Guest Presenters:
David Stockdale
We are delighted to welcome David to THIS 2020. He has been Chief Executive of The British Tinnitus Association for the past ten years. He has been responsible for influencing partner organisations, medical professionals and the wider general public to allow support for the BTA’s work to be enhanced, increased and developed. David is also the co-author of several articles and publications on tinnitus, including “Why Is There No Cure For Tinnitus” in the journal Frontiers in Neuroscience (2019) with amongst others, Professor David Baguley, our THIS 2019 headliner. He has also appeared on national TV in his quest to improve the quality of information available to GPs on Tinnitus treatment and management. David is, therefore, well placed to comment on the current state of, and future outlook for Tinnitus research.
Dr James Jackson
James is Associate Principal Lecturer at the School of Social and Health Sciences at Leeds Trinity University. He is a member of the British Tinnitus Association and has presented nationwide to many tinnitus self-help groups as well as NHS Trusts, professional bodies, private companies and relevant charities. He is an Associate Fellow of the British Psychology Society. He has a degree in Biological Sciences from Heriot-Watt University, a BSc (Hons) degree in Psychology from the University of Sheffield, an MSc in Industrial Psychology and a PhD in Psychology from the University of Hull. His doctorate looked at the effects of Tinnitus on concentration and task. His research interests include how people cope with their Tinnitus, the interaction between Tinnitus, individual differences (e.g. personality, for example) and physiology (such as stress hormones). James has had Tinnitus since childhood and also suffered a severe sudden hearing loss whilst a student. His personal experiences and wide academic knowledge make him an invaluable contributor.
Alan Hopkirk
THIS 2020 is the 4th Tinnitus and Hearing Information Show organised and hosted by Alan Hopkirk. He is an audiologist and Clinical Director of The Invisible Hearing Clinic in Glasgow and Cumbernauld which celebrates its twentieth anniversary this year. He has a special interest in Tinnitus and trained in Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) with renowned Professors Pawel and Margaret Jastreboff in Baltimore USA, he uses this therapy as the base of a holistic approach to Tinnitus treatment. Alan regularly attends international Tinnitus events and research conferences as part of his commitment to providing the best clinical care for his Tinnitus patients. He was present at the 12th Tinnitus Research Initiative conference in May 2019 in Taipei, Taiwan which covered a diverse range of fascinating and challenging aspects of Tinnitus. He is a member of the British Tinnitus Association (BTA), American Tinnitus Association (ATA) and hosts the Glasgow and West of Scotland BTA Tinnitus Support Group. He supports the work of Alzheimer Scotland as a Dementia Friend and is a Fellow of BSHAA (British Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists) as well as an elected Council member. He is a strong advocate of early treatment of Hearing Loss to help improve quality of life and to avoid the possibility of impaired cognitive function and even dementia in later life. Alan’s depth of knowledge and practical experience in tinnitus and hearing as well as his commitment to raise awareness and offer solutions are what has allowed him to ensure THIS is an outstanding event valued and enjoyed by attendees and presenters alike.