Survey
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
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]