Tinnitus Awareness Week takes place from 2nd to 9th February, and one local hearing specialist is encouraging greater understanding of a condition that affects millions of people across the UK but is still widely misunderstood.
For many, silence represents calm and rest. However, for those living with tinnitus, quiet moments can be the most challenging, replaced by persistent ringing, buzzing or other unexplained sounds. Tinnitus is often closely linked to hearing loss, even when that hearing loss is mild or has gone unnoticed.
Simon Swindells, audiologist and owner of South West Hearing Care, explains that many people are surprised to learn how commonly the two conditions are connected.
“People often assume tinnitus appears on its own,” he says. “In reality, it’s very frequently associated with changes in hearing that may have developed gradually and gone unnoticed.
“Hearing loss rarely happens overnight. It can begin subtly, with people finding conversations harder to follow, particularly in noisy environments, or turning the television volume up slightly more than before. When the brain stops receiving the sound information it expects, it can attempt to compensate, sometimes resulting in tinnitus.
“This can be worrying and isolating, especially if someone doesn’t understand what’s happening,” Simon adds. “Many people fear the worst, when in fact there are very effective ways to manage the condition.”
Advances in hearing technology mean that tinnitus is now manageable for most people, particularly when hearing loss is identified early. Modern hearing aids not only improve hearing but can also help rebalance how the brain processes sound, often reducing the prominence of tinnitus.
“Many patients tell us that once their hearing is improved, their tinnitus becomes much less intrusive,” says Simon. “For some, it fades into the background entirely.
“Despite this, many people live with tinnitus for years before seeking professional advice, believing that nothing can be done. Tinnitus Awareness Week aims to challenge that misconception and encourage people to seek reassurance and support.”
South West Hearing Care offers professional hearing assessments across its local clinics in Westbury, Street, Crewkerne and Somerton, helping patients understand the underlying causes of their symptoms and explore appropriate management options.
“Tinnitus is not something people should feel they have to ‘just put up with’,” Simon says. “Support and guidance can make a significant difference to quality of life.”
For more details, visit www.swhearingcare.co.uk or call 01373 823076
Pictured: Simon Swindells conducting a hearing assessment
