thoughts, my emotions, and every part of my life. It began to feel like tinnitus was controlling me.
My mental health suffered, and I found myself battling anxiety and depression alongside the noise.
The power of self-care
My breakthrough did not come by fighting tinnitus head-on. It came when I started taking care of myself in ways I never had done before.
I found comfort in cooking – a therapeutic outlet that brought me peace.
Cooking was not just about food, it became a form of self-care and mindfulness. It helped me reconnect with my body and my mental health.
I also started writing ‘The Tinnitus Cookbook’ – this gave me a sense of purpose and helped me rediscover joy in life.
The act of caring for myself through food and mindfulness created a ripple effect, strengthening me both physically and mentally. Publishing the book was the cherry on top. I can now help others to shorten their journey to finding hope.
Hearing aids changed everything
Later, hearing aids played an essential role in my journey.
Initially, I was hesitant. I did not want to rely on something that might make me feel ‘different’, but once I started wearing them regularly, they changed everything.
Not only did hearing aids improve my ability to hear, but they also reduced the perception of my tinnitus. The constant noise that once felt all-consuming faded into the background, and for the first time in years I felt I could focus on life, rather than just surviving.
Tinnitus support is out there
Looking back, I realise how fortunate I was to find answers after seeing just a few doctors and specialists. I know that’s not the case for everyone.
The healthcare system often falls short when it comes to tinnitus, leaving many to navigate this journey alone. That’s one of the reasons I decided to share my story publicly, to show others that they’re not alone and that help is out there, even if it takes time to find.
During my search for support, I discovered a beacon of hope in the RNID website.
When you’re endlessly googling tinnitus and coming across horror stories, it’s easy to feel lost and hopeless. But RNID offer reliable information and compassionate advice – they helped me feel understood for the first time, and their resources gave me the tools I needed to start moving forward with confidence.
Advocacy is my purpose
Three years ago, I shared my first TikTok about tinnitus, and it reached over 14 million people.
That moment opened my eyes to the vast number of people who are struggling with the condition, who are searching for connection and support.
Since then, I’ve built an online community where people of all ages come together to share their struggles and triumphs.
Advocacy has become my purpose, and I’ve had the privilege of raising awareness about tinnitus through TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and an appearance on Good Morning Britain thanks to RNID.
Today, I work as a hearing care assistant at an independent audiologist, helping patients navigate their own hearing challenges. I also continue my work as a tinnitus habituation coach on a tinnitus app, guiding others towards peace.
While I’ve learned to thrive despite tinnitus, I still dream of a world where no one has to live with it.
A cure would mean more than just silence, it would mean freedom. Imagine waking up and hearing nothing but the soft rustling of leaves or the gentle hum of life around you. A cure would offer millions of people the chance to reclaim the quiet moments that tinnitus has stolen from them.
If you’re struggling, please know this: you’re not alone.
Whether it’s through hearing aids, mindfulness, sound therapy, or simply connecting with others who understand, there’s always hope. My journey is proof that life can get better. If sharing my story helps even one person, then every step of this journey has been worth it.
