19 March 2012
Islanders who have tinnitus will be able to find help and advice at a special event next Saturday.
An open day will be held at The Hearing Resource Centre, Overdale on Saturday 24 March with the theme of 'Tinnitus and its management' as well as information about ear protection and the latest in hearing aid technology.
It is estimated that at any point in time, around 10 per cent of the population experience tinnitus.
Chief Audiologist at HSSD, Jenny Wilkinson said “Tinnitus is more common in people with hearing loss. If you are bothered by tinnitus or have noticed difficulty hearing, please come along to the open day and find out how we can help you. Don't suffer with tinnitus, because it is a treatable condition.”
Tinnitus is not a disease, but a symptom that can result from a wide range of underlying causes:
- abnormally loud sounds in the ear canal for even a very brief period (but usually with some duration)
- ear infections
- foreign objects in the ear
- nasal allergies that prevent (or induce) fluid drain
- wax build-up
Withdrawal from a benzodiazepine addiction may cause tinnitus as well. In-ear headphones, whose sound enters directly into the ear canal without any opportunity to be deflected or absorbed elsewhere, is a common cause of tinnitus when the volume is set beyond moderate levels.
Tinnitus can also be caused by natural hearing impairment, as is often seen in aging, as a side effect of some medications, and as a side effect of genetic (congenital) hearing loss. However, the most common cause is noise-induced hearing loss.
From 11am - 1pm visiting experts will be talking about tinnitus as well as demonstrations of the latest hearing aid technology and sound therapy equipment. Complimentary tea and coffee is on offer, and there is free parking.
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