In the UK alone, there are approximately 11 million people with hearing loss, which is around one in six of us. This year, the British Tinnitus Association (BTA) are focusing on tinnitus, isolation and loneliness, and they are trying hard to reach out to people in various different ways, who may feel alone with their condition.
A series of free events are taking place across the country, offering informal guidance and advice to sufferers. We have provided a summary below but please do visit the BTA page for contact details, times and further information as more events are added to the programme.
Monday 4th February
BBC Radio Cambridgeshire - Trevor Chapman, Audiologist at the Cambridge hearing clinic angliEAR, will be live on the radio with Jeremy Sallis. He will also be interviewed by Cambridge Independent newspaper and appear on Cambridge Live TV
angliEAR – check out their Facebook and Twitter page throughout the week for information on tinnitus
Tuesday 5th February
BTA – for the first time ever, and as a one off, they will be keeping a helpline open overnight so that you will be available to speak to people with tinnitus who are struggling to sleep.
The Ear Foundation, Marjorie Sherman House, Nottingham – This group meets on the first Tuesday of every month between 1:15 – 3:15pm and provides a positive attitude towards enabling people to live well with tinnitus
Action on Hearing Loss – tune in to their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram page where #ThisIsTinnitus videos will be posted throughout the week.
Wednesday 6th February
Aintree Tinnitus Support Group – Tony Kay, head of the audiology services at Aintree Hospital is holding a meeting between 6:00 – 7:30PM at the hospital for people with tinnitus to come together and share their experiences.
University Hospital, Limerick – a tinnitus information stand is providing information between 10am – 4pm
Tinnitus Awareness Talk – Bury Audiology will be providing a talk at Ramsbottom Library at 2:30pm, where professionals will be on hand to answer any queries regarding tinnitus and hearing loss, with leaflets being available for you to take home.
Tea for Tinnitus – Communica8te in Bury will be hosting an open event between 1pm and 3pm.
BTA – they are sharing their first ever podcast, and will be talking about how tinnitus can affect relationships and how to combat any issues which may arise.
Thursday 7th February
Crescent Shopping Centre, Limerick – there will be a tinnitus information stand for available information between 10:30am and 4pm
BTA – they will be sharing tips from people with tinnitus about how to ensure that this condition does not impact upon social situations and how to help with making sure that this condition does not take over your life.
Help in Hearing, Cedar House, Marlow – Mary Nash, Life Coach from “Bloom with Mary” in Harlow will be running a workshop between 6:30pm – 8:30pm on life-changing strategies for getting a better night’s sleep.
Friday 8th February
Chime resource Centre, Limerick – there will be a tinnitus information and advice drop-in service available between 2pm – 5pm
BTA – they will be highlighting the support available to tinnitus suffers from over 100 support groups across the UK.
Facebook live Q&A - visit the angli-EAR page for a round up session on this week’s events
Saturday 9th February
Grand Central Hotel, Glasgow – a day filled with helpful talks about tinnitus, hyperacusis and hearing loss. There will also be information on new listening technology, hearing dogs, wax removal, effective tinnitus treatment and local support networks.
The BTA is also encouraging social media users to take part in Tinnitus Awareness Week by using the hashtag #TinnitusWeek so that they can like, share and retweet to spread awareness. They will also be having a facebook frame which you can use to show your support for the week.
If you believe that you have suffered tinnitus or hearing loss as the result of your employer failing to protect you from exposure to noise you may be eligible to claim compensation. Stephensons have a team of solicitors who are experienced in industrial deafness claims and one of our experts would be happy to discuss your potential claim with you. Call us now on 01616 966 229.
By Jessica Booth, graduate paralegal in the personal injury department
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