Tinnitus can be daunting , but you ’ re not alone .
The British Tinnitus Association have tips , training and advice to help you . They have an online resource - Take on Tinnitus - designed primarily for people who have just begun to experience tinnitus . However , it is also a valuable resource for those who have experienced the condition longer term .
With one in ten UK adults having tinnitus and approximately 750,000 tinnitus related GP consultations in England each year , the British Tinnitus Association want to provide as much support and guidance as possible to both the medical profession and patients alike and this new website is the result of some of that work . David Stockdale , Chief Executive of the BTA said : “ When we first experience tinnitus it can be frightening and it ’ s difficult to know what can be done to help manage it effectively . Take on Tinnitus guides you through the condition and helps identify some simple strategies to keep it under control .”
Isobel Anderson , a musician and contributor to videos on the Take on Tinnitus website said :
“ I think it ’ s a really great idea and will give people newly diagnosed with tinnitus a much better understanding of what they ’ re facing . I really wish I ’ d had something like this when I first got my tinnitus .”
David Stockdale added , “ We ’ re really pleased to be launching this site .”
SHORT MODULES
The site , which is designed so it can be used on mobile phones , tablets or computers , includes an initial taster session followed by seven learning modules covering the fundamentals of tinnitus , hearing and tinnitus , benefits of using sound , the link between tinnitus and relaxation , sleep and tinnitus , the benefits of talking about it and living your life with tinnitus .
Each module takes just 10-15 minutes to complete and includes a range of interactive exercises , video clips and self-tests all designed to keep you engaged in your learning .
VERY EFFECTIVE GPs are encouraged to give patients the Take on Tinnitus website address as a step towards managing their condition . GP Tom Polito said , “ I think it will be useful for newly diagnosed patients and GPs ”. Sandy Grimes , Hearing Therapist at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospital NHS Foundation Trust , said , “ I really love the Take on Tinnitus website - it ’ s a brilliant resource for patients .”
E-health projects have been found to be very effective in helping to manage other medical conditions . With over 1 in 20 of the 1.2 trillion Google searches being health related , we know that people often turn to the internet for help when they first experience tinnitus . Sadly , there are a lot of scare stories and mis-information online , so the Take on Tinnitus site will help people with tinnitus get information quickly and easily .
To get the facts and ideas about how to manage tinnitus , please visit www . takeontinnitus . co . uk
The British Tinnitus Association ( BTA ) is an independent charity which supports thousands of people who experience tinnitus and advises medical professionals across the world .
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 they live with . They seek 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 . The BTA can also post printed and audio information and advice .
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
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