Tinnitus Week: Scarborough audiologist offers free ear health check

Hundreds of UK audiologists were surveyed last November and initial analysis of the data suggests that tinnitus patients face unacceptable delays, with waits for an ENT referral of up to three years in some parts of the UK. Many audiologists lack confidence in treating tinnitus patients due to insufficient training and supervision. Plus, up to 25% of tinnitus-specific appointments use assessment techniques that are not recommended within NICE guidelines.

Tinnitus Week runs from 3-9 February and you can find more information about it on the Tinnitus UK website tinnitus.org.uk.

What is tinnitus? Tinnitus can be described as a sound in your head or ears. It can be in the form of a ringing, buzzing, rushing or humming noise and can be in one ear, both ears, or in the middle of your head. It might be a constant noise, or it can come and go intermittently.

Many people get tinnitus, even young children. One in three people experience tinnitus at some point in their lives, and one in seven adults (around 7.1 million) have regular or constant tinnitus. That’s around 13% of the UK population.

Common causes of tinnitus include;

· A change in the ear such as an ear infection, a cold, wax blocking the ear, or hearing loss.

· Loud noise, either over a prolonged period of time from a noisy workplace for example, or from one off events such as a loud music concert, party, or using power tools etc.

· Injury to the ears or head.

· Certain medication with tinnitus mentioned as a possible side effect.

· Emotional stress.

Although there is no cure for tinnitus as such, there are ways it can be managed. Stress and tiredness can be a trigger for tinnitus or make it worse. This can lead to more anxiety and so a vicious cycle can develop. Finding ways to break this cycle will help reduce the tinnitus. Relaxation and meditation techniques can help. Many people also use sound therapy. Having a radio, music or nature sounds playing in the background can help take the focus away from the noise in your head. Taking care of your hearing is important. Wearing ear protection in noise places, or avoiding them altogether, will help.

When should you seek help?

According to the NHS, you should seek advice from your GP if;

· You have tinnitus regularly or constantly.

· Your tinnitus is getting worse.

· Your tinnitus is affecting your sleep or concentration.

· You have tinnitus that beats in time with your pulse.

You can also seek advice from a hearing specialist or audiologist. Websites such as tinnitus.org.uk and rnid.org.uk can help with further information and support.

In support of tinnitus week, throughout February, Charlwood Hearing Care on Castle Road in Scarborough are offering a FREE Ear Health Check. This includes an ear examination with a video otoscope and a hearing screening check. To book your free appointment, call them on 01723 369505 or email [email protected]. If you experience tinnitus you can also discuss this with their audiologist Neil Charlwood.