New Support for Tinnitus Sufferers in Marlow and Farnham Common

A new group to support local people with tinnitus is being formed in Marlow and Farnham Common. One in ten people experience tinnitus, and it is estimated that over 2000 have tinnitus in Marlow and Farnham Common alone. The launch meeting featuring a talk by BTA Chief Executive David Stockdale will take place between 6.30-8.30pm, Wednesday 10 January at Help In Hearing, Cedar House, Glade Road, Marlow, Bucks, SL7 1DQ. The meeting venue will alternate monthly between the Marlow and Farnham Common Help in Hearing offices.

The group is being organised by local volunteer Gilly Wright who says: “I am passionate about helping people with Tinnitus and hearing problems. I am a Tinnitus sufferer with Ménière’s Disease. Support Groups can play such a fantastic role as you can feel so isolated. I am currently working out a schedule for the year and I’m very much hoping to have some interesting guest speakers in attendance. The plan is to initially hold evening meetings but I would be happy to consider Saturday mornings as an alternative if there is demand. I would like to thank my new boss Selma Becker at Help in Hearing for all her support in helping me set up this Group, which is something I have wanted to do for a long time”.

Colette Bunker, BTA Volunteer and Support Group Manager comments: “Being among people who have tinnitus, listening to their experiences and how they manage it, can be a tremendous help. I witness this first hand when attending group meetings. It is amazing seeing the difference it makes to people, especially those who have recently been diagnosed.”

Tinnitus is defined as the experience of sounds with no external source, most commonly ringing or buzzing, but sometimes experienced as whooshing, clicking or even music. Many people aren’t troubled by sounds they hear, but for around 10%, the condition has a significant impact on their quality of life, often linked to stress, anxiety or sometimes depression.

Colette adds: “Tinnitus can be an isolating condition, with friends and family struggling to understand how it feels to adapt to the presence of loud or persistent noises. Some people choose to bring a partner or family member to the meetings, which can often help both parties understand more about the condition and the experiences or behaviours it can bring.”

If you would like to find out more, please contact Gilly at gilly@helpinhearing.co.uk or the British Tinnitus Association helpline: 0800 0180 527

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Editors Notes

The British Tinnitus Association (BTA) is an independent charity which supports thousands of people who experience tinnitus and advises medical professionals from across the world.

The BTA is the primary source of support and information for people with tinnitus in the UK, facilitating an improved quality of life.

They aim to encourage prevention through its educational programme and to seek effective treatment for tinnitus through a medical research programme.

The support the BTA offers to 335,000 people per year who are affected by tinnitus is reliant upon the generous donations of their supporters and fundraisers. They receive no government support and need to raise half a million pounds each year to continue their UK wide support. Donations can be made via www.justgiving.com/BTA

Not an illness or disease, tinnitus is a term that describes the sensation of hearing a noise in the absence of an external sound. The noise can have virtually any quality. Ringing, whistling, and buzzing are common, but more complex sounds may also be reported. Troublesome tinnitus can be very distressing for the affected individual, and issues may arise with sleep, concentration and mood. However, in many cases, subtle changes in people’s environment can address these issues, and improve quality of life.

The experienced team at the BTA understands the impact that tinnitus can have on the lives of those who experience tinnitus and those who live with them, so seeks to provide the most appropriate and expert advice and information free of charge – via a confidential freephone helpline on 0800 018 0527 and online at www.tinnitus.org.uk. The BTA can also post printed and audio information and advice.

Visit the BTA’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BritishTinnitusAssociation and follow the BTA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/BritishTinnitus

For more information

Nic Wray, Communications Manager

nic@tinnitus.org.uk

01449 771384

Skype:nicwray20

Emily Ducker, Volunteering and Engagement Support

emilyd@tinnitus.org.uk

0114 250 9933

British Tinnitus Association

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