First-Ever Free Tinnitus Information Day in Belfast

March 12, 2012 - PRLog -- For the first time, the British Tinnitus Association (BTA), the UK’s only charity dedicated to supporting those with tinnitus and their families, is to host a free one-day information event at the Wellington Park Hotel in Belfast on Saturday 26 May, from 10am – 4pm. The general public are being encouraged to attend if they, or someone they know, is affected by tinnitus.

The BTA is a world leader, with a trained team of friendly and experienced advisers for anyone who experiences tinnitus or those simply seeking guidance or information about the condition.

Thanks to a new BTA initiative funded by Awards for All, a Lottery grants scheme funding small, local community-based projects in the UK, the charity is hosting the information day in Belfast as part of a national tinnitus road show. The charity hopes that the road show, which aims to encourage better tinnitus awareness, will be extended to visit many more cities across the UK in the future.  

During the tinnitus information day there will be a number of talks on tinnitus, covering topics such as definitions of tinnitus, the impact of the condition, treatments and the availability of local support. A trio of tinnitus experts, including Don McFerran, Lawrence McKenna and Mary Mitchell will be speaking at the Belfast event and answering visitor’s questions about the condition. Representatives of the BTA will also be available at the event and will provide communication support.

Since the experience of tinnitus is often heightened when an individual is stressed or anxious, there will also be free taster sessions of relaxation techniques, such as Yoga and Tai Chi – therapies which can help to alleviate tinnitus.

A number of exhibitors will also be present at the information day including representatives from hearing charities, sensory support services and local community-based projects in the UK.  Refreshments will be provided to all delegates.

David Stockdale, CEO of the British Tinnitus Association, said: “We’re really looking forward to the tinnitus road show since it will be the first time that the BTA has been able to get on the road and meet people in Belfast and to answer their tinnitus-related questions face to face. The team of experts that we have assembled for the event, as well as the diverse talks, relaxation sessions and exhibitors, make for an vibrant and comprehensive programme.”

He continued: “We hope that local people will make the most of the opportunity to find out more about this condition and to gain insight into how it can be managed, so that tinnitus has as little impact on the day to day lives of those who experience it as possible.”

The Belfast event will be held at Wellington Park Hotel, 21 Malone Road, Belfast, BT9 6RU.

Not an illness or disease, tinnitus is a term that describes the sensation of hearing a noise in the absence of an external sound. The noise can have virtually any quality. Ringing, whistling, and buzzing are common, but more complex sounds may also be reported. Troublesome tinnitus can be very distressing for the affected individual, and issues may arise with sleep, concentration and mood. However, in many cases, subtle changes in people’s environment can address these issues, and improve quality of life.

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Editors Notes
The BTA is an independent charity which supports thousands of people who experience tinnitus and advises medical professionals from across the world.

The British Tinnitus Association strives to be the primary source of support and information for people with tinnitus in the UK, thereby facilitating an improved quality of life. It aims to encourage prevention through its educational programme and to seek a cure for permanent head noise through a medical research programme.

The experienced team at the BTA understands the impact that tinnitus can have on the lives of those who experience tinnitus and those who live with them, so seeks to provides the most appropriate and expert advice and information free of charge – via a confidential freephone helpline on 0800 018 0527 and online at www.tinnitus.org.uk. The BTA can also post printed and audio information and advice.

Visit the BTA’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BritishTinnitusAssociation and follow the BTA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/BritishTinnitus

For more information
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