Quiet Issue 1 2019

QUIETIssue One 2019
Tinnitus Week
Reducing tinnitus isolation
Real lives
Sharing your experiences of
tinnitus
BTA appeal
Support our helpline
t y n
isolation
u r to
n week i
i s
t alone
u
s

Corporate members
By joining the BTA as Corporate Members, the organisations listed below have
demonstrated their commitment and dedication to people with tinnitus. For more details
about each organisation: www.tinnitus.org.uk/about-our-corporate-members
Thank you
all for your
support!
Acuitis Optical and
Hearing Care
AfterShokz Bone
Conduction
Headphones
Amplifon Ltd
AngliEAR Hearing and
Tinnitus Solutions
Audify Ltd
Audiological
Specialist Care Ltd
Aurio Ltd
Autifony
Therapeutics Ltd
Bloom Hearing
Specialists
British
Academy
of Audiology
British Society of
Audiology
CAuRES Hearing
Aid Solutions
Chester Hearing
and
Balance
Services
Claritas Hearing
Cubex Ltd
EarDial
Earplug Hub
Geraint Davies
Hearing Ltd
Guymark UK
Limited
Halo Hearing
Solutions
Harley Street
Hearing
Hearing Aid
Solutions
Help in Hearing Ltd
Hidden Hearing
HiKent
HL Healthcare Ltd
Isle of Man Hearing
Solutions
Leightons
Opticians and
Hearing Care
Mary Hare Hearing
Centre
Minerva Hearing
Neuromod Devices
Ltd
Oakwood Solicitors
Oticon
Peter Byrom
Audiology Ltd
Puretone Ltd
Ridgways Hearing
Centre
Scrivens Hearing
Care
Sivantos Ltd
Sonova UK Limited
Sound Advice
Hearing Centres
Specsavers Optical
Group
Starkey Hearing
Technologies
The Hearing Care
Centre
The Hearing Clinic
(Worthing)
The Invisible
Hearing Clinic
The Outside Clinic
The
Tinnitus
Clinic
Tripp Hearing
Widex UK Ltd
Barnsley Hospital
NHS Foundation
Trust
Chesterfield Royal
Hospital NHS
Foundation Trust
Doncaster
andBassetlaw
Hospitals NHS
Foundation Trust
East Kent
University
Hospitals NHS
Foundation Trust
Nobles Hospital
North Lincolnshire
and Goole NHS
Foundation Trust
2
Royal Berkshire
NHS Foundation
Trust
Sandwell and West
Birmingham
Hospitals NHS
Trust
Torbay and South
Devon NHS
Foundation Trust
Worcestershire
Acute Hospitals
NHS Trust

QUIET
Volume 30 Number 1 ISSN: 0968-1264
From the Chair
We know that tinnitus can be an
isolating condition, and here at the
BTA we want to get the message
across that “you are not alone.” We are here to
help.
Our theme for the upcoming Tinnitus Week is
isolation. Our aim is to spread the word about
tinnitus and the support we can offer as widely
as possible, and reach those people who are
struggling with tinnitus who aren’t aware of the
help that’s out there. Please help us by talking
about tinnitus wherever and whenever you can.
If you use social media, please get involved and
share our posts – and we have included some
materials for you in the magazine.
The help and support we provide would not be
possible without your generous giving so I would
like to thank everyone who donated to our recent
Isolation Appeal – and to remind you if you
haven’t that it’s not too late to do so.
Julia Hodson, Chair
News
Tinnitus in the media; new e-newsletter; changes to
Quiet
Events and campaigns
Tinnitus Week; Hull Information Day; training events;
events diary
Tinnitus Week special
Our helpline; tinnitus and sleep; how family and friends
can help; socialising with tinnitus
Living with tinnitus
Making a claim for negligence for tinnitus and hearing
loss
Helpline Appeal
Products for tinnitus
Real lives
Sharing your experience of tinnitus
Tinnitus research
Aged Veterans project
Volunteer and groups news
4—5
6—11
12—17
18—19
20—21
28—31
Volunteer news; Groups news; Support groups directory
22
23—26
27
Contacts
Our Vision:
A world where no one suffers from tinnitus
Our Mission:
Research: We want a cure, we will drive & demand progress
Help: We want everyone to know what tinnitus is, how to
prevent it & how to manage it
tinnitus.org.uk
Editor
Nic Wray
nic@tinnitus.org.uk
Address
British Tinnitus Association, Ground Floor, Unit 5, Acorn
Business Park, Woodseats Close, Sheffield, S8 OTB
Registered charity no: 1011145. Registered in England.
Helpline
0800 018 0527
Whilst the British Tinnitus Association makes every attempt to ensure the accuracy & reliability of information in this magazine, it is
not a substitute for medical advice. You should always see your GP/ medical professional. Advertisements for organisations, products
or services do not imply endorsement of them by the British Tinnitus Association.

NEWS
Twitter
power!
Like many people, Good Morning Britain
star Susanna Reid shares snippets about
her working and personal life on the
social media platform Twitter. Most
tweets pass by with only a little
interaction - but her mention of tinnitus
certainly stirred up media interest.
experience it - requests for interviews with
our experts came rolling in.
Emily Broomhead, who looks after the
BTA's social media accounts says, "We
were so pleased to be able to respond to
so many people on social media and tell
them about the support the BTA can offer,
and we were really grateful when Susanna
mentioned our work, too. It really helped
raise awareness, but then when the media
got involved, it took it to a whole other
level!"
The Good Morning Britain team invited BTA
chief executive David Stockdale onto the
programme to talk about tinnitus with
Susanna herself, and resident GP Dr Hilary
Jones.
Initially, the conversation was between
Susanna's followers. When some of them
mentioned the support they'd had from
the BTA and tagged us into the
conversation, we joined in, highlighting
the support we could offer. Many more
people began to follow our account, too.
Adds Emily, "We work hard throughout the
year to get coverage in the media, but it's
never predictable. You just don't know
what will catch a journalist's eye. We just
have to be prepared, and grab every
opportunity!"
4
The Daily Mail picked up the story from
Susanna's Twitter feed, and the other
tabloids followed suit. However, seeing
the interest that is generated by the topic
of tinnitus - after all, 1 in 10 adults

Sign up to our
NEW
e-newsletter
We are launching our new monthly
e-newsletter called Focus
Each edition will be packed full of tips,
advice, research news, tinnitus products,
people's stories, and much more. Many of
you have already received the January
edition; if you haven’t and wish to sign up,
please do so using the details below.
What’s going to be in Focus?
Each monthly e-newsletter will feature
developments in the world of tinnitus,
information about our latest projects, and
tips to effectively manage your tinnitus.
Focus will provide subscribers with links to
exclusive content on our website, including
new videos from people with tinnitus, BTA
staff, and clinical experts.
Changes to Quiet
My role here at the
BTA is very varied
and hugely
rewarding, but I
don’t think it’s a big
secret that one of
my favourite parts
of the job is editing
and putting
together Quiet.
Nic Wray, Quiet editor
It’s a privilege to be
able to share with
you news about our activities, the latest
fascinating updates on tinnitus research
and of course, all the real-life stories from
you, our readers.
Over the years I’ve been at the BTA (which
makes me sound like I’m in my dotage, I
know!) we’ve made changes to improve
the magazine, many of which have been
kindly suggested by you. Never ones to
rest on our laurels, we have exciting plans
for Quiet and communicating to our
members in 2019.
News — Quiet 2019 Issue One
Why have we created a free monthly
e-newsletter?
We know many of you wanted to hear from
us on a more regular basis and said email
is your preferred method of
communication. Email is indeed a great
way for us to communicate with you all - it
costs the charity a lot less to administer
than post, as well as having less of an
impact on the environment.
Sign me up!
If you’d like to sign up to receive Focus,
please select the option for ‘Free monthly
e-newsletter’ on our website: www.
tinnitus.org.uk/forms/contact-us
You will see opposite that we have
launched Focus, a new monthly
e-newsletter. This will make sure that
you’re always up to date with news, events
and top tinnitus tips. Focus will
complement Quiet, not replace it. However,
Quiet will move to publication three times
per year, and will focus (no pun intended)
on more in-depth articles and longer form
writing, although we will continue to
include all your favourite features.
Going forward, you will receive Quiet in
April, August and December. I hope you
like the changes, and I would love to hear
your feedback on the magazine - my
contact details are on page 3.
5

