Call to Fife’s ex-coal miners

A campaigning charity is urging Fifers who worked in coal mines when hearing protection in noisy working environments was not legally required to share their views and experiences of seeking support to cope with tinnitus.

Tinnitus is the sensation of hearing ringing, hissing, buzzing, whistling or humming when there is actually no external sound. Persistent severe forms of the condition can significantly impact on people’s sleep, concentration, stress levels and mental health.

Action on Hearing Loss Scotland is now asking people in Fife who have tinnitus to share details about where they have gone for help

Teri Devine, from the charity, said: “Fifers who worked in coal mines, factories, construction sites, operated agricultural machinery or served in the armed services, at times when hearing protection was not legally required, may now have tinnitus.

“We urge them to share their experiences with us about what steps they have taken to get information or support to minimise the impact of the condition, which can be annoying if it’s mild and intermittent or very frustrating and distressing in more severe cases.”

People wishing to share experiences can visit www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ ScotlandTinnitusSurvey, while paper copies of the survey can be requested by emailing scotland@hearingloss.org.uk or calling 07388 227407.