National charity to highlight critical underfunding for tinnitus research

13 January 2020: This Tinnitus Week (3-9 February) the British Tinnitus Association (BTA) will warn that finding a cure for tinnitus – a condition that affects 7.1 million people in the UK – could never be found without a significant increase in research funding.

The amount of financial investment in tinnitus research is small compared to other chronic health conditions. Despite affecting almost double the amount of people, tinnitus is at least 45 times less likely to receive a research grant than diabetes.

During Tinnitus Week 2020 (3-9 February), the BTA is campaigning to raise awareness of the underfunding and to demand a significant investment into finding a cure for tinnitus.

David Stockdale, Chief Executive of the British Tinnitus Association, said: “Whilst there are techniques for managing tinnitus, we overwhelmingly hear that those living with the condition want a cure.

“We’re committed to driving and demanding progress towards a cure but significant advancements are some way off unless the government and major funders take tinnitus more seriously, and dramatically increase funding into research.”

It’s estimated that there are 1.05 million GP consultations about tinnitus in the UK every year, with the treatment pathway costing the NHS £750 million, and an overall cost to society of £2.7 billion per year.

Throughout Tinnitus Week, the BTA – with support from Tinnitus Hub, Tinnitus Research Initiative and Action on Hearing Loss – will campaign to get tinnitus research higher up on the political agenda. The charity will also announce a joint research initiative with Action on Hearing Loss, highlight current and recent research that’s taking place across the UK, and share stories that showcase the need for increased funding.

In 2019, the BTA launched their Large Research Grant programme, a scheme that offers up to £125,000 for a research project (or projects) that focuses on key priorities in the search for a cure.

For more information, visit www.tinnitus.org.uk

Ends

Press contact

Emily Broomhead, Campaigns Manager

0114 250 9933

emily@tinnitus.org.uk

Photo: Dr Will Sedley (University of Newcastle) and member of BTA Professional Advisers’ Committee. Picture courtesy of Action on Hearing Loss.

Notes to Editors

• The British Tinnitus Association (BTA) is an independent charity that supports over one million people living with tinnitus each year, and advises medical professionals around the world. It is the primary source of support and information for people with tinnitus in the UK.
• Tinnitus is the sensation of hearing noises in your ear or head when there is no external cause. The noise can have virtually any quality including ringing, buzzing, hissing and whistling.
• Around 1 in 3 people will experience tinnitus at some point in their life. Over 7.1 million adults in the UK are living with persistent tinnitus, and for 10% of them, it can severely impact their quality of life, affecting sleep, mood, concentration, employment and relationships.
• There is not currently a cure for tinnitus, however, there are several strategies that can be helpful in learning to manage the condition.
• Tinnitus costs the NHS £750 million annually, with a cost to society of £2.7 billion per year.

Website: www.tinnitus.org.uk

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LinkedIn: British Tinnitus Association

British Tinnitus Association, Ground Floor Unit 5 Acorn Business Park, Woodseats Close, Sheffield, S8 0TB.

The British Tinnitus Association is a registered charity. Registered charity number 1011145.

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Company Contact:

Tinnitus UK

T. 0114 250 9933
E. nic@tinnitus.org.uk
W. http://www.tinnitus.org.uk

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Dr Will Sedley (University of Newcastle) and member of BTA Professional Advisers’ Committee. Picture courtesy of Action on Hearing Loss.

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