#TINNITUS WEEK
Emily Broomhead introduces Tinnitus Week 2019
Tinnitus Week 2019 takes place from 4-10
February and this year’s theme is tinnitus and
isolation.
We often hear callers to the helpline or delegates
at events speak about how alone they feel with
the condition. When people hear the word tinnitus,
they tend to only think about the condition’s main
symptom – the noise people hear in their ears or
their head. However, the wider impact tinnitus can
have on people’s lives is less understood by the
public and GPs alike. Many people feel isolated
and unable to talk to their loved ones, friends or
colleagues about their condition and we want this
to change.
During Tinnitus Week, we’ll be trying as hard as
possible to reach even more people in new ways.
Here are some of the details:
As a one-off, for the first time ever, we’ll be
keeping our helpline open overnight on Tuesday
5 February, in order to be available to speak to
people with tinnitus who are struggling and can’t
sleep
We’ll be sharing our first ever podcast, talking
with experts and people with tinnitus about how
relationships can be impacted by tinnitus, giving
advice and tips on what to do when relationships
are affected
We hope that these and more resources, will
enable us to reach out to many more people. But
to be able to do that, we need your help.
So this year instead of having a poster on the
back of Quiet, you’ll find our Tinnitus Week
message. If you use Facebook, Twitter or
Instagram, please do get involved and take a
photo of you and your friends/family/colleagues,
with our message, and share on your social
streams using the hashtag #TinnitusWeek
Also please keep an eye on www.tinnitus.org.uk
for more information during the week, as we have
only been able to highlight a few of the things
that will be going on.
You can find us via BritishTinnitusAssociation on
Facebook and Instagram and @BritishTinnitus
on Twitter. If don’t follow us, please do as we
regularly post and it’s a great way to find out
what’s going on in the tinnitus world.
We hope you’ll find this Tinnitus Week really
interesting and informative; and remember we
are here if you need help. You’re not alone.
6
We’ll be sharing ideas from people with tinnitus
about how to ensure the condition doesn’t impact
on social situations, hoping to inspire those who
may be struggling to keep getting out, meeting
friends and not letting tinnitus take over
We’ll also be highlighting the amazing support
available across the UK at over 100 tinnitus
support groups and promoting many of the group
meetings taking place during Tinnitus Week
Some of the BTA team - you're not alone!

7 THURSDAY
4 MONDAY 5 TUESDAY 6 WEDNESDAY
LAUNCH! BTA HELPLINE PODCAST GET SOCIAL
Tinnitus
The BTA helpline is Find out more
Week 19
open all night
2019
for about tinnitus &
the first time! relationships
Tinnitus
Week 2019
Follow BTA on
social & check
out their website
- 4- 10 8 FRIDAY 10
9 SATURDAY February
You’re 10 SUNDAY
not alone
#TinnitusWeek
GROUPS INFO DAY ROUND UP
Make out a note more on your calendar at tinnitus.org.uk
& find out more at 4- 10 February
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Check out what Book in advance Catch up on
tinnitus support
EDNESDAY
4 MONDAY 5to TUESDAY go to the 76 everything THURSDAY
WEDNESDAY that
7 THURSDAY
DCAST
LAUNCH! BTA HELPLINE
You’re
GET PODCAST SOCIAL
not
GET
alone
SOCIAL
out Follow groups BTA do more on and The tinnitus BTA helpline info day is Watch Find happened out more during BTA Watch social BTA social
social & check open all night for media about tinnitus for & more media for more ut tinnitus &
tionships
out their website the first time!
find one near me!
SUNDAY
8 FRIDAY 9 SATURDAY
UND GROUPS UPINFO DAY ROUND UP
social relationships isolation! social isolation!
#TinnitusWeek
10 SUNDAY
Make a note on your calendar & find Helpline: out more 0800 at tinnitus.org.uk 018 0527
ch Check up out what on Book in advance Catch up on
rything tinnitus support that to go to the everything that
pened •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
groups do and during tinnitus info
Email:
day
helpline@tinnitus.org.uk
happened during
week!
find one near me! in Hull : )
the week!
4 MONDAY 5 TUESDAY 6 WEDNESDAY 7 THURSDAY
LAUNCH! BTA HELPLINE PODCAST GET SOCIAL
lpline: 0800 Helpline: 0180800527
Email: helpline@tinnitus.org.uk
Follow BTA on
in Hull : )
the week!
Watch BTA social
media for more on
social isolation!
’re not alone
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @BritishTinnitus and BritishTinnitusAssociation on Facebook
The BTA helpline is Find out more Registered
Registered Watch charity
charity BTA no: social no: 1011145
Registered charity no: 1011145
tishTinnitus and Follow BritishTinnitusAssociation on Twitter and Instagram @BritishTinnitus and BritishTinnitusAssociation on Facebook
on

ilitary
8
Occupational
Hearing Loss
and Tinnitus
Bars Nightclubs
ineering
If you have worked in noisy
environments such as factories,
workshops, garages, construction sites,
nightclubs or the military, you could be
eligible for compensation.
LOSS
OSS
On average our Occupational Hearing Loss
clients have been awarded over
£10,000
Call us now for a free
no obligation chat—
we represent clients nationwide
0113 487 4773
enquiries@oakwoodsolicitors.co.uk

BTA INFORMATION DAY COMES TO:
HULL
Events and campaigns — Quiet 2019 Issue One
Elliott Green previews the next BTA Info Day
We are delighted to be bringing the next in our
series of popular Tinnitus Information Days to
Hull. Thanks to our generous supporters and their
donations, this event is free of charge to attend
for the general public. Please feel free to bring
along a partner or friend for support!
Saturday 9 February
9.30am - 3.00pm
Doubletree by Hilton Hotel
24 Ferensway, Hull, HU2 8NH
Our tinnitus experts will be giving talks about:
Basic facts on tinnitus
The impact of tinnitus
Audiological and medical treatments available
Psychological approaches to managing tinnitus
Aims of the day
Familiarise patients and families on all aspects
of the impact of tinnitus
Draw attention to the therapy choices
Have an opportunity to share information
LObs
Other highlights
Taster sessions, giving you the chance to
sample two stress management therapies
Local service exhibitors on hand for advice and
information
Free refreshments and a light sandwich lunch are
provided!
We have held these events all over the UK with
great success. Many attendees leave at the end
of the day feeling more positive and in a better
position to manage their tinnitus.
People who have attended previous Tinnitus
Information Days have said:
"The day was beyond my expectations. I will
concentrate on having the best life I can."
"I wish I could have heard all this 20 years ago."
"Just meeting people with the same condition
was so helpful."
"Absolutely loved the day, calmed my tinnitus."
"I would absolutely recommend this day to
anybody I know suffering from tinnitus."
If you would like to book your place, please
contact Elliott on 0114 250 9933 or elliott@
tinnitus.org.uk or visit www.tinnitus.org.uk/
event/hull
9

