Quiet - Issue 2 2021

QUIET 

Issue Two 2021 

QUIET 2021 Issue Two www.tinnitus.org.uk 1

Thank you to our Corporate Members for their support 

AfterShokz 

Autifony Therapeutics 

Limited 

CAuRES Hearing 

Aid Solutions 

EarDial 

Harley Street 

Hearing 

Hearing Therapy 

Ltd 

Hidden Hearing 

The 

Hearing 

Coach 

Lakeland 

Hearing 

Nuheara 

RNID 

Snugs 

Earphones Ltd 

Tinnitus 

E-Programme 

Doncaster and 

Bassetlaw Teaching 

Hospitals NHS 

Foundation Trust 

Royal Cornwall NHS 


Always Ear 

Better 

Hearing 

Clinic 

Chippendale 

Hearing 

Flare 

Audio 

Harbeth 

Audio Ltd 

Hear Pure and 

Wellbeing 

HiKent 

Leightons 

Opticians and 

Hearing Care 

Oticon 

Scrivens Hearing 

Care 

Sonova UK 

Limited 

The Invisible 

Hearing 

Clinic 

Widex UK Ltd 

East Kent University 

Hospitals NHS 


Royal Hallamshire 

Hospital 

(Sheffield Teaching Hospitals 

NHS Foundation Trust) 

AngliEAR Hearing & 

Tinnitus Solutions 

Bollington Hearing 

Centre 

Cubex Ltd 

Geraint Davies 

Hearing Ltd 

Hear Again 

Limited 

Hear We Care 

Holland 

Doctors of 

Audiology 

M C Hearing 

Oto Health Ltd 

Simply Hearing 

Sound Matters 

The Outside Clinic 

Hospital 

services 

Gloucestershire 

Hospitals NHS 


Sandwell and West 

Birmingham Hospitals 

NHS Trust 

Audiological 

Science 

British 

Academy 

of Audiology 

Diane 

Hammond 

Independent 

Audiologist 

Guymark UK 

Limited 

Hearbase 

Hearwell 

Ltd 

Isabella Fisher 

Independent 

Hearing Care 

Neuromod 

Devices Ltd 

Peter Byrom 

Audiology Ltd 

Sivantos Ltd 

Specsavers 

The Tinnitus 

and 

Hyperacusis 

Network 

Barnsley Hospital NHS 


Nobles Hospital 

Isle of Man 

Torbay and South 

Devon NHS 


Audiological 

Specialist 

Care Ltd 

British Society 

of Audiology 

Duearity 

Halo 

Hearing 

Solutions 

Hearing 

Power 

Help in 

Hearing Ltd 

Isle of Man 

Hearing Solutions 

North East 

Hearing and 

Balance 

Puretone Ltd 

Smiths 

Hearing 

Care Ltd 

Starkey Hearing 

Technologies 

The 

Tinnitus 

Clinic 

Chesterfield Royal 

Hospital NHS 


Royal Berkshire NHS 


Worcestershire Acute 

Hospitals NHS Trust

Supporters 02 

Thank you to our Corporate Members 

BTA news 04 

Notice of AGM 

How you can support us 

Save the date: Tinnitus Week 

Fundraising 14 

Meet the marathon runners 

Research 16 

Marie and Jack Shapiro Prize 

The BTA Virtual Conference 

Real lives 21 

Adaobi, Geoff and Nick share their 

stories of living with tinnitus 

Tinnitus support 25 

Tinnitus support team 

Meet the volunteer - Louise 

Tinnitus support group listings 

QUIET 

Volume 32 Number 2 ISSN: 0968-1264 

Urgent appeal 06 

We desperately need more Tinnitus 

Support Advisers 

Sound sensitivity 08 

Getting back to a loud world 

Supersensitive connection causes 

hatred of noises 

Louise's story 

Fake or fabulous? 19 

Can CBD gummie sweets really cure 

tinnitus? 

Don't throw away the wrapper! The wrapper for your magazine is 

now compostable with your garden waste. 

Contacts 

Our Vision: 

A world where no one suffers from tinnitus. 

