Tinnitus Week takes place in the first week of February, focusing on raising awareness about tinnitus, a condition characterised by the perception of noise or ringing in the ears.
Tinnitus Week, observed annually in February, is dedicated to increasing awareness about tinnitus, a condition characterised by the perception of ringing or buzzing in the ears when no external sound is present. This week aims to educate the public about the causes of tinnitus, its impact on daily life, and the various management strategies available. Tinnitus affects millions of people worldwide, and Tinnitus Week serves as an opportunity to bring attention to this often-misunderstood condition and promote better understanding and support for those who live with it.
Tinnitus Week encourages individuals to seek help if they experience symptoms and provides a platform for people to share their experiences, learn about the latest research, and discuss strategies for managing the condition.
This week also highlights the importance of hearing health and the need to protect hearing, especially in noisy environments. Early intervention and treatment options, including sound therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, and lifestyle changes, can help people manage tinnitus and reduce its impact on their quality of life.
What is tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the term for the sensation of hearing a sound in the absence of any external sound. You might hear different types of sound, for example ringing, buzzing, whooshing or humming. These can be continuous or they can come and go. The tinnitus might seem like it’s in one ear or both, in the middle of the head or even be difficult to pinpoint. Some people may think the noise is coming from outside and hunt for it until they discover it’s actually inside them!
Occasionally people have tinnitus that has a musical quality and can seem like a familiar tune or song. This generally occurs in older people who have a
hearing loss and a strong musical interest. This type of tinnitus is known as musical tinnitus.
Who gets tinnitus?
Tinnitus is very common and is reported in all age groups, even young children. About 30% of people will experience tinnitus at some point in their lives but
the number of people who live with persistent tinnitus is approximately 14%, or one in seven. Tinnitus is more common in people who have hearing loss or other ear problems, but it can also be found in people with normal hearing. The experience of tinnitus is different for different people. Most people find that they are able to continue their normal day-to- day activities. However, a small percentage of people with tinnitus report it as severely affecting them.