Raising awareness of Tinnitus
This week is Tinnitus Awareness Week, 7 - 13 February 2022. Tinnitus is a common condition that affects 1 in 8 people in the UK.
What is tinnitus:
Tinnitus is the perception of noise in the head and/or ear without any external noise. People with the condition hear ringing, whistling or buzzing or other noise, whether in one or both ears. It can be intermittent or consistent and at varying volume.
Several factors can lead to tinnitus:
· Exposure to loud noises
· Stress
· Head injury
· Hearing loss
· Ageing
Stress and anxiety caused by the current COVID pandemic have worsened tinnitus for many with the condition.*. Currently, there is no cure for tinnitus, but there are a number of ways you can manage your tinnitus.
Tips for managing your tinnitus:
· Relax – sometimes focusing on your tinnitus can make it worse. Relaxing with breathing exercises or meditation can help.
· Avoid silence – ambient noise, such as a clock ticking or nature sounds can distract. Music can also help make it easier to ignore your tinnitus.
· Keep active – any distractions that also benefit your overall health will help with managing your tinnitus.
· Avoid earplugs – using earplugs can exacerbate tinnitus by making it sound louder, increasing anxiety about the condition.
Here at Clifton Audiology, we can provide support and rehabilitation for people diagnosed with tinnitus by a GP or ENT specialist.
Depending on the patient and diagnosis, we offer sound therapy, advice and provision of sound generators, and hearing aids. In some cases, stress and anxiety management techniques and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy are beneficial.
The British Tinnitus Association has a wealth of support material and information for tinnitus sufferers, and we would highly recommend visiting their website. They also have a Bristol Support Group.
British Tinnitus Association campaign
*https://theconversation.com/the-coronavirus-pandemic-has-worsened-tinnitus-for-many-sufferers-new-research-149598