For some it can be a ringing in their ear, for others it could be a buzzing or even a hissing noise.
Tinnitus can be a particularly annoying condition as it causes a person to hear sounds that are not generated by the outside world – so the noises can’t just be switched off.
Fortunately, most get used to the sound, with it fading into the background as they go about their daily lives.
But for a small group, it can be distressing, and these people are often told there is little that can be done to help them.
Structured approaches
However there are structured approaches that can give back control.
Speaking ahead of Tinnitus Week, which takes place from February 7-13, Emily Balmer, founder and lead audiologist of The Hearing Suite, Harrogate, said:
“A lot of people say they have got tinnitus and it doesn’t bother them. It’s almost just like the soundtrack to their lives, which is totally fine.
“It’s that little group that it’s bothersome for and is distressing and upsetting for that need help.
“But it doesn’t always have to be distressing. There are things people can do to have it and live well with it.”
Emily, who specialises in tinnitus, explained that all her patients described the condition differently.
She said:
“It’s usually a ringing or a buzzing, but some people do get music. Some people say it’s like a twinkly sound.
“If it’s there and they are happy, we are happy. The only time we would start digging a little bit deeper is if it’s only in one ear, if it sounds like a heartbeat, if it’s stopping them sleeping or driving them to distraction.”
British Tinnitus Association
About 30 per cent of people will experience the condition at some point, according to the British Tinnitus Association, with approximately 13 per cent of UK adults living with persistent tinnitus.
Led by the British Tinnitus Association, Tinnitus Week is aimed at helping people to find out more about the condition, who it affects and ways to live well with it.
Emily said:
“Tinnitus awareness week is really good, because it is run by the British Tinnitus Association and they are amazing.
“They are a charity, they do events which raise awareness, and publish research. If ever there was a cure for tinnitus, it would be them who shouted it from the rooftop.
“While there isn’t a cure, it’s about managing it. There are things you can do, but unfortunately there isn’t a tablet that will just make it go away.”
Take back control
At The Hearing Suite, Emily said she and fellow tinnitus specialist, Laura, work through three main areas to help people take back control:
Education
“Before we can start to manage someone’s tinnitus, we have to understand why it is there. We need to understand what else was happening when it started, how long its been present, how healthy each part of the ear is, and the pitch of the tinnitus itself.
“From there we can decide if we need further investigation from our ear, nose and throat consultant. Then is looking at the resources and learning that might benefit the individual.”
Sound enrichment
“If there is hearing to build back in we always do that first. If we can stop someone straining to hear then it takes pressure from the auditory system. A trial of one of our invisible hearing aids like Lyric is often a great place to start.
“If the hearing is perfect we can start to explore things like ear level maskers with fractal tones or notch therapy.”
Stress management
“We often find that stress is intrinsically linked to tinnitus. Getting people to restart a hobby, or take a little time for them is often hugely beneficial. There is also a strong evidence base for mindfulness and other types of relaxation reducing tinnitus. We tend to recommend based on the motivations and interests of the individual.”
Free events
The Hearing Suite will be hosting three complimentary events during Tinnitus Week.
Emily said:
“The week helps to raise awareness of the condition. Say if someone has tinnitus, when would you be in the circumstances where you would tell someone?
“You might feel like you’re the only person in Harrogate for instance, when actually when you’re in a restaurant, there are probably five other people in there who have got it.
“It’s a bit of solidarity and driving people to good resources.”
Emily carries out a consultation at The Hearing Suite.
The free Tinnitus Week events at The Hearing Suite are as follows:
Tinnitus: An Introduction Monday, February 7, 3pm – 5pm
This event will provide an overview on the subject on tinnitus, including what causes and contributes to tinnitus, how it impacts quality of life, and an introduction to some treatment options.
Tinnitus and Stress Wednesday, February 9, 1pm – 3pm
Tinnitus and stress are known to be closely linked. This event will offer insights into the relationship between tinnitus and stress, and how stress management can in turn help to reduce the perceived intensity and burden of tinnitus.
Tinnitus: Options in 2022 Thursday, February 10, 10am – 12pm
Management of tinnitus often requires a multifaceted approach. This event will provide education on the evidence-based tools and treatment options currently available for tinnitus.
- The Tinnitus Week events will be hosted at The Hearing Suite, on East Parade, which is now in its fourth year.
- Places will be limited to six per event. Please note attendees will be required to wear a face covering. Team members at The Hearing Suite wear visors to allow for clients who lip read.
- If you would prefer a private consultation to talk about your tinnitus, you can book in with Emily here.