Audiologists and Hearing Therapists from University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB) joined forces with volunteers from the Birmingham & District Tinnitus Group to mark Tinnitus Awareness Week, organised by the British Tinnitus Association (BTA).

Over 120 people visited a stand in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB) atrium which raised awareness of the condition and what can be done to help.

The team handed out information packs from the BTA and demonstrated equipment used to help tinnitus sufferers. UHB’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 Queen Elizabeth Hospital Audiology Centre, said: “We’ve had a great response to the stand and talked to patients, visitors and staff. We even met someone who suffers from tinnitus but has never sought help before.

“We can see this becoming an annual event because the time spent talking about tinnitus and signposting people to sources of support was so 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.”

Eileen Hewitson from Birmingham & District Tinnitus Group added: “So many people suffer for too long with tinnitus without knowing what it is or what can be done. We wanted to let sufferers know that there is help and support out there.”

For more information about Tinnitus Awareness Week and the condition in general, please visit the BTA website.

For information about the Birmingham & District Tinnitus Group, please see the support groups page or visit their website.