Support event for tinnitus sufferers
The Cork Deaf Association (CDA) has announced its lineup of events for Tinnitus Awareness Week, an international initiative taking place in the first week of February.
From 4-8 February, a range of in-person and online activities will be available across Cork, aimed at raising awareness and providing support for those living with tinnitus.
This year’s programme includes a lunchtime webinar, outreach stands in Macroom and Wilton, and a coffee morning with peer support in Cork city centre.
What is tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the perception of sound, such as ringing, buzzing, whistling, or hissing, when no external source is present. It affects about 10% of the population.
Some people experience it temporarily due to factors like earwax buildup or exposure to loud noise, while others develop persistent tinnitus due to causes such as hearing loss, noise exposure, infections, or emotional trauma.
The CDA said a widely reported rise in tinnitus cases following Covid-19. In some cases, no clear cause can be identified.
The impact of tinnitus
For many, tinnitus is a minor annoyance, but for others it can have a significant impact on quality of life. It may cause sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, anxiety, stress, and depression. This can lead to struggles in work, relationships, and daily activities. Additional challenges can be present when accompanied by hearing loss. The early stages of tinnitus can be particularly distressing, making it essential to seek support and explore management options early on.
Management
According to the CDA, many people are told that nothing can be done for their tinnitus and that they must simply ‘learn to live with it’. However, the CDA said this isn’t the case. A wide range of proven management strategies can help individuals regain their quality of life.
Sarah Good, coordinator of the Tinnitus Support Service at the CDA, said it is crucial to seek support as early as possible.
“There are numerous practical tools and strategies that can make a real difference such as sound generators, relaxation techniques, and even hearing aids. Our Tinnitus Awareness Week programme is a great way to learn more about tinnitus management and connect with others.”
Tinnitus Awareness Week kicks off on 4 February at the CDA Tinnitus Equipment Clinic, 5 MacCurtain Street, Cork city, where visitors can drop in to explore a range of assistive devices and find out what might work for them. The clinic will be open from 10am-12pm and no pre-booking needed.
On 5 February from 10am-4pm and outreach information stand will be in place at Wilton Shopping Centre where a team of CDA experts will be available to answer questions, provide resources, and offer advice.
A lunchtime webinar, Tinnitus Unplugged – What You Need to Know, will take place on 6 February from 1.10-1.55pm. The webinar will discuss the facts about tinnitus, its causes, and key management strategies to reduce its impact. To sign up, visit corkdeaf.ie and follow the Eventbrite link on the website.
On 7 February, from 10am-4pm, an outreach information stand will be in place at Dunnes Stores in Macroom.
On the final day, 8 February, a Tinnitus Talk & Coffee Morning will be hosted at the CDA clinic McCurtain Street from 10am-12pm where guests can enjoy a relaxed morning with others who understand what they are going through.
A Masters in Audiology student will give a talk on tinnitus from an audiology perspective. No pre-booking needed.