Tinnitus Awareness week news
The first week of February marked Tinnitus Awareness week. The charity Tinnitus UK hosted their first in-person conference since Covid to herald the week, and it coincided with the publication of their new report ”Ringing the alarm: The tinnitus care crisis.”
Nicholas updates us on the event.
The report is co-authored by Sonja Jones – who has been our ‘go to’ audiologist for LinkUp support groups in Wales. After the report’s presentation, there was a Q+A session and the discussion began with the emphasis on the need for professionals trained in both audiology and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), one of the most effective treatments. The panel highlighted the importance of comprehensive training and a multidisciplinary approach to effectively manage tinnitus. They also discussed the link between hearing loss, tinnitus, depression, anxiety, and social isolation, suggesting a model for training and education that includes a hierarchy of treatment strategies and standardised referral criteria.
Concerns were raised about high-level qualifications potentially hindering access to care. The panel highlighted the need for practical, accessible care and the importance of raising awareness about tinnitus within the medical community. They also discussed the need for standardisation in university courses and accreditation to ensure consistent and high-quality care, acknowledging the value of existing educational programmes and their integration with clinical practices.
The panel agreed on the importance of providing immediate support for tinnitus patients while they wait for specialist care. They emphasised the role of Tinnitus UK in offering resources, support lines, and local support groups to prevent mental health issues. The significant role of volunteers in supporting tinnitus patients was acknowledged, with discussions on efforts to increase the volunteer pool and improve support, including online support groups.
Public education on tinnitus was deemed essential, with the panel agreeing on the need for a wider public health agenda to raise awareness about the condition. They emphasised educating the general public to better understand tinnitus and its impact.
RAF Flight Lieutenant George Webster shared his personal journey overcoming sound sensitivity and intrusive tinnitus. He highlighted the importance of professional guidance and patience in transforming lives, noting the transformative impact of a 1-hour conversation with a tinnitus mentor. He stressed that the difficulty of tinnitus is not about the sound of it, but the mind/body’s reaction to the ringing. He explained ‘habituation’ as the process where the nervous system reduces its responsiveness to a repeated stimulus over time. His account is available here. Royal Air Force pilots tinnitus and sound sensitivity journey. Royal Air Force
It was a great event to understand what lies ahead for tinnitus care, and also to network with people and organisations in the field.
