09 February 2018

NCHA supports Tinnitus Week 2018

The NCHA has joined thousands from across the globe this week in support of Tinnitus Week 2018. Taking place from 5-11 February, the annual campaign aims to raise public awareness of the condition.

NCHA Chief Executive David Hewlett said: “Tinnitus is very common but often overlooked. People might not seek help because they believe there is no cure, but much can be done to reduce the impact. It is also possible to reduce the risk of developing tinnitus, such as through the use of hearing protection in noisy environments. If people have the condition or want to reduce the risk they should visit their community audiologist or learn more by visiting NHS Choices”

Tinnitus Week has been widely reported on this year, with the Metro offering advice on how to avoid developing the condition, such as through wearing earplugs in loud environments and not using headphones at loud volumes. The Metro also highlighted a video produced by Action on Hearing Loss on the varying sounds which may be experienced by tinnitus sufferers. The Guardian, meanwhile drew attention to research from the University of Leicester into the use of flashing lights to distract sufferers from the symptoms.

As part of a campaign, the British Tinnitus Association (BTA) released results of a survey that shows most parents are not aware that tinnitus can also affect children. The BTA has since published guidance to assist parents and teachers in recognising and supporting children with tinnitus. This campaign was picked up by the BBC, who featured the story of a ten-year-old boy and his experiences with learning to cope with tinnitus from a young age. Similarly, as part of the BTA’s ‘Kids Talk Tinnitus’, the mother of an 11-year old girl shared her daughter’s story on the Huffington Post.

The British and Irish Hearing Instrument Manufacturers Association (BIHIMA) marked Tinnitus Week by writing a basic, five point ‘myth-buster’ about the condition, whilst the Northern Ireland Health and Social Care Board has joined efforts urging those with tinnitus symptoms to seek assistance.

For more information, click here.