2019
2019
19
2
TINNITUS TRAINING
TINNITUS TRAINING
TINNITUS TRAINING
10
concepts and management of tinnitus and hyperacusis in a multi-disciplinary, evidence-based
TINNITUS ADVISER
TINNITUS manner the three days will cover mechanisms ADVISER and pathophysiology TRAINING
of tinnitus and treatment
22-23 22-23 February 2019 February Sheffield 2019 Sheffield
modalities
05-06 05-06
in both traditional
April 2019 April
lectures,
2019
workshops and Q+A sessions.
Nottingham Nottingham
Course costs include 3 course
evening dinner and Bed and
07-08 The course 07-08 June is led by 2019 David June Baguley, Beth-Anne 2019 London
Culhane, Don McFerran and Laurence London
McKenna.
£400
breakfast overnight stay at the
venue on the Friday evening.
27-28 27-28 September September 2019 Sheffield
22-23 (Accommodation and evening dinner
18-19 October 18-19
February
2019 October
2019
2019
Sheffield
Manchester Mancheste
not included with the London course)
05-06 April 2019 Nottingham
ANNUAL CONFERENCE Course 2019
costs include 3 course
The two day The internationally two day recognised internationally Tinnitus Adviser recognised Training Course Tinnitus teaches evening a counselling-based
dinner Adviser and Bed and
Trainin
07-08 model of tinnitus June model support 2019 of tinnitus for use a support range of London
settings for use with tinnitus a range patients/clients. of settings Coupled with with a
tin
breakfast overnight stay at the
Medical Session Medical designed Session to allow course designed delegates to to allow ask any questions course they delegates may have about to ask any
any
aspect of tinnitus aspect or hyperacusis of tinnitus and or an Audiological hyperacusis Services and talk an including Audiological venue the on delivery the Friday of evening.
a
Services
27-28 September 2019 Sheffield
18-19 October 2019 Manchester
Mindfulness Mindfulness based relaxation based exercise.
relaxation exercise.
13 September 2019 Save the date
£400
Course costs include 3 course
EUROPEAN TINNITUS TINNITU
COURSE
not included with the London course)
£650
preferential accommodation
07-09 07-09 March 2019 March 2019 Birmingham Birmingha
The highly The acclaimed highly three acclaimed day course for three those day course fo
who to the South wish who of to the specialise U.K. wish after a few to years in tinnitus. specialise ‘up North’. Building on the in success tinnitus.
of the 2018 conference
preferential accommodation
rates are available alongside
this course but are not included
in the course costs.
The highly The acclaimed highly pioneer acclaimed in tinnitus training pioneer returns in for tinnitus it’s 30th outing. training Presenting returns modern
for it’s
concepts and concepts management and of tinnitus management and hyperacusis of in tinnitus a multi-disciplinary, and hyperacusis evidence-based
in a m
manner the manner three days the will cover three mechanisms days will and pathophysiology cover mechanisms of tinnitus and and treatment
pathophysi
Medical Session designed to allow course delegates to ask any questions they may have about any
modalities modalities in both traditional in lectures, both traditional workshops and Q+A lectures, sessions.
workshops and Q+A ses
BOOKING The course is led by David Baguley, Beth-Anne Culhane, Don McFerran and Laurence McKenna.
aspect of tinnitus The course or hyperacusis led and INFORMATION
by an Audiological David Baguley, Services talk Beth-Anne including the delivery Culhane, of a
Don M
Mindfulness based relaxation exercise.
EUROPEAN
13 September 2019 TINNITUS
Save the date
E: Marcus@tinnitus.org.uk
13 September 2019
T: 0114 250 9933
COURSE
Save the d
For the 2019 For BTA the Annual 2019 Conference BTA Annual we are returning Conference to the capital we and are bringing returning our Conference to the back ca
to the South to of the U.K. South after a of few the years U.K. ‘up North’. after Building a few on the years success ‘up of North’. the 2018 conference Building on
www.tinnitus.org.uk
we will bring
we
the
will
best
bring
programme
the
of
best
speakers
programme
with the latest in
of
research,advice
speakers
and
with
guidance.
the latest in
07-09 March 2019 Birmingham
£650
Places
E: Marcus@tinnitus.org.uk
tend to fill well advance of the course
T:
dates,
0114
to register
250
your
9933
interest or for more
ANNUAL CONFERENCE CONFERE
2019
BOOKING INFORMATION
INFORMA
www.tinnitus.org.uk
www.tinnitus.org.uk
(Accommodation and evening dinner
For the 2019 BTA Annual Conference we are returning to the capital and bringing our Conference back
The two day internationally recognised Tinnitus Adviser Training Course teaches a counselling-based
we will bring the best programme of speakers with the latest in research,advice and guidance.
model of tinnitus support for use in a range of settings with tinnitus patients/clients. Coupled with a
E: Marcus@tinnitus.org.uk T: 0114 250
preferential accommodation
rates are available alongside
The highly acclaimed three day course for those
who wish to specialise in tinnitus.
information on any of our courses contact our events manager Marcus Bowen.
Places tend to fill well in advance of the course dates, to register your interest or for more
Places tend to fill well in advance of the course dates, to regist
information on any of our courses contact our events manager Marcus Bowen.
this course but are not included
information on any of our courses contact our events manager
in the course costs.

02 February 2019
ENT & Audiology News Free
Study Day
De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms, London
Phone: 0131 557 4184
Email: justin@pinpoint-scotland.com
Web:www.earandtechnology.com
04 – 10 February 2019
Tinnitus Week
Nationwide
British Tinnitus Association
Phone: 0114 250 9933
Email: emily@tinnitus.org.uk
Web: www.tinnitus.org.uk
Events diary
22 – 23 February 2019
BTA Tinnitus Adviser Training
FULL
Hilton Hotel, Victoria Quays, Sheffield
British Tinnitus Association
Phone: 0114 250 9933
Email: marcus@tinnitus.org.uk
Web: www.tinnitus.org.uk
07 – 09 March 2019
European Tinnitus Course
Conference Aston, Birmingham
British Tinnitus Association
Phone: 0114 250 9933
Email: marcus@tinnitus.org.uk
Web: www.tinnitus.org.uk
17 – 19 May 2019
TRI 2019 Conference
Taipei, Taiwan
Contact: Celine Wang
Phone: +886-7-285-0878
Email: 2019tri@gmail.com
Web: www.tinnitusresearch.net
June 2019
Tea for Tinnitus
Nationwide
British Tinnitus Association
Phone: 0114 250 9933
Email:emily@tinnitus.org.uk
Web: www.tinnitus.org.uk
Events and campaigns — Quiet 2019 Issue One
09 February 2019
Hull Tinnitus Information
Day
Kingston upon Hull
British Tinnitus Association
Phone: 0114 250 9933
Email: elliott@tinnitus.org.uk
Web: www.tinnitus.org.uk
09 February 2019
THIS 2019 - Tinnitus and
Hearing Information Show
Grand Central Hotel, Central Station,
Glasgow G1 3SL
Following on from the success of THIS
2018, this event will have a host of well
informed and exciting guests, including
BTA President Professor David Baguley.
Discussions will talk about tinnitus,
hyperacusis and hearing issues and
offer some practical solutions.
Interactive presentations will run
throughout the day and experts will be
on hand to answer questions.
Admission is free.
Phone: 0141 226 2268
Web: https://thistinhear.co.uk
18 March 2019
Audiology Careers Event
Conference Aston, Birmingham
Contact: Claire Wilkes
Email: c.wilkes@aston.ac.uk
The BTA will be exhibiting at this event
25 March 2019
BSHAA, BSA and BAA Joint
Event
Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel, Bristol
Contact: Jay Jindal
Email: education@bshaa.com
Web: www.bshaa.com
The BTA will be exhibiting at this event
27– 29 March 2019
American Academy of
Audiology Annual Convention
Columbus, Ohio, USAS
Web: www.AAAConference.org
05 – 06 April 2019
BTA Tinnitus Adviser Training
Nottingham (venue TBC)
British Tinnitus Association
Phone: 0114 250 9933
Email: marcus@tinnitus.org.uk
Web: www.tinnitus.org.uk
07 – 08 June 2019
BTA Tinnitus Adviser Training
London (venue TBC)
British Tinnitus Association
Phone: 0114 250 9933
Email: marcus@tinnitus.org.uk
Web: www.tinnitus.org.uk
21 – 22 June 2019
British Society of Hearing Aid
Audiologists Congress
Ricoh Arena, Coventry
Email: congress@bshaa.com
Web: www.bshaa.com
The BTA will be exhibiting at this event
08 – 10 July 2019
Tinnitus and Hyperacusis
Therapy Masterclass
Birkbeck College, University of London
Web: www.tinnitustherapy.org.uk
11 July 2019
4th International Conference
on Hyperacusis
Birkbeck College, University of London
Web: www.hyperacusisresearch.co.uk
For details of local tinnitus support group meetings, please see our website www.tinnitus.org.uk/
find-a-support-group or call our helpline on 0800 018 0527.
If you would like to publicise your event in a future edition of Quiet, contact the editor Nic Wray by
calling 0114 250 9933 or emailing nic@tinnitus.org.uk
11

12
Our helpline has been providing
information, support and reassurance for
20 years. However, we've always kept to
standard office hours, and we know that
your need for information, support and
reassurance doesn't stop at 5pm.
That is why, for the first time ever, as part
of Tinnitus Week, we’ll be keeping our
helpline open overnight on Tuesday 5
February, in order to be available to speak
to people with tinnitus who are struggling
and can’t sleep. You can also email us on
helpline@tinnitus.org.uk.
"I got to talk to a lady on the
phone and she was really
lovely to me and understood
what I was going through - it
helped me so much, my life is
turning around now and that
is thanks to you."
Our helpline can:
• give you clear information about tinnitus
• give accurate information on support
services available
• provide empathy and understanding
about the condition, offering hope to
people
Please note that while we do have an
in-depth understanding of tinnitus, we are
not medically qualified, so we are not able
to give medical advice.
Important facts about
our helpline
1. We answered 3,025 of your calls to
our helpline last year.
2. We can answer a wide range of
questions - we can tell you about your
local services, treatments, support
groups - and also help you through a
tough day.
3. Around 1 in 8 of the calls we get are
from loved ones and carers.
4. Our team of staff and volunteers
have over 100 years of combined
experience in answering your calls. We
are trained by experts in tinnitus, and
keep our knowledge up to date.
5. All calls are free from a UK landline
and from UK mobiles.
6. We are a member of the Helplines
Partnership and follow their guidance
for good practice.
7. Your call or email will always be
treated as confidential
8. We are open Monday to Friday,
9.00am - 5.00pm

