Tinnitus Awareness Week on the horizon

Tinnitus is one the main conditions we come across at our free hearing tests and given that it affects around seven million Brits at some point or another, it's hardly surprising.

Essentially, it manifests itself as a constant ringing sound in the ears and, according to Action On Hearing Loss, around half a million of those who suffer from it say it impacts their life in a severe way.

This clearly shows how important an issue tinnitus is and why, if you are experiencing a ringing in your ears that lasts for a period of days or even weeks, it's worth seeing one of our expert audiologists.

One initiative that is set to highlight the extent of the condition is Tinnitus Awareness Week 2013, which is being organised by the British Tinnitus Association (BTA).

It is going to take place between February 4th and 10th, with the primary focus being on the role played by support groups across the country in helping sufferers adjust to their hearing impairment.

Not only could it increase the amount of people seeking help who have tinnitus, but it may also see more of those who have suffered from it get involved with helping others.

Keith Bold, 45, is a member of one such support group, having had tinnitus since January of 2011.

He says that being a part of these sort of schemes has been a key part of coping with the problem, and recommends it for others in a similar position, saying it has been "pivotal in my development of a strategy to live well with tinnitus".

"I’ve been able to emerge from a state dominated by the condition and start looking outward again," he adds.

As part of the week, all tinnitus groups around the country will be holding meetings and events by way of encouraging people to join and reap the benefits.

Of course you can always call in for an appointment with our expert audiologists as well.