British Tinnitus Awareness Week 2017

2017 activity will be based around the campaign ‘Together for Tinnitus’ which is intended to generate discussion about tinnitus and raise awareness of the work being carried out and support provided by the British Tinnitus Association and other services across the UK, at hospitals and support groups.

The BTA will be raising awareness amongst GPs about the condition and the treatment options available, so they feel confident to support patients who are experiencing this often distressing and debilitating condition. During the week, the association will be launching their official ‘Tinnitus Guidance for GPs’ document which will provide the most up-to-date information on how people suffering with tinnitus can best be helped from diagnosis through to self-help management of the condition. In addition, they will be promoting a new online resource targeting people newly diagnosed with tinnitus www.takeontinnitus.co.uk. Take on Tinnitus is designed to give facts and ideas for things you can do to manage tinnitus and is an ideal resource for GPs to suggest to new tinnitus patients.

Hearing care professionals can help the BTA raise awareness of tinnitus and services provided, by having a prominent display in their department, practice or in a place where you will get maximum attention.

Emily Broomhead, Project Manager at the BTA explained, “A display is great. A staffed stall is even better because it gives members of the public the opportunity to come along and talk. Anything you can do to help support the week is always appreciated. We will provide you with information to give out including leaflets, posters and postcards. We can also provide balloons to draw attention to your stand and we’ll raise awareness of any events through our social media streams.” Emily has provided a list of ways hearing care professionals can get involved:

• If you use social media professionally or socially, share and use the hashtag #TAW2017.

• Request or download on  www.tinnitus.org.uk a ‘Together for Tinnitus’ postcard/flyer and show your support with a selfie on social media during the week.

• Download a Twibbon and use it as your profile image on social media.

• Request a TAW poster or download one and display it locally so that more people know it’s Tinnitus Awareness Week.

• Let your GP know that the new Tinnitus Guidelines for GPs are available so they can become more informed.

• Join in with the Thunderclap on Friday 10th Feb – ‘We are standing together for tinnitus #TAW2017.’

• Support the BTA with a donation – they need to raise half a million pounds each year to continue their UK wide support. Donations can be made via  www.justgiving.com/BTA.

If you would like to get involved, please do get in touch with the BTA via emily@tinnitus.org.uk or call 0114 2509933 and help make Tinnitus Awareness Week 2017 the best one yet.