TINNITUS & SLEEP
We have some tips for getting a good night's sleep
In our recent survey, around six out of ten of you
who replied reported trouble sleeping because of
your tinnitus. The trouble is, those of us who have
trouble sleeping don't realise we're part of a big
group, because we're hidden away in our
bedrooms. It can be very isolating, thinking we're
the only one awake - particularly if the rest of the
household is snoring away!
Do practice relaxation exercises during the day
and find some short form of relaxation to try at
night.
Do get up and go to another room if you are not
asleep after half an hour or so. Do something
relaxing (not watching TV) and go back to bed
when you feel sleepy again. Repeat if necessary.
Tinnitus Week— Quiet 2019 Issue One
Of course, there are many people with tinnitus
who do sleep well, and see sleep as an escape
from tinnitus. And those who sleep well don't
seem to have different tinnitus to the insomniacs.
So what can be done to join the sleepers?
Do's and don'ts
Sleep can be improved by getting into a good
routine, and cultivating good habits. These do's
and don'ts could help you break the cycle of
sleeplessness:
Do talk to your doctor to rule out other medical
conditions.
Do consider sleep medication if your insomnia is
short-term, but again, talk to your doctor.
Do get up at the same time every day and try not
to nap. This will help you to keep your body clock
in a helpful cycle.
Don’t use alcohol or ‘over the counter’ medicines
to get you to sleep. They may help you do that, but
will make it harder to stay asleep.
Don’t use your bedroom for anything other than
sleep (and another activity that begins with s!)
Distractions will stimulate your mind, and a busy
mind will keep you awake.
Don’t take it easy after a bad night’s sleep. This
might make the day more boring and make you
feel more tired.
(Photo created by Jcomp - Freepik.com)
Do limit the amount of caffeine you have,
especially later in the day. It is a stimulant and
may help keep you awake.
Do keep active during the day. However, don’t
exercise near bedtime as this will energise you,
not calm you down.
Do try to unwind for at least an hour before
bedtime, and turn off bright lights and electronics.
A busy mind makes it more difficult to sleep.
Do write down any worries or nagging tasks that
you may have. Even if you can't do anything about
them, just writing them down can reduce anxiety.
13

YOU ARE NOT
ALONE
Nic Wray on how friends and family can help you with
your tinnitus
14
The theme of Tinnitus Week is isolation. We know
that many people with tinnitus feel alone and that
tinnitus is all-consuming. Joy told us, " The
incessant noise was all I could focus on and,
despite having a lovely husband, daughter and
two grandchildren, I couldn’t distract myself away
from the sound and it began to take over my life".
Some people are reluctant to open up for fear of
worrying their loved ones or being told "stop going
on about tinnitus again". We also know that friends
and family of people with tinnitus want to help
and be supportive, but wonder how best to do this.
Perhaps this is the case with your friends and
family, and you could share this article with them,
and start a conversation?
How does tinnitus affect people?
Tinnitus is sometimes a difficult condition to learn
to live with and often causes anxiety. Anxiety, in
turn, often makes the experience of tinnitus
worse.
Many people with tinnitus feel isolated because
there is just no adequate way to explain the
struggle to come to terms with the constant or
recurring presence of sounds that they can’t
control. Some people describe their condition as
tiring or even exhausting. In the first months
especially, people can feel they are fighting a
constant battle.
You may notice changes in the person’s
behaviours. Perhaps they have become shorttempered,
withdrawn or distracted. Tinnitus can
draw people inwards as their attention is
constantly being diverted towards it. Their
concentration is affected and this can mean that
everyday tasks take longer than usual to
complete.
It is very natural for people to have fears about
living with tinnitus. Although most people do
habituate to tinnitus over time – meaning that
their brain learns to process the noise as
background noise so that it seems less intrusive
– it can be difficult to imagine getting to that
point.
How can I help?
Your friend, relative or partner will benefit from
your patience and understanding as they adjust.
Just being aware that what they are going through
may be causing them problems is a huge help.
Ask them if there are practical things you can do
to help. For example, some people find loud or
echoing environments very difficult, but don’t
want to always be the person in a group to
suggest a different meeting place or activity.
Other people find quiet environments tricky where
there is more focus on the sound of their tinnitus.
Your support in backing up whatever option
makes things easier for them can be a big relief.
People may search for patterns in their tinnitus,
looking for aspects of their lifestyle which make it
better or worse. If a healthy change can be
identified (eg getting a good night’s sleep), this
isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but you can help the
person to assess whether they are letting their
tinnitus control them. Try to do this by
encouraging them to take an open-minded look at
their own behaviour, and to come to their own
conclusion, rather than by pushing your own point

of view.
Questions they might want to ask are:
• Have I begun to avoid things I previously
enjoyed?
• Has this avoidance increased my frustration
and anxiety about tinnitus?
• Are there healthier changes I can make to my
lifestyle?
Try to support them to make a balanced decision
about any lifestyle changes, rather than one
based on their fears and worries, but do accept
their decisions once they have decided to give
something a go.
You can also encourage an open-minded
approach to different coping techniques, and try
to be open-minded yourself. For example, if night
times are difficult, it can be extremely helpful for
a partner to be open to the person trying a bedside
sound generator. Perhaps you could join them in
wearing ear plugs for a night out, not only
protecting your own hearing but helping them not
to feel like the odd one out.
Another helpful thing to do is to encourage the
person to get a proper diagnosis from their GP, if
they haven’t yet done so, or to encourage them to
go back to see their clinician if their tinnitus
changes significantly. Likewise, encouraging a
positive approach to recommended treatments is
important. For example, if the tinnitus is
accompanied by a hearing loss and a hearing aid
is recommended, your support can go a long way
to help the person take the plunge to try one and
to persevere with the initial adjustment process.
Look after yourself and your
relationship
You will be in the best state to support your friend,
partner or family member when you are well
yourself. Make sure you are making time for
yourself and your own interests from week to
week, and take care to eat and rest well.
For partners, it’s important to recognise, without
blame, that your own wellbeing can be influenced
by your partner’s experiences of tinnitus, and to
talk openly about how to manage this. For
example, just as you can be patient with your
partner’s fears or anxieties, they can be patient
with you if your own frustrations surface. You may
find it helpful to set some ground rules about the
way you discuss and approach issues to do with
tinnitus. If tensions become difficult to manage,
consider seeing a counsellor together. Many
couples find this a helpful support through
difficult times.
Further support
You can check for relevant information on our
website www.tinnitus.org.uk or look for a support
group in your area. Attending a support group
offers a chance to talk things through with people
who understand what you’re going through. There
are over 100 tinnitus support groups around the
UK listed on our website.
You may find it helpful to call our confidential
freephone helpline on 0800 018 0527 - our
friendly team are here to support you.
Tinnitus Week — Quiet 2019 Issue One
15

