National Tinnitus Week and the Urgent Need for Change
Did you know that 1 in 7 people are impacted by tinnitus? As National Tinnitus Week takes centre stage, we proudly align ourselves with the vital awareness efforts led by Tinnitus UK.
What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is a perception of ringing or buzzing in the ears without an external source. While not a standalone condition, it signals an underlying issue. This phantom noise, affecting one or both ears, can be intermittent or constant, impacting daily life. Causes range from exposure to loud sounds and age-related hearing loss to medical conditions like Meniere's disease.
Managing tinnitus involves addressing its root cause, utilising solutions like hearing aids, sound therapy, and relaxation techniques. If persistent or troubling, you should consult a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation and guidance on managing this often-stressful symptom.
National Tinnitus Week
Our commitment to National Tinnitus Week extends beyond awareness—we are actively advocating for change in response to the challenges faced by our clients who suffer from tinnitus, often because of loud noise exposure in the workplace.
In December 2023, Tinnitus UK conducted an in-depth study involving 478 people living with Tinnitus, supplementing the insights provided by the Tinnitus charity helpline and support services.
The distressing findings underscore the urgent need for improved healthcare support:
- Over 1 in 5 respondents contemplated suicide or self-harm in the last year.
- More than 8 out of 10 reported low mood or anxiety, with 7 out of 10 feeling hopeless or helpless.
- 7% reported sleep disturbances.
- The emotional toll is significant, with 68.4% reporting low self-esteem and 54.9% struggling to think rationally.
National Tinnitus Week is not just about raising awareness; it's a call to action. Despite National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines introduced in March 2020, substantial challenges persist in healthcare support for Tinnitus sufferers. As a firm, we are actively championing change for this life-diminishing condition.
At Wolferstans Solicitors, we witness first-hand the impact of Tinnitus, particularly when linked to workplace noise exposure. Our unwavering commitment is to ensure that our clients receive the support they need, and we actively pursue changes that will make a difference.
A Client's Journey with Tinnitus
Consider the experience of a former Royal Marine, who dedicated 12 years to serving our country. His journey with tinnitus, a result of relentless exposure to noise during his service, mirrors the struggles faced by many.
For him, tinnitus wasn't just an intermittent ringing—it disrupted his daily life. Difficulty in falling and staying asleep, challenges in focus and concentration, and the constant battle to locate sounds were daily tribulations. The one-sided nature of his tinnitus made conversations arduous, impacting his ability to hear and engage effectively.
This client's experience highlights the profound impact of tinnitus on individuals, underscoring the urgency for change. As we actively advocate for improved healthcare support during National Tinnitus Week, stories like this fuel our commitment to championing transformation.
It’s crucial to acknowledge the positive turn our client’s journey took. After instructing our experts, our client received special damages, enabling him to privately purchase hearing aids tailored to his specific needs. These advanced devices not only address his hearing loss but also include inbuilt maskers for his tinnitus, significantly enhancing his daily life.
The substantial amount awarded ensures that the cost of his hearing aids, as well as their upkeep, will be covered for the next 30 years. This story serves as a powerful reminder to anyone navigating the challenges of tinnitus, stemming from workplace noise exposure, that Wolferstans Solicitors are here for you.
Wolferstans Solicitors’ Industrial Deafness team are here to support you
At Wolferstans Solicitors, we stand with our clients, offering unwavering support and actively pursuing changes that make a meaningful difference in their lives.
If you suffer with tinnitus because of loud noise exposure in the workplace, please contact our Industrial Deafness team for a free no obligation chat. We are here to support you and work on a No Win, No Fee basis if you decide to pursue a claim.
Join us during National Tinnitus Week as we amplify the voices calling for change. Together, let's make a lasting impact on the lives of those affected by Tinnitus.