To mark Tinnitus Awareness Week 2017, the Trust’s Audiologists and Hearing Therapists joined forces with Birmingham & District Tinnitus Group volunteers to organise an information stand in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birminghamn (QEHB) atrium. This year’s theme was ‘Together for Tinnitus’ and the aim was to generate discussion about tinnitus and raise awareness of the support provided by the British Tinnitus Association, who coordinate Tinnitus Awareness Week each year.

Over 50 people visited the stand during the day and the team handed out information packs from the British Tinnitus Association (BTA). University Hospitals Birmingham’s Audiologists and Hearing Therapists, who are experts in the condition, offered advice and volunteers from the Birmingham & District Tinnitus Group discussed their experience of tinnitus, the help they have received and what worked for them.

Martin Barnes, Audiologist at the QEHB Audiology Centre, said: “We’ve had a great response to the stand and talked to patients, visitors and staff. The time spent talking about tinnitus and signposting people to sources of support was very worthwhile.

“Hearing loss is a hidden problem and tinnitus is even more hidden. Actually, statistics show 1 in 10 people in the UK have the condition, with 1 in 50 suffering really badly. We would encourage anyone who thinks they have tinnitus to seek advice and support. Don’t suffer - ask for help.”

For more information about Tinnitus Awareness Week and the condition, and details of local support groups, see the links below.