What’s that noise?
BY BUZZ
Imagine an irritating sound. Now imagine having that irritating sound in your ear constantly. That is what many people with tinnitus have to deal with every day and the number of people in the UK with tinnitus is rising.
It is believed that 10% of the UK adult population have permanent tinnitus, according to the British Tinnitus Association (BTA). The BTA are trying to raise awareness through Tinnitus Awareness Week (4 – 10 February) about the work Tinnitus Support Groups do. The event will also hope to encourage people in areas with no support group to set one up.
What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the perception of noises in one or both ears, or in the head, which has no external source. It is not a disease or illness but a symptom generated within the auditory system. The noise may be low, medium or high pitched and there may be single or multiple sources. It may be continuous or come and go.
Tinnitus is also more noticeable when the person is in quiet surroundings such as at night when they are trying to sleep. This can lead to sufferers being sleep deprived and developing depression and other health problems.
Causes
There is no exact cause or cure for tinnitus. It can be brought on through a build up of ear wax or prolonged exposure to loud noises. Tinnitus is common in all age groups.
There are also different types of tinnitus such as pulsatile tinnitus where the noise beats in time with the person’s pulse or temporary tinnitus which people may experience when they have a cold or have recently been to a music concert.
The BTA advises anyone who believes they have tinnitus to see a GP as it can be associated with hearing loss, exposure to loud noise, stress and anxiety and ear infections. It is rarely an indication of a serious disorder.
After being diagnosed, a GP will refer a tinnitus patient to specialist EN T and Audiology services. Within specific services, patients should then have access to information, counselling, hearing loss correction, and sound therapy and relaxation techniques.
Support
BTA Groups Co-ordinator Claire Arthur says “Tinnitus support groups can offer a lifeline, enabling people to share experiences, find different ways of coping and begin to help others to do the same.
At a time when the NHS is undergoing unprecedented change, the role of support groups is a crucial one.”
If you are interested in setting up a local support group contact Claire on 0114 250 9933 or email [email protected].
Tinnitus is mostly reported as a buzzing, ringing or whistling. The clip below includes four different tinnitus sounds that someone with tinnitus may experience. These are just some of the many tinnitus sounds. Clip kindly provided by the British Tinnitus Association.