SOCIALISING WITH
TINNITUS
Nic Wray has some tips when going out and about
164
Socialising with tinnitus can be
challenging. Some friends have invited
you out to dinner. Your heart says "go", but
your brain tells you the restaurant will be
noisy, you'll need to concentrate to hear
and so you'll sit back,smiling and nodding
vaguely. You'll feel excluded and more
alone than if you'd said no to the invitation
... and then by the end of the night, you'll
have a headache from all the effort, and
your tinnitus will be screaming. So you
say, "no thanks, not this time". There's a
few more invitations, a few more excuses
and then they cease coming, and instead,
you sit at home with the TV, perhaps a
crossword and a cup of tea.
If that scenario sounds familiar, then
no, you're not alone. Our recent survey
discovered that 4 in 10 people with tinnitus
have changed their social lives because
of the condition. It can be very easy to
become isolated and withdrawn.
So what can you do to reclaim your social
life - not just in restaurants, but at the
cinema, parties and group events?
Firstly, I would suggest that you be upfront
about your tinnitus (and any hearing
loss you might have). It doesn't help that
tinnitus is an invisible condition, so people
might not realise - or remember - you have
it. Most people are understanding once
they know, and want to help. If people
really want an idea of what tinnitus is like,
we have an excellent video at http://bit.
ly/BTAsound so they can hear tinnitus for
themselves.
Coping in a restaurant
As well as picking a restaurant according
to its menu, consider the acoustics as well.
Restaurants with upholstered chairs, low
ceilings, carpets and generous curtains
will be easier on the ear than places with
stark benches and tiled floors and walls,
as soft furnishings absorb sound. Don't be
afraid to make suggestions about which
venues would work best for you.
But what else can you do to help?
1. Ask to be seated in a booth, or the
quietest area if possible.
2. If the music is overpowering, ask
the staff to turn it down. It's probably
bothering other people, too.
3. Don't be afraid to switch places to get
the best possible spot for your hearing - if
your tinnitus is one-sided, have the 'good'
ear nearest to people.
4. Consider making a booking away from
peak times, so the restaurant is quieter.
Service is often better then, too!
How to handle a party
Parties can be hard work if you have
tinnitus or a hearing problem. There's

often loud music, and with everyone
talking, it creates a confusing wall of
sound.
Use the tips above, but you might also
want to move outside or to a quieter room
if you can. Try to focus on one person at
a time instead of four or five people in
a group. Get as close to the speaker as
personal space allows, which also creates
an intimate, friendly feeling.
Walk into the party knowing you won't
hear everything. It's impossible, so give
yourself some leeway, and let some
conversations go by.
A night at the cinema
Lots of people like to go to the cinema
- it can be a fun evening out. However,
when you have tinnitus, it can be a trying
experience, with loud background music
and sound effects.
Consider wearing earplugs for the loudest
action adventure films - which is sensible
advice for your companions too. A
colleague recently measured the sound
level on a recent cinema trip at 110dB -
well over the safe exposure limit!
Some cinemas now offer alternative
screenings for popular films for people with
sensory issues. These include subtitled
screenings, or screenings with lower
volume and levels of darkness.
Taking in a musical
event
Musical events are another place where
the safe exposure limit for sound can be
exceeded. Not only can this trigger tinnitus
in those who don't currently have it, it can
make existing tinnitus worse. These tips
will help you protect yourself:
1. Use earplugs. Earplugs with filters will
reduce the volume of the sound without
reducing the quality, meaning you can
actually hear the music better.
2. Don't stand by the speakers or too close
to the musicians.
3. Drink plenty of water or other non
alcoholic drinks - ears need good hydration
to keep healthy.
4. Take regular breaks away from the
sound.
Your social life does not need to stop if you
develop tinnitus. With planning and some
coping strategies, you can return to the
activities that add colour to life!
Tinnitus Week — Quiet 2019 Issue One
17

MAKING A CLAIM
Tim Fieldhouse discusses making a claim for
negligence for tinnitus and hearing loss
18
Tinnitus and hearing loss can be as the result of
working in loud environments. Is it possible to
recover damages against a past employer if this link
can be proven?
Making a claim would come under the tort of
negligence. Like any such claim, you need to prove
three separate parts to succeed in the claim:
1. That your employer owed you a duty of care
2. That the employer has breached the duty owed
3. That the breach has caused the damage
It is worth looking at each of these parts in turn:
That your employer owed you a
duty of care
Generally it is accepted at common law that an
employer has duties to their employees. They have
duties to ensure a safe place of work and to ensure
they take reasonable care of their employees. An
employer will also have statutory duties set down by
legislation in order to protect working conditions.
Therefore, if you believe that noise exposure
occurred during past employment it is a longestablished
principle that there would be a duty of
care in existence.
But what if you were self employed or a contract
worker: would you still be owed a duty? Although the
duties may not be as high as with an employer/
employee relationship the duty will still be there, as
you will be seen as a neighbour in law which was a
principle laid down in the case of Donogue v
Stevenson ( 1932). In the matter of Magerson and
Hancock v JW Roberts Limited it was held that
people who lived close to an asbestos factory
satisfied this ‘neighbour in law’ test.
That the employer has breached
the duty owed
The extent of the duty will be what is reasonable
foreseeable. In essence, this means that a duty will
only be breached if at the time the alleged breach
took place it should have been known that such
breach could cause damage. If it can be argued that
it could not have been known that damage could
occur,then breach may not have occurred.
In respect of noise exposure claims, it is commonly
accepted that with the publication of Noise and the
Worker in 1963 knowledge of foreseeability would
attach and as such breach would occur from 1963
onwards. In the case of Thompson v Smiths Ship
Repairers (North Shields) Limited it was held that
after 1963 employers should have acted.
It is not uncommon in these type of actions that the
alleged noise exposure occurred many decades
before the problem becomes noticeable. Generally
therefore to prove that the levels of noise exceeded
the required levels an Acoustic Engineer will be
instructed to produce a report of the likely noise
levels. The Acoustic Engineer will consider all
evidence and information that is available to
produce their report. The report and the instruction
of the same is something that your instructed
solicitor would deal with to assist with your claim.
That the breach has caused the
damage
Once you have established the above, the final
hurdle to succeed in a negligence claim for noise
exposure is to show that the symptoms suffered
(tinnitus and hearing loss) are as a result of the
breach.

Living with tinnitus — Quiet 2019 Issue One
The link to noise exposure is only required to be
shown on the balance of probabilities, which means
it only has to be shown that it is more likely than not
due to noise exposure. If it can be shown therefore to
be at least 51% likely that the loss is due to noise
this burden will have been proven.
To prove this burden a medical expert would be
instructed (normally an ENT consultant) who after
considering the exposure described and the results
of a hearing test would give their diagnosis as to
whether the loss is due to noise exposure. If they
believe that the tinnitus and hearing loss is as a
result of noise exposure, you have proven this part of
your claim.
What damages could I claim for?
So, if you can satisfy all the parts of the claim as
above, what can you actually seek to recover
damages for? Briefly the common types of
damages you can recover in these types of cases
are as follows :
General damages (pain, suffering loss and
amenity)
diagnosis and can vary from a few thousand pounds
to a maximum of £20,000 - £35,000.
This figure will depend on how severe your tinnitus
symptoms are and the level of hearing loss you are
suffering.
Cost of hearing aids
It is not uncommon in these types of claims for
medical experts to find that the need for hearing
aids has been increased. Generally a cycle of
hearing aids will last five years, so if for example a
medical expert says that you would benefit from
hearing aids 10 years earlier than you otherwise
would then you can potentially claim for two cycles
of hearing aids.
If you believe your tinnitus and hearing loss is as a
result of exposure to noise at a previous employer
you should contact a solicitor. Many will offer a no
obligation initial consultation.
(Picture posed by models and created by Freepik)
Tim Fieldhouse is Head of Industrial Disease,
Oakwood Solicitors.
This is the element of compensation for the tinnitus
and hearing loss itself. The value of this part of the
claim will highly depend on the medical expert's
19

HELPLINE APPEAL
On a good day we make someone
smile ...
... on a bad day, we save
someone's life
Our Tinnitus Helpline is called thousands of times a year from people in need of advice and
support. You may have called it yourself. Some people call to ask about the latest developments
in tinnitus management. Some people call because they have nowhere else to turn. Whatever
the need, we are here to help. That’s what makes our Tinnitus Helpline so special.
Did you know?
550
people
call our
Helpline each
month (on
average)
100
years
of experience
taking Helpline calls
by staff and volunteers
1999
saw
the
launch of our
Freephone
Helpline
ONE
The
UK's only
dedicated tinnitus
helpline
Our Tinnitus Helpline makes a difference
“So helpful to speak to someone
who had a calm and clear view about
tinnitus.”
Helpline caller
“I would like to express my appreciation
for the kindness and support given to me
by the BTA following the sudden onset of
distressing tinnitus in my left ear.”
Helpline caller
“You have given me a sense of
direction. It’s the first time I’ve had
an answer to anything.”
Helpline caller

What we’ve done with your help
Since our last Helpline Appeal in October 2017 we’ve made some improvements. Thanks to your
donations we now have a Tinnitus Support Manager dedicated to managing our Helpline, email
and other support services. We have installed a new phone system to help callers get directly to
a member of the Helpline team. The new phone system also means we can accurately analyse
call numbers and the times of calls, allowing us to meet the needs of our callers during busy
times.
What we want to do next
Helpline appeal— Quiet 2019 Issue One
• Improve ways to support you – online webchat and email facilities giving you the opportunity
to communicate with us in ways that work for you.
• Employ a Tinnitus Support Adviser – providing the first point of contact for people with
tinnitus seeking support and advice.
• Invest in new technology – to provide accurate feedback about the types of calls we receive
and how we can improve the support and advice we give.
How you can help
£15 covers the
average cost of a
helpline call
Ways to donate
£29 could cover
the cost of a dedicated
Helpline Support Team
for an hour
£88 could pay for
our Freephone line
rental for a month
Donating to the Helpline Appeal is easy, you can:
• Call us on 0114 250 9933 to make a donation over the phone
• Complete the slip at the bottom of this page
• Make a donation online via our website at www.tinnitus.org.uk/helpline-appeal-2019
I want to support the Helpline Appeal
You can donate by phone, post or online
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Alternatively, you can choose the options that suit you by visiting: www.tinnitus.org.uk/forms/your-contact-preferences. You can change
your mind at any time by contacting us on info@tinnitus.org.uk or 0114 250 9933.

