Review of Living with Tinnitus

[Scerakor]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Living with Tinnitus" by Richard Viers.]

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3 out of 5 stars

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Individuals with tinnitus can be constantly bombarded with the perception of a sound, usually a ringing or a buzzing, that affects all aspects of their lives. Most people will have never experienced anything like this before and are likely at a loss on how to deal with this condition in all aspects of their daily lives. However, even for those with chronic tinnitus, some key strategies exist to help live with the condition.

Living with Tinnitus by Richard Viers is an audiobook that goes through some of the author’s tried and tested techniques to help deal with tinnitus on a daily basis. Some of the suggestions involve practical techniques for stress and anxiety management, involvement in support groups, physical and dietary health, resources for those with the condition, and much more. This is a book primarily geared towards those who suffer from the condition, but those who have loved ones with tinnitus will also get valuable insight into what they are going through.

What I liked the most about this book is how it combined the author’s personal experiences and anecdotes with their comprehensive list of techniques to try. The author’s research provided concrete examples of what someone with tinnitus can do daily to help mitigate the first and second-order effects of the condition. Their anecdotes, however, gave me a unique insight into portions of the condition that I may never have considered. For example, previously enjoyable social gatherings turn into a sensory overload that can wreak havoc on their ability to enjoy themselves.

Despite all the excellent material, there are two things that I disliked about this book. First, many of the techniques presented in this book are the same throughout. Although there are more, one example is that nearly every chapter suggested some form of breathing exercises or meditative technique as a solution. Similarly, much of the advice in the book, although extremely beneficial to anyone reading it, wasn’t necessarily specific to sufferers of tinnitus. Eating well, getting plenty of exercise, meditating, journalling, and more, are all suggestions that can be just as applicable to everyday health and wellness as they are to sufferers of tinnitus.

Given the beneficial techniques presented in the book (not just for tinnitus) and the unique insight into the psychological effects of tinnitus on those with the condition, I give this book 3 out of 5 stars. I took two stars off since, despite having excellent information, much of the book was repetitive and wasn’t uniquely applicable to those with tinnitus. I had the opportunity to review this book in the audiobook format and can highly recommend this version of the book to either sufferers of tinnitus or family members who want to learn a bit more about how to support those they love. If you have no interest in managing tinnitus or don't know anyone with the condition, this book is not likely for you.

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Living with Tinnitus
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[Louis Donald]

I appreciate how the author blends personal experiences with practical advice for managing tinnitus, though it sounds like the repetition of techniques could be a bit much. It seems like a helpful read for those dealing with tinnitus or supporting someone who is, but I can see how it might not feel as tailored for everyone.

[Pearl Flourish]

Sounds like a helpful guide for anyone dealing with tinnitus, though it seems like some of the advice might be a bit general. Still, the mix of personal experience and practical strategies makes it worth a look for those affected.