Raising Awareness of Tinnitus
Did you know that 10 per cent of people in the UK have had tinnitus at some time in their life? To raise awareness of what tinnitus is, how it can be managed and what help is available The Royal National Institute for the Deaf (RNID) and the British Tinnitus Assocdiation (BTA) have organised National Tinnitus Week on 19th to 25th February.
There will be events around the country, information stands at ENT and audiology clinics, a tinnitus helpline and look out for newspaper and magazine articles. An online Tinnitus survey has been carried out and the results will be published during the week.
According to Action for Tinnitus Research, tinnitus is not a disease, but a symptom - like an ache in one of your joints or itching for no reason. Nearly all the causes are benign and in many cases tinnitus is a natural part of the ageing process. But, as decibel levels in today's environment rise, it is affecting increasingly younger people.
Tinnitus describes the noises that some people hear 'in their ears' or 'in their head'. These noises can take many forms, with descriptions ranging from whistling, humming, and tissue paper rustling to kettles boiling. Some people hear their noises as tunes and melodies. The common factor with all these sounds is that they do not originate from an external source.
Noise is not the only cause of tinnitus, though can be a contributing or factor. Though more research needs to be carried out about the causes of tinnitus, medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and Basilar Artery Migraine are linked.
A conservative estimate is that over five million people in the UK are affected by tinnitus. For over ½ million people – it has a severe effect on their quality of life. For many of these people it affects their ability to lead a normal life, and can be severely debilitating.
To find out more about nationall Tinnitus Week click here