TINNITUS PRODUCTS
Why buy from us?
We are the only national charity with
a full range of products for people
with tinnitus and we provide clear and
impartial advice. As we are a charity,
buying from us means that any surplus
funds help support the work that we do
for people with tinnitus.
The price you see is the price you pay.
There are no additional postage costs.
The vast majority of our products can be
returned within 28 days, as long as they
are in as new condition and returned with
their original packaging and instruction
sheets.
Pricing
The price quoted for Members is for those
who have paid a subscription to the
BTA (currently £15 per year) to support
our work. Members now receive a 10%
discount on our products.
22
Ordering
You can place your order over the phone
on 0114 250 9933 or via our website
www.tinnitus.org.uk/shop
We’ve also included a product catalogue
in this edition of the magazine and there’s
an order form at the back of it.
Alternatively, you can email any
questions you have to info@tinnitus.org.
uk and we’ll get back to you as soon as
possible.
PRODUCTS
FOR
TINNITUS
Helpline: 0800 018 0527
Email: info@tinnitus.org.uk
Web: www.tinnitus.org.uk

REAL
LIVES
Real lives — Quiet 20178 Issue Four
Readers share their experiences of living with tinnitus.
'Stress, stress and more
stress': Steve's story —
part three
Quiet reader Steve has written a book about his
experience with tinnitus which he has kindly
allowed us to share. We will be following Steve's
story through future issues of Quiet.
I once did an internet search on ‘stress causes
tinnitus’. In fact when I replaced the word ‘tinnitus’
with other words like ‘depression’, ‘colds’, well
just about any ailment, it seems stress causes it.
Stress could also be behind many fatal accidents,
too.
Our lives are so different to how they were when
we were all apes all huddled around each other in
a rain forest. Okay, even apes had stressors but
they were fairly straight forward. They had to find
food, shelter and watch out for the alpha male.
Much of the time however they were at rest. Play
time and family bonding took up a large part of
their day.
These days we are bombarded with marketing
forces and the pressures of a capitalist driven
society. Even after moving to my narrow boat
lifestyle it took a few years to realise exactly how
much modern society causes stress. Sometimes
escaping from the bubble and looking back in is
the only way to see how bad things were.
I have no doubt that my life changes were a huge
factor in my journey to leaving tinnitus behind.
I can now look back and see the stages I went
through.
Steve's boat at sunset
Each one of us has different gifts and abilities.
It seems many people struggle to find their true
selves because the ‘system’ is trying to shoehorn
us into something we are not. I found it useful
early on in my journey to write down the things
which I thought made me who I really am. What
do I enjoy doing? What things do I do which make
others happy? Who do I get along with? What am
I good at? What am I not good at? Then I came up
with a plan of actions to move towards a lifestyle
which was more suited to my true personality.
For me, one thing I’d dreamed of since retiring,
was to live on a boat. So I bought a narrow boat.
After spending a number of nights on my own
on the boat, I began to realise that I was happier
without my wife. We’d nearly separated a few
years earlier but I’d convinced her at the time to
try again. We’d grown apart and seemed to want
to do different things. Our children were grown up
and self-sufficient, so we agreed to separate and
sell the house.
23

In my case the life change was quite drastic,
but it doesn’t neccessarily mean it has to be for
everyone. Some people for example thrive on
positive stress in their career. Keeping busy with
positive tasks and interests is also a good way to
distract oneself away from the tinnitus.
Hampus's story
As well as mental stressors, our bodies are prone
to physical stressors. Some people find that
certain foods and drinks can worsen the tinnitus.
Salty foods and caffeine appear to be common
culprits. Exercise, or anything which raises the
blood pressure can also aggrivate the tinnitus.
However sometimes the sense of well-being
gained from exercise, food, or even alcohol, can
outweigh the anxiety caused by the tinnitus, so
it’s not always neccessary to stop doing things
you enjoy. In fact keeping exercise regimes going
is another useful way to distract us from the
tinnitus.
I found I gained a lot of benefit from going out
into the countryside and finding a nice walk. The
natural background sounds helped mask the
tinnitus and the exercise helped lift my spirits.
Illness, as well as the stress that causes, may
make the tinnitus appear louder, too. If the ear
is blocked, reducing the amount of background
noise, the tinnitus will appear louder as there is
less external noise to mask it.
One thing tinnitus has taught me is that I used
to worry about stuff which really wasn’t worth
worrying about. When we are young we take for
granted that all our senses and motor functions
work perfectly. Old age, and the ailments which
come with age, teach us to stop looking at the
bits which are going wrong and be grateful for
the bits which still work. Glass half full instead of
glass half empty if you like. When we think about
it, a high-pitched noise is just one part of our
audible spectrum. Our ears are just one of five
senses. Combined with all of the other wonders
which life brings with it, why get so hung up over
what is really such a small thing? Of course that’s
easy for me to say now, but I did ask myself that
question a few times in the early days.
Next time, I'll share some of my lessons learnt
about breaking that vicious cycle of focusing on
my tinnitus.
Hampus (left)
My name is Hampus Bergqvist. About 3 years ago
I moved to Mumbai with a friend to make it in
Bollywood.
After playing some unusual roles as Spanish
gold hunters, Russian hippies, colonial-era
British officers and even appearances in India's
melodramatic television soaps and several
television ads, we started making short funny
videos on the oddities of life in Mumbai to post on
social media just for fun. These have really struck
a chord with viewers in India. After seeing the
response we started making more and we now
have over 5 million followers on our Facebook
page.
As much as I love acting and making these
videos, they often involve getting immersed in
loud situations, like driving a noisy rickshaw in the
middle of Mumbai traffic, being pulled apart by an
angry crowd yelling at me, or travelling to hospital
inside an ambulance that not only has the sirens
on, but it is also sounding its horn all the way. In
addition to that, I work regularly at festivals, and I
also love attending clubs and concerts that often
get really loud.
24
I suffer from mild tinnitus which I really really do
not want to get worse. This is why I always wear
earplugs. You can get earplugs nowadays which

