Slay bells ringing this Christmas, with tinnitus tackling tips from Deafness Research UK

For people suffering from tinnitus, peace on earth would be welcome at any time of the year, but even more so at Christmas when people are looking to enjoy themselves. Deafness Research UK has some top tips to slay the bells ringing in your ears.
 
Dec. 17, 2010 - PRLog -- For people suffering from tinnitus, peace on earth would be welcome at any time of the year, but even more so at Christmas when people are looking to enjoy themselves. Deafness Research UK has some top tips to slay the bells ringing in your ears for the festive season - and on coping with tinnitus if you already have it, or protecting your ears from this ghastly Grinch if you don’t.

Tinnitus is the constant sound of whistling or ceaseless ringing in the ears. There is no cure and the problem is on the increase. More and more of us are unwittingly ‘downloading deafness’ by pumping higher and higher volumes into our ears via MP3 players and in noisy clubs and bars where the sound can reach over 110 decibels, risking a lifetime of deafness and tinnitus. If you leave a bar or wake up the next morning with a ringing in your ears, it’s a sign that you may have caused some damage to your hearing.

It is estimated that over five million people in Britain suffer from tinnitus, which has been linked to extreme depression and even suicide. Many tinnitus suffers report that it has a negative effect on their personal relationships and working life. There is currently no cure for tinnitus, but symptoms can be managed by lowering stress levels. One of Deafness Research UK’s priority research areas is to find the underlying causes of this distressing and debilitating condition.

For those planning on hitting the clubs and bars this Christmas, Deafness Research UK advises investing in some good quality earplugs to protect your hearing. Earplugs mean you can still hear the music but they will cut out the more dangerous noise levels that reach over 85 decibels. There are a good range of earplugs out there to choose from which are discreet, low cost and mean you can enjoy the party whilst giving your ears the gift of sound for many years to come.

“We are not telling people to stop going out and enjoying themselves, but rather to take some simple steps to protect their hearing during the festive season before it’s too late,” said Vivienne Michael, Chief Executive of Deafness Research UK.

Top tips for protecting your hearing during the party season:

1.Always remember to take earplugs with you when you got to a club or concert, or even a noisy pub
2.Invest in some re-usable ear plugs (around £15) – these are much better than disposable earplugs when in a noisy environment, as the re-usable plugs cut out both high and low frequencies – protecting you from dangerous sound levels, but not spoiling your enjoyment of the music.
3.To insert earplugs correctly: first, about a third of the way down your ear, gently pull upwards and outwards before you insert the earplug. This helps to straighten the ear canal as the earplug goes in.
4.Enough of the earplug should protrude out of the ear so you can gently twist and remove it after use.
5.Wash your re-usable plugs after use with soap and water. This helps keep them in good condition and avoids risk of infection.

Do not assume that by wearing earplugs you are fully protected against hearing damage. Remember to be aware of how loud the music is and for how long you are being exposed. Also give your ears times to recover after exposure to excessive noise. Spending around 2 hours in a club that plays over 100 decibels, means you need at least 16 hours of rest afterwards for your ears to recover. If you are concerned about having damaged your hearing, we recommend that you visit your GP as soon as possible.

For more information, our free ‘Managing tinnitus’ leaflet explains the condition and offers tips on how to cope with the problem. Order copies from our Advisory Service info@deafnessresearch.org.uk, tel 0808 808 2222 or visit www.deafnessresearch.org.uk

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Notes to editors

Photo caption: Vivienne Michael of Deafness Research UK has top tinnitus tips for this festive season

•Case studies are available, including Conrad Jarvis, a DJ who came to suffer from hearing loss and tinnitus and many others forced to combat depression as a result of this condition.

•Facts about loud music and your hearing are available on the Deafness Research UK website http://www.deafnessresearch.org.uk/loudmusic
   
About Deafness Research UK
•Deafness Research UK is the country’s only charity dedicated to finding new cures, treatments and technologies for deaf, hard of hearing and other hearing impaired people.
•The charity supports high quality medical research into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of all forms of hearing impairment including tinnitus.
•The Deafness Research UK Advisory Service provides free information and advice based on the latest scientific evidence and informed by leading experts. The Information Service can be contacted on Freephone 0808 808 2222
•For more information on research into deafness, tinnitus and other hearing conditions, log on to the website at www.deafnessresearch.org.uk where you can access a wide range of information. Alternatively you can e-mail Deafness Research UK at info@deafnessresearch.org.uk
•One in seven people in the UK – almost nine million people - suffer hearing loss.
•Deafness Research UK was founded in 1985 by Lord (Jack) and Lady Ashley of Stoke.
•In January 2008, Action for Tinnitus Research (ATR) was linked with Deafness Research UK under a uniting direction order under section 96(6) of the Charities Act 1993.

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Ref: DRUK0327 – Slay bells ringing this Christmas with top tips from Deafness Research UK

                                     www.deafnessresearch.org.uk

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