Tinnitus Week
The British Tinnitus Association (BTA) is an independent charity which supports thousands of people who suffer from tinnitus and advises medical professionals throughout the world.
Tinnitus Week is being organised by the BTA in conjunction with a number of other organisations, including the Tinnitus Research Initiative, Tinnitus Hub and the American Tinnitus Association. The aim of the week is to “Raise awareness of how tinnitus impacts on the lives of those living with it” and it runs from 5-11 February 2018.
The BTA has been encouraging organisations who deal with tinnitus and other hearing related issues to work together during Tinnitus Week to help raise the awareness of the condition through a series of activities, including local events, information awareness days, media interviews and science communication activities.
This year the BTA will focus its campaign on children and young people. The Kids Talk Tinnitus campaign will engage with children, parents and schools to raise awareness of tinnitus amongst young people and focus upon the use of relevant support groups and resources.
The BTA’s vision is “A world where no one suffers from tinnitus” and their mission is twofold, namely:
“Research – We want a cure, we will drive and demand progress.”
“Help – We want everyone to know what tinnitus is, how to prevent it and how to manage it.”
The BTA defines tinnitus as:
“The word ‘tinnitus’ comes from the Latin word for ‘ringing’ and is the perception of sound in the absence of any corresponding external sound.
It is not a disease or illness; it is a symptom generated within the auditory system.
The noise may be in one or both ears, or in the head, or it may be difficult to pinpoint its exact location. The noise may be low, medium or high pitched. There may be a single noise or two or more components. The noise may be continuous or it may come and go.”
Tinnitus is extremely common and is reported in all age groups, even young children. Approximately 30% of the population will experience tinnitus as some point in their lifetime and 10% of the population live with the condition on a persistent basis. Children do not generally report tinnitus spontaneously and their complaints may not always be taken seriously. Among those children who do complain of tinnitus, there is an increased likelihood of associated otological or neurological pathology.
The most common cause of tinnitus is damage and loss of the tiny sensory hair cells in the cochlea of the inner ear. This tends to happen as people age, although it can also arise from prolonged exposure to excessively loud noise. Some medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen and certain antibiotics can also cause damage to the inner ear resulting in tinnitus.
In addition to Tinnitus Week, the BTA is also organising a Tea for Tinnitus fund raising campaign in June 2018 where it encourages people to invite their family, friends and/or work colleagues to a tea party in return for a donation which goes directly towards the work that is carried out in supporting people with tinnitus. In 2017, the BTA raised over £10,000 when it organised a similar event.
The BTA can be contacted either by telephone on
If you have suffered an injury as a result of a medical error which affects your hearing, then please contact Michelle Nkomo at Wolferstans Solicitors on