Tinnitus help is offered at NHS workshops

People from across Forth Valley who experience tinnitus are being invited to learn techniques designed to help manage the condition and offer some relief. Organised by NHS FV’s audiology team, an information day at the Forth Valley Sensory Centre in Camelon, Falkirk on Tuesday, February 4, will feature a series of workshops.

These include stress awareness, sleep management, and distraction techniques. There will also be a session on changing thoughts and behaviours through cognitive behavioural therapy and drop-in information sessions in the morning and afternoon (from 9.30am-noon and 1-3pm).

Tinnitus is a distressing condition which has affected millions of people worldwide including celebrities such as Whoopi Goldberg, Pete Townshend and Scottish actor Gerard Butler. It can cause constant ‘ringing in the ears’ which can drive people to distraction.

NHS FV specialist audiologist Lisa McEwan said: “Tinnitus is not an illness or disease but a term that describes the sensation of hearing a noise in the ear in the absence of an external sound. It can be linked to several things including exposure to loud noise, stress and anxiety, glue ear, hearing loss, ear infections and ear wax build-up.

“It affects more than five million people in the UK and can be very distressing causing problems with sleep, concentration and mood. However in many cases subtle changes in people’s environment can address these issues and improve their quality of life.”

The information day is part of National Tinnitus Awareness Week. Booking is essential for the workshops as places are limited however drop in information sessions will take place in the morning and afternoon. Call 01786 434171 or email: FVUHB.Audiology@nhs.net for more information.