Our Mission: 

We will drive progress towards a cure and deliver 

excellent support to help people living with tinnitus. 

tinnitus.org.uk 

Editor 

Nic Wray 

nic@tinnitus.org.uk 

Address 

British Tinnitus Association, Ground Floor, Unit 5, Acorn 

Business Park, Woodseats Close, Sheffield, S8 OTB 

Registered charity no: 1011145. Registered in England. 

Helpline 

0800 018 0527 

Whilst the British Tinnitus Association (BTA) makes every attempt to ensure the accuracy and reliability of information in this 

magazine, it is not a substitute for medical advice. You should always see your GP/ medical professional. Advertisements for 

organisations, products or services do not imply endorsement of them by the BTA. All views are those of the authors and not the BTA.

BTA NEWS 

Notice of AGM 

Christmas is coming! 

As holding a virtual AGM last year 

was so successful in increasing 

participation, we have decided to hold 

the 2021 meeting online. 

The AGM will take place via the Zoom 

platform on 7 October at 6.00pm. We 

do hope you can join us. To register to 

attend please sign up at: 

tinnitus.org.uk/virtual-agm-2021 

As well as the business of the day - 

approving our accounts and voting 

in new Trustees - there will also be a 

presentation from our Chief Executive 

David Stockdale on the activities of 

the BTA. 

If you are a member of the BTA, you 

will find a copy of the AGM papers 

included with the magazine. This 

includes a summary financial report, 

and the candidate statements for 

potential Trustees. Also included is a 

voting form - please complete this and 

return it to us in the envelope included 

by 4 October. 

Although we're still living in uncertain 

times, some things never change - and the 

approach of Christmas is one of them. 

Send your good wishes to absent friends 

and family and support our work with our 

new 100% plastic-free Christmas cards. 

Choose a pack of 10 cards and envelopes 

from the following designs for just £4.50: 

1. Skating Time 2. Robin on a Handle 

3. Woodland Stag 4. Nativity 

The message inside all the cards is 

'Season's Greetings'. 

As a member, you’ll receive 10% discount 

on any Christmas card orders. You can 

order at tinnitus.org.uk/shop, or call 0114 

250 9933, or post your order request along 

with your name, address and cheque using 

the FREEPOST BTA envelope enclosed. 

4 www.tinnitus.org.uk 

QUIET 2021 Issue Two

Last chance to win £1,000! 

• 1st prize: £1,000 donated by ESP 

Projects 

• 2nd prize: Nuheara IQbuds2 MAX (worth 

£349) 

• 3rd prize: £100 

We were blown away in spring as you 

helped to raise nearly £5,000 in our Easter 

Raffle to fund our vital work for the tinnitus 

community. 

With this in mind, you now have the chance 

to enter our Summer Raffle, with a new 

bigger cash prize of £1,000. 

Entries are just £2 each and you will be in 

with a chance of winning: 

To enter, please either: 

• Donate online at uk.virginmoneygiving. 

com/fund/summer-raffle 

• Call 0114 250 9933 to make a payment 

• Post a cheque/postal order along with 

your name, address, phone number and 

how many tickets you’d like to buy, using 

the FREEPOST BTA envelope enclosed. 

The raffle closes on Monday 13 September. 

All tickets will be entered into an online 

random generator and winners will be 

selected on our live Facebook draw on 

Thursday 16 September. Good luck! 

Entrants must be 18+ and reside in the UK. 

For full T&Cs, see our website for details. 


URGENT 

APPEAL 

www.tinnitus.org.uk/urgentappeal 

The increase in calls to our helpline during 

the pandemic means we desperately need 

more Tinnitus Support Advisers. 

We have all faced challenges during the pandemic. For people living with 

tinnitus, isolation and reduced access to health services have led to a huge 

increase in calls to our tinnitus helpline for support. This surge in calls will 

not go away any time soon, with tinnitus now being recognised as an effect 

of long Covid. 

As the number of people accessing support from us rises, you can make 

sure we answer those calls. Please donate today to make sure a Tinnitus 

Support Adviser will be able to offer support, reassurance and information 

to people struggling to cope with tinnitus. 

