The NHS Highland audiology department at Raigmore Hospital are holding an information session to mark Tinnitus Awareness Week.
Karen Williamson is the head of audiology at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness, and believes that raising awareness of tinnitus can help people living with the condition manage it better.
She said: “Tinnitus can affect anyone at anytime, and hearing tinnitus for the first time can be quite frightening if you think it means that something is wrong with you. I would encourage anyone who has experienced buzzing or ringing in their ears to come along on the day.
“We can test your hearing and give you a number of options to help. We have access to some devices which can help you become accustomed to the noises you may be hearing, and ones that can help you get to sleep.”
About 10% of adults, or six million people across the UK, have constant mild tinnitus, which are sounds that come from inside your body rather than from an outside source.
For many people tinnitus might only be a minor irritation, however up to 200,000 people in the UK have symptoms which significantly impacts on their quality of life.
Karen continued: “It is quite common for people to develop the condition as they get older. All audiology services with NHS Highland have referral pathways with local GP practices, and they are able to give you support and advice on how to manage tinnitus.
“Keeping relaxed, fit and healthy will encourage your brain to listen to more interesting sounds. In most cases, tinnitus settles down and goes away naturally. However it will get better as time goes on as your brain learns how to manage it.
“It can make a huge difference to someone to have their hearing improved. They are able to be more social, get involved in everyday conversations and enjoy all the interactions they’ve been excluded from and have a better quality of life.”
The information session will take place between 1.30pm and 3.30pm in the audiology department at Raigmore Hospital on Tuesday, 9th February.