Living with tinnitus

Almost fifty thousand people in Ireland experience tinnitus, a condition in which sufferers hear sounds in their ears or head which do not a have an external cause. The noises may be heard as ringing, whistling, roaring, rumbling, clicking or other variations and one or both ears can be affected. There is no known cure, but the condition can be managed. The Irish Tinnitus Association's Tinnitus Awareness Week runs from February 6th-10th, 2012. This year's theme is: 'Raising Awareness in Primary Care' and the group is sending information on tinnitus to every GP in Ireland in an effort to reach thousands of people across the country.

If you have tinnitus, or know someone who suffers from the condition, contact the Cork Tinnitus Support Group for information on 021 450 5944 or visit www.corktinnitus.com.

Tinnitus:Your questions answered The Spring Meeting of the Irish Tinnitus Association (ITA) will be held at the Gresham Metropole Hotel, MacCurtain Street, in Cork, on Saturday, May 21st. The event will provide an opportunity to hear one of the UK’s leading tinnitus experts, Dr Petter Tungland's talk 'The Auditory System and Tinnitus – a Holistic Approach'. Dr Tungland will also engage in a question-and-answer session. Registration on the day is from 10am, with the meeting opening at 11am and concluding at 1pm with lunch. There is no charge for attendance, although contributions are welcome.
 

Four facts about tinnitus:

What causes it?

Tinnitus is generally considered to be a symptom of a disorder of the mechanisms of the middle or inner ear. It can result from a number of events and conditions but exposure to loud noise is a common one – this may be work-related, and show up after many years, or can occur in a single moment, such as after a gunshot discharge. Head injury is another possible cause. Tinnitus associated with ageing is common. In some people, tinnitus develops after a ‘flu or cold, an ear infection, or after or during a period of severe stress. Other causes include head or ear surgery, or certain drugs.

Who gets it?

The majority of people will experience tinnitus at some time, but most will not be troubled by it. About 10% of people report persistent tinnitus, and maybe one in 10 of these is significantly troubled by the noises. People of any age can be affected, even children, but tinnitus is most common among older people. Some degree of hearing loss is common among those with tinnitus. Men and women seem to be equally affected.