We need your help to support more people. More people like Christina. 

Christina’s story 

“The ringing in my ear was all I could hear. 

It controlled me and I lost weight, became extremely 

anxious and withdrawn. I was a different person. I spoke 

to 8 or 9 doctors initially, who were all very quick to dismiss 

me, which made it worse as I just felt like a burden. I couldn’t 

cope. I called the BTA helpline during a panic attack, the lady that 

I spoke to was lovely and gave me lots of helpful information.” 

+143% 

The calls to 

our helpline have 

increased by 143% 

over the last year. 

And call numbers 

continue to rise. 

Your generous 

donation can 

make sure a Tinnitus 

Support Adviser 

answers that call 

to a person living 

with tinnitus when 

they need it most. 

Why our helpline services are vital 

Our helpline services include our telephone helpline, web chat, email 

and SMS text service. Our helpline is solely dedicated to supporting people 

with tinnitus when they need that support most. Please donate today.

What is the link between tinnitus and Covid-19? 

A recent study found that nearly half (46%) of UK sufferers reported that their 

condition had been made worse due to the impact of lockdown and lifestyle 

changes. Feelings of uncertainty, stress and anxiety caused by the pandemic 

– or even associated with having the vaccination – are known triggers of tinnitus. 

Tinnitus has also been officially recognised as a side effect of Covid-19 

and long Covid. And, because of limited GP availability and waiting times of 

almost a year or more for specialist tinnitus services, our helpline is often 

the only source of help for many. 

How you can help 

Please donate today to make sure that a Tinnitus Support Adviser can answer 

that call from Christina and many others like her. Christina knows what a 

difference that call made to her life. As the number of people asking us for 

help to cope with tinnitus rises, you can make that difference to the life of a 

person living with tinnitus. Your donation can ensure that people like Christina 

can receive the support, information and reassurance they need to live well. 

Meet some of our Tinnitus Support Advisers 

Here are some examples 

of the difference your 

donation can make: 

£15 

covers the average 

cost of a helpline call. 

£29 

could cover the 

cost of a dedicated 

Tinnitus Support 

Adviser for an hour. 

£88 

will pay for our 

Freephone line 

rental for a month. 

Jess 

David 

A few words from Jess: 

Isabelle 

"The generosity of our donors and fundraisers has kept me 

motivated whilst working from home. I look forward to still being 

here for people with tinnitus over our webchat and helpline." 

We are asking you to change the lives of more people living with tinnitus 

by donating now. 

Thank you in advance for helping us work towards changing the lives of 

people living with tinnitus. Your gift today will make a big difference tomorrow. 

Please donate £15 today to make sure that a 

Tinnitus Support Adviser can answer that call 

from a person living with tinnitus tomorrow. 

Thank you. 

Please 

donate today 

Help us support more 

people struggling with 

tinnitus and the effects 

of this unprecedented 

pandemic. We need 

your help now. 

Donate by using 

the reply slip and 

enclosed envelope or by 

visiting our website at 

www.tinnitus.org.uk/ 

urgentappeal 

Alternatively, you can 

call 0114 250 9933 and 

donate over the phone.

SOUND SENSITIVITY: 

GETTING BACK TO A LOUD WORLD 

Many people struggle with hearing in 

background noise and some people also 

have a sensitivity to sounds. When this 

sensitivity brings stress and anxiety, this 

is called hyperacusis. 

After more than a year of quiet at home, 

perhaps you are worried about going back 

into the noisy social world? 

We'd like to give you some ideas to get 

started, but if you need more help, ask 

your GP for a referral to your local Audiology 

service. 

Dealing with noise sensitivity starts at 

home. A suggested approach is divided into 

four stages, which are all equally important. 

1. Prepare your ears 

Practise being in noise at home, by putting 

the television or some music on in the 

background. To make the sounds more 

realistic, you can use online or mobile 

phone apps to play a variety of sounds, 

including irritating ones like café noises! 