let you hear what others say around you, and
are transparent. This is important for me so they
don't show up on the takes, and I feel comfortable
wearing them at other loud social events. My
chosen brand are EarDial, but there are others
available.
My point is that you should find hearing protection
that suits your particular needs and lifestyle,
because you should definitely protect your
hearing from further damage if you already have
tinnitus. Consider one that you can carry with
you at all times. I always keep mine in my pocket
while working at events or going to the clubs or
concerts. You never know when the music will be
too loud and having them in your pocket is a great
insurance against further ear damage.
Denis's story
Denis wrote to us following the recent articles
on mindfulness which chimed with an article he
wrote on Stoicism and tinnitus in 2014. He has
given permission for it to be reproduced here.
When I retired in 1995 I was looking forward to
buying a dog and living near the sea. After a week
I woke early one morning with a piercing whine in
my head. I consulted my GP who said, “You have
tinnitus. It is not life threatening but it is incurable
and something you just have to live with. I can
prescribe tranquilisers.”
Tinnitus is a deceptively pleasant word that trips
from the tongue. However, it can lead to a life of
disruption, lack of sleep and despair. I discovered
that there was a correlation between severe
tinnitus, from which I suffer, and depression and
suicide. The future seemed bleak.
The sound was continuous and my sleeplessness
was chronic. This left me exhausted during the
day. My worst time came a few weeks later at
Christmas. Sitting in a happy family group I felt
alienated in my misery. How could I live with
tinnitus and its effects?
One day I picked up Seneca’s Letters from a Stoic
which I had bought when browsing in a bookshop.
I had also bought Epictetus’ Enchiridion and
Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations. I began reading
Letters from a Stoic again, this time underlining
some passages.
When I came to “Letter LVI” it was about loud,
constant and
intrusive noise.
I read, “For I
force my mind
to become selfabsorbed
and not
let outside things
distract it. There
can be absolute
bedlam without
so long as there
is no commotion
within.”
Bust of Seneca.
Seneca, who
suffered severely from ill health, particularly
asthma, wrote, “It was my Stoic studies that
saved me". Perhaps they could save me? I began
studying the Stoics. Instead of being a passive
victim I had an objective and I began feeling more
optimistic. I wondered whether, and how, people
in far more difficult circumstances than myself
had been helped by Stoic thinking.
Epictetus, a Roman slave, was described by
Simplicius as being weak in body and lame
from an early age. His Enchiridion said, “Men are
disturbed not by the things which happen, but
by the opinions about the things”. And, “Illness
interferes with the body, not with one’s faculty of
choice, unless that faculty of choice wishes it”.
Epictetus’ philosophy about accepting what fate
has dealt and turning the bad into good by skilful
living appealed to me. “Seek not that the things
that happen should happen as you wish; but wish
the things which happen be as they are.” Epictetus
taught resilience by focusing on our attitudes and
judgements which are up to us and which we can
control. Those things which are not up to us are
externals such as our body, our reputation, our
property.
We can use our reason to keep tranquil. Epictetus
often used sporting metaphors. “When a difficulty
falls upon you, remember that God, like a trainer
of wrestlers, has matched you with a rough young
man.” The match was intended to lead to added
skill. To fail was acceptable because you could
immediately try again.
Marcus Aurelius, a Stoic, was influenced by
Epictetus’ philosophy. He said that it was
pointless to worry about what you could not
change and, “There is only one way to happiness
Real lives — Quiet 2019 Issue One
25

26
and that is to cease to worry about things which
are beyond our will".
But these are words. Can they be used
practically? Epictetus said, “Don’t explain your
philosophy. Embody it". To the ancient Greeks
Stoicism was a method to be lived and practised.
When tinnitus hit me I needed the Stoics and I
knew that for my condition they were the only
game in town. I sought examples of those who
had suffered and for whom Stoicism worked in
practice.
On 15 November 1993 Admiral James B.
Stockdale gave a speech at the Great Hall, King’s
College, London. It was later printed as Courage
under fire: Testing Epictetus’s Doctrines in a
Laboratory of Human Behaviour by the Hoover
Institution. Stockdale provided what I wanted
because his test was severe and far beyond my
own.
Stockdale was a fighter pilot who was shot down
over North Vietnam. The villagers who caught
him beat him so badly that he was lame for the
rest of his life. He was tortured fifteen times,
put in leg irons for two years, and put in solitary
confinement for four years and in prison for seven
years. He wrote that you can be reduced “by men
to a helpless sobbing wreck – unable to control
your own bowels – in a matter of minutes”.
Stockdale, even under torture, fought to preserve
his 'agency': that aspect of the human mind
that lay within its control and could be retained
and exercised. Whatever his captors did to him,
however cruel, he still had some control over his
attitude. They could not remove that.
Stockdale remembered Epictetus’ sayings he
had memorised while a pilot. At the end of his
imprisonment he concluded that having tested
Epictetus’ postulates “against demanding real
life challenges ... I think he passed with flying
colours”. Stockdale said that only Epictetus
enabled him to survive the harsh prison regime.
In Stoic Warriors Professor Nancy Sherman who
interviewed Stockdale said that, “I found it hard to
keep track of when he was quoting and when he
was speaking in his own voice".
Lecturing to the USA military Nancy Sherman
found that Stoicism had a strong appeal. War
results in young men and women who are
maimed and
survive only as a
result of modern
medicine. Men
return who do not
have arms to hug
their child. She
writes, “When
we arrived at
Epictetus, many
officers and
students alike felt
they had come
home”.
As I read the Admiral James B Stockdale
Stoics again I had
a
new awareness. I learned that “controlling the
emotions is difficult but it can be empowering”.
Practice is essential. Seneca wrote, “Difficulty
strengthens the mind as labour does the body”.
Epictetus viewed difficulties as challenges.
Whatever hand fate deals, accept it, and use it
with skill.
I discovered that controlling my thinking affected
my emotions and thus my attitudes to tinnitus. I
discovered that perspective is important and the
cosmos is unconcerned about my problems. What
happens, happens. Accept and deal with it. Focus
on what you can affect and ignore the rest. To try
to control what you cannot leads to frustration
and misery.
I have not removed the problem of my tinnitus.
I still have chronic sleep problems and the
tiredness that ensues. But for much of the day
I don’t notice my tinnitus. What has changed is
my attitude. The fear has gone. Tinnitus, instead
of dominating my life, has become of minor
concern. I learned from Seneca that, “We suffer
more often in imagination than reality". The result
is to add to the original problem. I can relax with
tinnitus and often ignore it.
The practice of Stoicism means for me keeping
track of my thoughts and controlling them.There
are also techniques of deflection. Kayaking on a
rough sea is a wonderful way to focus the mind.
Hill walking with my dog has the same effect.
And I read the Stoics every day.
Credits: Seneca by I Calidius, CCBY-SA-3.0; Stockdale
US Navy file photo. Article can be read in full at https://
modernstoicism.com/stoicism-and-tinnitus-by-deniswatkins/

TINNITUS & AGED
VETERANS
Real lives — Quiet 2018 Issue Four
Dr Georgie Burns-O'Connell with an update on this
project
Picture posed by model
First of all, I’d like to wish you all a very happy
2019! Secondly, I’d like to update you on the
progress of our research project which is
exploring the impact of tinnitus on UK military
veterans who have tinnitus and were born before 1
January 1950. This project is a collaboration
between the BTA and the University of Nottingham
and is funded by The Royal British Legion using
the Aged Veterans Fund, funded by the Chancellor
using LIBOR funds. The Aged Veterans Fund was
set up to help aged ex-service personnel who
need health-related support or who have social
care needs. Our research will make
recommendations for future support for aged
veterans based on the needs of ex-service
personnel who have tinnitus and have taken part
in this research.
and what support you think would be helpful. I will
be inviting those of you who are eligible to take
part in the next part of the research within the
next couple of weeks, so if you haven’t heard from
me yet, I appreciate your patience.
If you have any questions relating to the research,
please contact Georgie on 0114 250 9933 or
georgina@tinnitus.org.uk
The questionnaire was closed for responses in
December, which means we have completed the
first stage of the project. We received a lot of
interest in the questionnaire which shows the
need for the impact of tinnitus on veterans to be
explored. So, I’d like to say “thank you” to all of
those of you who shared the information about
the questionnaire and research with your friends
and family. Furthermore, thank you to all 120
veterans who completed the questionnaire for
sharing your opinions and experiences with us;
your input is invaluable and the research would
not be possible without you.
I am currently conducting the second part of the
research which consists of focus groups and
interviews. Over the coming month, I will be
travelling around the UK and talking with some
veterans about their experience of tinnitus. I’m
very much looking forward to meeting some of
you in person. I’ll be asking you to share further
details about your experiences of living with
tinnitus as a veteran, how it impacts on your life
27

