Tinnitus charity calls for medical professionals to signpost throughout Covid-19 outbreak

20 March 2020

Leading UK tinnitus charity, the British Tinnitus Association (BTA) calls on audiologists and ENTs to signpost to support services in the absence of medical appointments, ahead of anticipated Covid-19 NHS redeployment.

Tinnitus – a condition that affects 7.1 million people in the UK – is often exacerbated by stress and anxiety. There is not currently a cure for the condition, however, there are several strategies that can be helpful in learning to manage tinnitus.

David Stockdale, Chief Executive of the British Tinnitus Association, said: “We know that responding to the Covid-19 outbreak is at the top of everyone’s priority list, and rightfully so, but it’s also important to make sure that patients with new and ongoing health conditions, such as tinnitus, are supported.

“The British Tinnitus Association remains open and we are here to offer support to people living with tinnitus. So, we’re asking audiologists, ENTs and GPs to utilise us, and signpost to our services, including our invaluable online ‘Take on Tinnitus’ tool.”

The BTA provides support to people with tinnitus through a range of services including:

• Take on Tinnitus (takeontinnitus.co.uk) – an online resource designed to help patients better understand tinnitus and offer practical ways that could help to relieve their tinnitus – rated by 85% of users as useful or very useful
• Helpline – confidential information and advice from a member of the BTA team (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday):
  • Web chat: www.tinnitus.org.uk
• Phone: 0800 018 0527 (currently running a slightly reduced service)
• Email: helpline@tinnitus.org.uk
• Text: 07537 416841
• The BTA website (tinnitus.org.uk) – information, advice and guidance

Dr Tom Polito, a GP in North Yorkshire, said: “Take on Tinnitus is a useful and interesting resource for GPs, and a helpful guide for patients with this distressing condition.”

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

ENDS

Press Contact

Kerry Chase, Head of Communications

kerry@tinnitus.org.uk

07719 429390

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
Twitter: @BritishTinnitus

Facebook and Instagram: @BritishTinnitusAssociation

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.