Tinnitus forum takes to the blogosphere
6 February 2009
Coping with the debilitating condition of tinnitus could become that bit easier thanks to a new blog being set up by leading charity Deafness Research UK.
The blog, to mark National Tinnitus Week (9-15 February), will initially involve three Deafness Research UK supporters talking frankly about how they cope with their tinnitus on a daily basis. Share their experiences and join in at the Tinnitus for a Week blog: http://deafnessresearchuk.blogspot.com/
Do you sometimes wonder how other people manage to cope with their tinnitus? Could you make small changes that would make your life more bearable? Could you get more help for your tinnitus on the NHS?
From Saturday 7 February, meet our bloggers Kate, John and Gemma who, contrary to the usual advice of trying not to dwell on the symptoms, are focusing on their tinnitus in order to help others learn from their experiences and cope with tinnitus better.
Readers who want further information about tinnitus can call the Deafness Research UK information line, free of charge, on 0808 808 2222. The helpline is open 9.00 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Friday (a message can be left at other times) to answer specific questions about tinnitus. If the Information team cannot answer a question directly, it will be referred to one of Deafness Research UK’s scientific or medical advisers.
You can also email info@deafnessresearch.org.uk or click the ‘ask a question’ option at the top of our website: www.deafnessresearch.org.uk
Alternatively, link through to the Deafness Research UK website for factsheets: http://www.deafnessresearch.org.uk/?lid=3861 or read more personal stories from people who live with tinnitus: http://www.deafnessresearch.org.uk/?lid=2858.
Vivienne Michael, chief executive of Deafness Research UK, said: “The tinnitus suffering community is one of the most poorly represented in the country. With around 5 million sufferers in the UK, few conditions affect such a wide cross section of the population, yet people are left to suffer in silence. Tinnitus sufferers have been telling us for some time that they would like a more interactive way of keeping in touch with tinnitus developments and sharing their experiences with others. This first tinnitus blog for National Tinnitus Week will hopefully be repeated, and will become a permanent fixture if there is a demand for it.
”Supporting research into tinnitus has been a priority for Deafness Research UK since its inception in 1985. Since joining forces last year with the charity Action for Tinnitus Research (ATR), Deafness Research UK can now make an even greater difference to the quality and quantity of tinnitus research being carried out in the UK and radically improve the quality of service offered to tinnitus sufferers.” To contribute to Deafness Research UK’s fundraising efforts, visit: https://secure.efundraising.org.uk/tailored/donation.asp?charity=17713
National Tinnitus Week is run annually to highlight the need for greater public awareness of tinnitus and the urgent need to develop better treatments for tinnitus and ultimately to find a cure for the condition.