SUPPORT GROUPS
- REDUCING ISOLATION
Colette Bunker talks to support group leaders and
attendees to reveal what goes on at meetings
Support groups are like snowflakes; no two are
the same. However, they all have one thing in
common - they are a great place to meet people
who can share experiences, personal tips, and
emotional support. Going along to a group for the
first time can be a daunting prospect for anyone
so I asked support group leaders and attendees to
shed a little light on what to expect.
Claire - Margate/Ramsgate
Claire, organiser of the Ramsgate and Margate
groups explains how she makes people feel
welcome and comfortable in her groups:
28
“When somebody new arrives, they are put with a
‘buddy’ to sit with and at the start of the meeting
I introduce them. If I have not met or spoken to
them previously, I will leave my volunteer to chat
to people coming in, and speak to the new person
so I can get an idea of what they are looking for
from the group and the best person for them
to sit with. Everybody gets a name badge when
they arrive including a picture of something they
love e.g. cat, flower, car etc., which makes for a
good opener to a conversation. When we stop for
a break, I usually will ask a couple of the regular
group members if they can have a chat with
anyone new, so nobody is left sitting on their own,
and we will make sure they have a drink. I am very
lucky that my groups are very friendly and if any
of the group see somebody on their own, they will
go and chat.
Each session I have a plan for the meeting;
however if the meeting seems to be diverting
off down another route, then I will go with what
the group want. This is particularly true if a new
member arrives, as in some cases the person
Claire
might want to chat about their tinnitus and get
some advice or have lots of questions. Other
people would rather just sit and listen and I will
have found this out when they first arrive so I
can work around this so they go away hopefully
having gained something from the meeting.”
Marc and Richard - Redbridge
Marc, Redbridge group attendee and volunteer,
shares what his experiences of attending a group
is like:
“I've had tinnitus for over 10 years now. I manage
it well and have a great life. Sometimes it
doesn't bother me at all, and sometimes it plays
up, causing me anxiety. Wherever I'm at, it's
reassuring to know there are other people out
there who also have to manage their tinnitus on a
day-to-day basis.
We have really great guest speakers who cover

a range of topics from scientific research to
practical advice. We also have weekly discussions
where people have the opportunity to share.
It's a safe space for support, reassurance and
community.”
Group facilitator Richard agrees that making a
safe space is important: "As a group we have
created a safe place. When we first started the
group we had a session on ground rules and what
was important to establish as a group. From this
we have a big flip-chart piece of paper on the
wall with the rules agreed by the group. This is
really important to remind people every week of
the ground rules and to keep the group friendly
and respectful so everyone benefits and feels
safe and included. As an employee of Action on
Hearing Loss I’ve also attended many courses
on safeguarding, confidentiality and GDPR so at
the start of each group, we reiterate the need for
confidentiality and remind the attendees that
whatever is discussed in the room stays in the
room.
Both Nicola and Marc have also been instrumental
in helping to establish these ground rules, which
I’ve learnt are the backbone in establishing and
running a successful support group. Hopefully
in Redbridge I think we’ve achieved this with the
help of the volunteers."
Richard - North London
Richard explains what people can expect from his
group in North London:
“Our group meets up 4 times a year, which keeps
things fresh in terms of finding interesting
speakers to present on the night. I sometimes ask
the group who they would like to hear from. Other
times I invite someone whom I am personally
interested in hearing from. The first half of the
meeting is always a presentation. This could
be anything from managing the psychological
impact of tinnitus, to the latest clinical trials
that are happening. This year we have had some
amazing speakers. There has been a practitioner
talking about mindfulness, a representative
from a hearing protection company, and also a
presentation from Bose UK (who make various
devices to assist with better hearing). We always
make time to incorporate a Q and A session at the
end of each presentation.
general group discussion about anything that's on
people's minds. This is usually a good opportunity
for people who have just got tinnitus to ask more
experienced members of the group how they
manage the effects of tinnitus in their day-to-day
lives.”
Setting up a tinnitus
support group
No tinnitus support group near you? If you’re
interested in starting one up yourself, we’ve asked
a few of our support group leaders to share some
advice:
Maxine - Borehamwood
Maxine describes her reasons for setting up a new
group in Borehamwood:
“After living in hope whilst undergoing tests, CT
angiograms, scans and numerous appointments
for specialists the outcome was that nothing
medical could be done for me ... I was on my own.
I didn't want to be on my own, I wanted to connect
with other sufferers. Through the BTA's Quiet
magazine I discovered my nearest support group
was a bit too far away: there was nothing for it but
to try and set up a group in my local area.
I contacted the BTA to ask for information on
setting up a group and discovered they provided
funding for this ... I was delighted! They have
provided such great support every step of the way
and are always at the end of the phone for any
questions or doubts I have had.
Support group news — Quiet 2019 Issue One
The second half of the meeting is always a
Maxine (on the left)
29

Dawn (far right,back row) with
members of the Bromley group
30
I could now bring together people who felt like
I did and we could meet up and connect and
hopefully alleviate some of the isolation and
loneliness this debilitating and at times demonic
ailment brings.
The new support group has its first meeting at the
end of January. Fingers crossed!”
Running a support group can be time-consuming
if you’re doing it alone. It’s important to ask the
group for their input from the start. The more
ownership they feel they have over the group, the
more they can help to shape it to fit their needs,
and take on some of the workload. One of these
volunteers might also step forward to take over
the group should your circumstances change and
you are no longer able to run it.
Lisa and Dawn - Bromley
Lisa, former Bromley support group organiser
shares how she worked to empower her group and
helped Dawn step forward to take over when she
could no longer run the meetings:
“Getting people to take ownership of the group
was difficult at times. Some success I had was
when I asked a few people directly if they would
share their stories with the group. They did this
willingly and it was a successful way of getting
them more involved.
Dawn had been coming to the group for a
while. She volunteered to run the Tea 4 Tinnitus
fundraiser while I was still leader: she did that
herself, I took a back seat and made sure she
had the right support. When we knew I would
be handing over, we got together for a couple of
hours and I ran through all the speakers we had
had and ideas for the future. Dawn knows how to
find me if she thinks I can be of help”.
Dawn shares how she felt taking over the Bromley
group:
“I must admit I was quite nervous about stepping
forward, mainly because I don't really like to stand
up in front of people and speak, so for me the part
of introducing the speaker is the hardest part. I
stepped forward as I really wanted the group to
carry on. I really like the group and the sessions I
have been to. I wish I had found it in the early days
of my tinnitus, it would have saved me a lot of
stress and pain, just seeing people who have got
through it and manage it rather than it managing
you. I have met some lovely, supportive people
through the group. Lisa did a great handover,
which was very helpful. The Tinnitus facilitator
training day run by the BTA came at just the right
time, it was full of information and support. It
was nice to meet people from other groups and
listen to their ideas, also knowing that we have
full support from the BTA, if we need any advice or
ideas. Leo from Deaf Access in Bromley, where we
hold the group, is a great help too.
At our last group, we didn't have a great turnout
but for me to have a new member that was feeling
very lost and low and in need of being understood
and listened to is what these groups are all about,
to help people know that you can get through it."

SUPPORT GROUPS
Scotland
Edinburgh and SE Scotland
Glasgow
Northern Ireland
Armagh and Dungannon
Belfast
Craigavon
Derry
Enniskillen
Newry and Mourne
Omagh
North-West England &
Isle of Man
Blackpool
Bolton
Bury
Garstang NEW!
Isle of Man
Liverpool/Aintree
Manchester
Prestwich
Sandbach
St Helens
Warrington
Widnes and Runcorn
Wales
Barry
North Wales
Pontypridd
Pontyclun
Rhondda
Swansea
NEW!
South-West England
Bournemouth and District
Bristol
Gloucester
Kingsbridge and District
Mid-Somerset
Taunton
Torbay
South-East England
Aldershot and District
Amersham
Ashford, Kent
Brighton
Canterbury
Crowborough
Dover
Faversham
Harpenden, Luton, St Albans
Haywards Heath
Hitchin and Stevenage
Lyndhurst/New Forest
Maidstone
Margate
Marlow/Farnham Cmn
Milton Keynes
Oxford
Ramsgate
Rochester
Salisbury
Southampton
Watford
West Kent
Worthing
West Midlands
Birmingham and District
Newcastle under Lyme
Shropshire
Stoke on Trent
Telford
Warwick
Whitchurch
If you would like contact details for any of these groups, please visit
our Support Groups Directory online at www.tinnitus.org.uk/finda-support-group,
give our friendly helpline team a call on 0800
018 0527 or drop them an email at helpline@tinnitus.org.uk. For
support in the Republic of Ireland, the Irish Tinnitus Association will
be happy to help on (0)1 817 5700
North-East England
Chester-le-Street
Darlington
Durham
Newcastle
Peterlee
Yorkshire & Humber
Bradford
Keighley
Rotherham
Rotherham Central
Sheffield
York
East Midlands
Chesterfield & N Derbyshire
Derby
Leicester
Lincoln
Northampton
Nottingham
East of England
Bury St Edmunds
Cambridgeshire
Chelmsford
Colchester
Ipswich
King's Lynn
Lowestoft
Norwich/Norfolk
Southend-on-Sea
London (within M25)
Bexley
Borehamwood NEW!
Bromley
Chiswick
Greenwich
Hornchurch
Isleworth (West Middlesex)
Kingston
North London
Orpington
Redbridge
Support groups — Quiet 2019 Issue One
31