Today (Monday 5 February 2018) is the start of Tinnitus Week. The aim of the week is to raise awareness of the condition, which affects approximately 1 in 10 of the population. This year the focus of the campaign will be on children and young people.
What is Tinnitus?
The NHS Choices website describes it as follows:
Tinnitus is the term for hearing sounds that come from inside your body, rather than from an outside source.
It's often described as "ringing in the ears", although several sounds can be heard, including:
- buzzing
- humming
- grinding
- hissing
- whistling
Some people may hear sounds similar to music or singing, and others hear noises that beat in time with their pulse (pulsatile tinnitus).
You may also notice that your hearing is not as good as it used to be or you're more sensitive to everyday sounds (hyperacusis).
Kids Talk Tinnitus
Think of tinnitus and it’s likely you’ll associate the hearing condition with the older generation, but think again. Tinnitus affects young people, too, with one child in every classroom across the UK estimated to have it.
The ‘Kids Talk Tinnitus’ campaign will engage with children, parents and schools to raise awareness of tinnitus amongst young people and drive the use of relevant support and resources. These can be found on the British Tinnitus Association website.
Read the blog by David Stockdale, Chief Executive of the British Tinnitus Association
Preventing Tinnitus
In younger people, Tinnitus can be caused by repeated exposure to excessive noise. Any sound that's loud enough and lasts long enough can damage hearing and lead to hearing loss. Standing too close to the speakers at a concert or club can cause hearing damage, as can listening to loud music through headphones.
Here are a few examples of ways you can help protect yourself from tinnitus.
Web design by Tribal Systems