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Hearing Impairment

Information for people who are Hearing Impaired, Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Section links: Introduction | Registration | Getting Help | Tinnitus | Communication | Employment | Useful Contacts

Tinnitus

Many people, both hearing and hearing impaired suffer from tinnitus. Tinnitus is a sensation of ringing, whistling, hissing or buzzing which is ‘heard’ although there is no appropriate similar sound in the environment. It is caused by a slight defect in the hearing system and does not necessarily relate to the cause of deafness.

Tinnitus may be caused by hearing disorders associated with ageing, exposure to loud noises (pop concerts, discos, explosions) to illness, injury, infection, or a reaction to medication. Many sufferers think that their tinnitus gets worse at night or when they are anxious or worried about something.

There appears to be no cure, but advice, therapy and support is available through the hospital audiology department.