New Managing Tinnitus leaflet offers free help to millions of sufferers

2 March 2010

National charity Deafness Research UK is publishing a new, free of charge leaflet aimed at offering help and advice to the five million people throughout the country who currently suffer from tinnitus.

The new leaflet is called ‘Managing Tinnitus’ and is intended to debunk some popularly held myths about the debilitating condition of tinnitus, while at the same time providing sufferers with practical advice and guidance on relief of the symptoms, all based on the latest available research from Deafness Research UK.

Tinnitus is noise heard in the ear or the head that is generated inside the body rather than coming from outside. It is a common problem experienced by one in ten people in the UK and can affect a person of any age, but is more widespread among people who are deaf and hard of hearing. Symptoms can range from an annoying buzzing to a constant noise that will not go away, making sleep for some tinnitus sufferers impossible.

“Not enough is known about this very complex condition and we are committed to finding treatments and cures as well as keep sufferers up-to-date on the latest information available,” said Vivienne Michael, CEO of Deafness Research UK. “While committed to cutting edge research and delivering practical information to health professionals, we also remain focused on communicating the benefits of our latest research to those directly affected. By making our advice free of charge, we hope as many tinnitus sufferers as possible will be able to gain some relief from what can be a highly distressing and devastating condition.”

The Managing Tinnitus leaflet is available now free of charge from Deafness Research UK and a copy can be obtained by calling freephone 0808 808 2222, by e-mailing or by visiting the charity’s website at www.deafnessresearch.org.uk

‘Managing Tinnitus’ will be a real source of help for people who have recently developed the condition, while also offering the latest thinking to those who have experienced long term symptoms. This new guidance is based on research by Deafness Research UK, which among other things highlights that up to 40% of tinnitus sufferers could benefit from hearing aids. While not a cure for tinnitus, the knowledge that a hearing aid could significantly relieve symptoms will be seen as the good news that many people who live with the condition have been waiting to hear.

People who recall the stigma surrounding older hearing aids can be reluctant to consider them, but times really have changed: “Hearing aid technology has moved on tremendously in recent years,” explained Vivienne. “Modern devices are digital, discreet, unobtrusive and worlds away from those old devices people remember. We urge all tinnitus sufferers, particularly the deaf and hard of hearing, to review whether they have properly considered hearing aids and at least have a discussion with their GP about it.”

In addition to the latest thinking on hearing aids, Managing Tinnitus also provides details of potential causes of the condition, together with information on the range of treatments available, as well as advice about complementary therapies, diet and lifestyle. While this latest research will be of benefit to sufferers, much work remains to be done, but progress can only be made through Deafness Research UK continuing to receive financial support from donors.

Despite one in seven – around 9 million people in the UK suffering from hearing loss, less than £2 per year is spent per capita on finding treatments and cures, making deafness research a ‘Cinderella’ charity desperate for further funding.

Notes to editors

Full details of Deafness Research UK’s latest research and surveys is available on request

About Deafness Research UK

• Deafness Research UK is the country's only charity dedicated to finding new cures, treatments and technologies for deaf, hard of hearing and other hearing impaired people.
• The charity supports high quality medical research into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of all forms of hearing impairment including tinnitus.
• Deafness Research UK is entirely dependent on voluntary donations, gifts and personal legacies. You can donate online at www.deafnessresearch.org.uk , or call 0207 7833 1733 for further information on how to support the charity.  
• The Deafness Research UK Information Service provides free information and advice based on the latest scientific evidence and informed by leading experts. The Information Service can be contacted on Freephone 0808 808 2222.      
• For more information on research into deafness, tinnitus and other hearing conditions, log on to the website at www.deafnessresearch.org.uk where you can access a wide range of information. Alternatively you can email Deafness Research UK at
• One in seven people in the UK – almost nine million people - suffer hearing loss.
• Deafness Research UK was founded in 1985 by Lord (Jack) and Lady Ashley of Stoke.
• In January 2008, Action for Tinnitus Research (ATR) was linked with Deafness Research UK under a uniting direction order under section 96(6) of the Charities Act 1993

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Ref: DR-UK0207 – RAPA Release 2010