More people living with tinnitus than previously thought

[NicBTA]

Following a full review of all the available research over the last 35 years, we've increased our estimate of how many people are suffering from tinnitus from 10% of people (1 in 10) to 13.2% ( more than 1 in 8).

As previously revealed, we also think that the number of people living with tinnitus is set to increase even further - by more than half a million over the next decade, due to an increasing and ageing population, and the new 1 in 8 figure doesn't include these people.

For the full story, see tinnitus.org.uk/blog/more-p...

Does this number surprise you? Do you think it could be even more? We'd love to hear your thoughts.

Nic (BTA Communications Manager)

[Ingrid-p]

Hi Nic

I actually think it's more. I work in a supermarket and am always telling people I've got tinnitus. 3 people told me today that they've got it as well. My husband's got it as well.

The younger generation are the ones I worry about. They constantly have headphones on or music playing too loud. It's an epidemic waiting to happen.

I really don't know why there isn't more positive help. All we get is hearing aids, maskers, distraction, learn to live with it etc. After 37 years I still suffer although I regularly habituate and then something happens to bring it to the front of my mind again. When it's bad there's no escape from the noise, doesn't matter what I do. I guess I'm lucky that I'm able to sleep even when it's really loud.

Talking about it is fine, but it's positive research we need for this "silent illness".

I'm 61 now and had it since I was 23, not always bad, but I would love to hear silence.

Reading some of the posts on here is really upsetting, so I'm not continually on here any more. I just wish we could all find the peace we need. Even just a reduction in noise would be amazing.

I'm sure a cure is out there, but how much longer do we have to wait?

Ingrid xx