Report by: Dr Hashir Aazh
There was a great opportunity for health professionals and patients to learn more about the latest developments in treating tinnitus in a seminar at Royal Surrey to mark National Tinnitus Week.
Over 180 people attended the ‘Tinnitus and Hearing Impairment Seminar’ which showcased new research from Royal Surrey specialists, who treat the distressing hearing condition. Up to 15% of the UK population is believed to suffer from persistent tinnitus which is commonly described as a persistent ‘ringing’ in the ears.
The Worshipful the Mayor of Guildford, Councillor Mike Parsons, officially opened the seminar. The CEO of the Royal Surrey County Hospital, Louise Stead, awarded Karen Lammaing (head of audiology) and Jemma Hatton (seminar organiser, and tinnitus specialist) with certificates of excellence.
In the first session of the seminar, Royal Surrey Tinnitus team lead Dr Hashir Aazh explored the relationship between the severity of hearing loss and the loudness of tinnitus. Drawing from new research from over 400 patient studies he outlined a number of key findings:
- Tinnitus will generally get louder as hearing loss worsens but not by a large factor.
- Using hearing protection to try and mitigate further hearing loss and related ‘safety- seeking’ behaviours are likely to contribute to tinnitus related anxiety.
- ‘Safety-seeking’ behaviours that restrict a patient’s life experience are likely to make the patient feel that the tinnitus ‘sound’ gets louder.
- There are a wide range of rehabilitative approaches that can minimise the annoyance that tinnitus causes and its impact on the patient’s life.
In the second part of the seminar, Consultant Audiovestibular Physician, Dr R Srinivasa Raghavan looked at medical evaluation and treatments for tinnitus combined with hearing loss. A question and answer session, which addressed patient experience, was led by Jemma Hatton, a specialist in tinnitus and hyperacusis rehabilitation.
“The seminar was a great opportunity to reassure patients and inform audiology professionals of the latest developments in tinnitus therapy.”
The seminar was organised by the members of the Tinnitus and Hyperacusis Therapy Clinic at Royal Surrey County Hospital Dr Hashir Aazh, Viveka Owen, Jemma Hatton, Jennifer Whiffin and Jenni Stevens.
(L-R)The Worshipful the Mayor of Guildford, Councillor Mike Parsons,
Karen Lammaing (Head of Audiology)
Consultant Audiovestibular Physician, Dr R Srinivasa Raghavan
The Chief Executive of the Royal Surrey County Hospital, Louise Stead
Dr. Hashir Aazh, Tinnitus-team lead.
