Download Autumn Newsletter 2016

BOURNEMOUTH & DISTRICT TINNITUS GROUP
www.bournemouthtinnitus.co.uk
Chair: Keeley Salmon
01202 511386
Treasurer: Sandra Barling
01202 297902
Secretary: Ed Maeer
01202 518647
Dear Member,
Autumn Newsletter 2016
My wife and I have recently returned from our autumn break in Devon. The weather was good with
clear blue skies and sunshine most days. We are now back to reality and the autumn newsletter
again. Where does the time go?
Tinnitus Awareness Week - 6th to 12th February 2017
In 2017 the group will be returning to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital on Tuesday 7th and
Wednesday 8th February after missing out last year due to the fact that major alterations were
being carried out. If you are able to assist on either day it would be greatly appreciated. We find it
interesting to converse with members of the public and hospital staff.
Programme for 2017
Enclosed with this newsletter are details of planned meetings etc for next year. Once again I have
received much appreciated help from Keeley, our chairperson. Hopefully you will find the
programme interesting and acceptable. If you are able to make it to any of our get-togethers it
would be good to see you. Please note that there will be no meeting in January due to the fact that
numbers have been less than normal and costs in respect of speakers and room rental have to be
taken into account.
Christmas party 2016
Perhaps you would care to underline TUESDAY 13th DECEMBER as the date for this year's
party. Last year's was well attended and everyone joined in the various activities and
appeared to enjoy themselves. The party consists of a picture quiz, games of bingo, a
Christmas tea followed by a raffle of seasonal goodies. During the afternoon background
music is presented by Colin, our regular pianist, followed by some lively and quite good, if I
may say so, carol singing. If you are able to join us I am sure you will find it most enjoyable
and very sociable.
NB Please note that this year's party has been changed from a Wednesday to a
Tuesday.
What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the name for sounds heard either in one ear, both ears or in the head which don't have an
external source. It is not a disease or an illness. In most cases it is linked to a problem in the
hearing system. See the paragraph below headed "What causes tinnitus?" . Tinnitus is common
and affects one in ten adults in the UK. People of all ages, including young children, experience
tinnitus but it is more common in those over the age of 60.
What causes tinnitus?
The exact cause of tinnitus is not fully understood and research is ongoing. It is usually a symptom
of a problem within the hearing system. When we hear, sound waves enter the ear and are
converted into electrical signals by tiny hair cells in the inner ear. The hearing nerve then carries
the electrical signals to the brain where they are analysed and recognised so we hear them as sound.
The brain has complex systems that filter out sounds which don't have meaning to us and which
control how we react to sound. This means that we might not notice the background sound of
traffic or a clock ticking but we would notice the sound of a baby crying or our name being spoken.
If there is a problem within your hearing system, such as damage to the hair cells or an ear
infection, the brain does not receive as many electrical signals. Neurons (nerve cells in the brain)
try to get more signals from the ear and become hyperactive. This activity creates "noise" within
the hearing system and if the brain's filtering systems do not filter it out you will hear it as tinnitus.
Stay positive
The good news is that most people find that their tinnitus improves slowly over time. This is
because the brain gradually learns to filter out tinnitus and so it becomes less intrusive. The process
is know as "habituation" which is the main goal of tinnitus therapies.
I think I have tinnitus. What should I do?
The first step is to see your GP. It might be that your tinnitus is caused by a temporary problem
which your GP can treat, such as an ear infection or excess wax. If this isn't the case your GP
should refer you to the audiology or ENT department of your local hospital for further tests.
The above paragraphs have been taken from a booklet entitled "UNDERSTANDING TINNITUS"
published by Action on Hearing Loss for which I am most grateful.
Our group exists to support you, so do come to the meetings if you are able.
If you are unable to make it to the party we hope that you will have a peaceful and relaxing
Christmas.
Best wishes to you all for 2017.
Regards
Ed Maeer
Secretary
Local Tinnitus Group contact: Jean Lakins 01202 468480
British Tinnitus Association
Helpline: Free phone 0800 018 0527
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.tinnitus.org.uk
Action on Hearing Loss (RNID)
Freephone - 0808 808 0123
Website: www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk
Email: [email protected]