Tinnitus Awareness Week

A national charity is calling on more to be done to help support the 7.6 million people in the UK living with tinnitus, with shocking new research showing a fifth of those living with the condition have experienced thoughts of self-harm and even suicide.

Tinnitus, a condition characterised by hearing sounds such as ringing or buzzing without an external source, affects one in seven adults in the UK. While it can be a temporary annoyance for some, for others, it becomes a persistent and distressing companion and can have massive implications on mental health.

As part of Tinnitus Week, Tinnitus UK has released new research highlighting the impact the condition has on the lives of people living with tinnitus. 1 in 5 people living with tinnitus have experienced thoughts of self-harm or suicide in the last year alone, while 80% agreed it had led to them experiencing low mood or anxiety.

Aston spoke to Nic Wray, communications manager and report author at Tinnitus UK.