Tinnitus Awareness Week (1st -7th Feb) is a great opportunity for everyone interested in tinnitus to help to raise awareness and put tinnitus front and centre in people’s minds. There is a huge amount of work for everyone that cares about hearing health to do: raising the profile of tinnitus and encouraging research funding.
What is Tinnitus Awareness Week?
Despite tinnitus being common in adults and children, with about 30% of people experiencing tinnitus at some point in their lives and 13% of people living with persistent tinnitus, it is often low down the priority list for tinnitus research funding.
This means that we have fewer scientists working in the area, developing better tests and tinnitus treatments.
The low priority put on tinnitus is partly because it’s an invisible condition, that others cannot see, and, unless people have experienced tinnitus, it can be really hard for them to imagine how troublesome it can be.
Why is Tinnitus Week Important?
Whilst tinnitus is most commonly heard as a high-pitched buzzing, hissing or ringing, it can take many forms, including sounding like your heartbeat, or even as though there is music playing. There are many causes of tinnitus and these can be difficult to diagnose.
It is often most obvious to people when they are in quiet surroundings, particularly when they are in bed and trying to get to sleep.
Unfortunately, many people with tinnitus have been told that there is nothing that can be done and that they’ll just have to live with it.
This just isn’t the case.
The core goals of this year’s Tinnitus Awareness Week campaign are to make sure that everyone gets the right information about tinnitus early in their tinnitus journey.
We all recognise how much poor-quality information is available on the internet as well as how many suggested treatments have no scientific evidence to support them.
Oto and Tinnitus Week
At Oto we’re proud to be science-led and developed by doctors and tinnitus experts.
As part of this, we’ve built evidence-based resources into our app, supported by practices such as tinnitus CBT techniques which is a safe and effective way to reduce tinnitus-related distress and improve quality of life.
If you’ve got any questions, or ideas for other topics you’d like us to cover please get in touch with us at hello@joinoto.com
This week we’re guests on the British Tinnitus Association’s blog.
Join Oto
The Oto app offers resources to reduce tinnitus-related distress including:
- CBT techniques
- Sound enrichment and audio landscapes
- Mindfulness activities
- Sleep support
- Exercises to stretch the neck, back, jaw, arms, shoulders, and more
Check out Oto's Tinnitus Support Group, a supportive community for individuals with tinnitus or related conditions to receive regular tips and tricks from the expert team at Oto!
FAQs
What is Tinnitus Awareness Week?
Tinnitus Awareness Week, held from 1st to 7th February, is an opportunity to raise awareness about tinnitus and emphasize the importance of research funding in this area.
How prevalent is tinnitus?
About 30% of people experience tinnitus at some point in their lives, with 13% living with persistent tinnitus.
Why is tinnitus research funding often overlooked?
Tinnitus is an invisible condition, making it hard for those who haven't experienced it to understand its impact. This invisibility can mean tinnitus is seen as less of a priority for research funding.
What are the core goals of Tinnitus Awareness Week?
The primary goals are to ensure everyone receives accurate information about tinnitus early in their journey and to combat the spread of poor-quality information and unproven treatments available online.
How does tinnitus typically manifest?
Tinnitus can present as a high-pitched buzzing, hissing, or ringing. It can also mimic the sound of a heartbeat or even music. It's often most noticeable in quiet environments, especially when trying to sleep.
What is the common misconception about tinnitus?
Many believe that nothing can be done about tinnitus and that they must simply live with it. However, this is not true, and there are various treatments and coping mechanisms available. These can improve quality of life and enable habituation, or tuning out, the tinnitus sound.
How is Oto contributing to Tinnitus Awareness Week?
Oto offers an evidence-based app developed by doctors and tinnitus experts. The app incorporates tinnitus CBT techniques, sound enrichment, mindfulness activities, and more. Oto is also featured on the British Tinnitus Association’s blog during the awareness week.
What resources does the Oto app offer for tinnitus management?
The Oto app provides CBT techniques, sound enrichment, mindfulness activities, sleep support, and physical exercises targeting areas like the neck, back, jaw, and shoulders.
How can individuals get involved in Tinnitus Awareness Week?
By raising awareness, sharing personal experiences, and directing people to reliable resources like the Oto app and the British Tinnitus Association.
Why is it essential to raise awareness about tinnitus?
Raising awareness helps in understanding the challenges faced by those with tinnitus, emphasizing the need for research, and ensuring that individuals receive accurate information and support.