Play your chosen sound quietly while you 

focus on an enjoyable activity, such as 

reading or crafts. Test this out, did you 

manage ok? Play these sounds for a little 

while every day, starting with a quiet 

volume and building up as you get more 

used to it. 

If you have hearing aids, wear them 

at home, even if you are not talking to 

someone. This will help your ears get used 

to hearing all the little background sounds 

again. Again, start with a little time each 

day and gradually build up to wearing them 

all day. 

Avoid ear defenders unless you are in a 

noisy situation, as they will make your ears 

more sensitive to loud sounds. 

2. Prepare yourself 

Breathing exercises can help you to 

calm down, slowing your heart rate and 

distracting your mind. You can find many 

exercises online. Practise them at home 

in quiet, then with sound playing. Then, 

when you go out, you will already be ready 

if it is noisy. 

You can also prepare a 'thought-buster 

sentence' to make you feel better. Think 

of something you would say to reassure 

a friend in the same situation, something 

like "You were great at going out before and 

with practice, you'll be great again". Use 

this sentence every day so that it is easy to 

remember when you need it - maybe write 

it down, or save it as a phone message to 

yourself. 

It helps to get other people to help you, and 

be your 'buddy', both for support when you 

are out and for practice beforehand. Before 

you go out, agree with them what you'd 

like them to do - they could reassure you 

or prompt you to breathe, or give them the 

words to use if it gets too much. 

We all need a phrase to say to other people 

when noise is too much, such as "Is there 

somewhere quieter we can sit, as I'm 



Prepare your ears 

• Practise being in noise 

with the TV, music or 

background sounds on 

• Do something relaxing 

while you learn to ignore 

these 

• Avoid using ear defenders 

• Use your hearing aids 

daily 

Tackle anxious 

thoughts 

• Practise controlling 

negative thoughts 

• What would you say to a 

friend who was anxious? 

• Write it down for yourself 

to read 

Use a trusted buddy 

• Tell them what is 

worrying you 

• Practise together 

• They can help you when 

you're anxious 

Position yourself in 

the best place 

• Having your back to the 

wall reduces noise behind 

• Choose places with good 

acoustics 

• Soft furnishings, such as 

cushions and curtains, 

help 

Keep calm 

and take 

your time 

Start easy 

• Choose a familiar quiet 

place to start 

• Take regular breaks 

• Feel good about the time 

that you stay 

Prepare a phrase 

and practise it 

"I've got sensitive ears - 

please can you turn the 

music down?" 

• Choose your own phrase 

and practise saying it. 

• You can write it on a card 

to show people, too 

Learn breathing 

techniques 

• Use calming breaths 

when anxious 

• Smell helps too - try a 

hankie with a favourite 

calming scent 

Make a plan 

• Then use your plan to 

learn from 

• What worked? 

• What will you do 

differently next time? 

finding it difficult with the noise level?" 

You could also write this down, or save it to 

your phone. 

3. Starting to go out 

Start with something easy when you first go 

out, such as sitting in the garden. Perhaps 

play some sounds while you relax. Next you 

could move to a chat in the street, or a quiet 

table outside a café. Plan to be there just 

a short time, and choose understanding 

people to meet. Build up gradually, one 

place at a time. 

For the first few times, go somewhere 

familiar. Try sitting with your back to a wall, 

and look for a place that has soft cushions 

or curtains to absorb noise. If you need to, 

use your 'too noisy phrase'. 

Try to immerse yourself in the situation and 

have fun being out. But keep your plan to 

hand: breathe; thought-buster sentence; 

buddy; too noisy phrase. 

Every now and again, go outside or to 

another room to take a break. While you 

are there, take deep breaths and say your 


thought-buster sentence. 

When a noise triggers your feelings, you are 

ready for this! Use your plan. If you need to, 

take another break. Once you are back in 

control, you may find that you can carry on. 

4. If things get too much 

If things get too much, it is ok to leave. 

After a few moments to yourself, you may 

find you can come back in again for a short 

time. Or you may feel this is enough for one 

day. This will be a gradual process, so it is 

good to spend short times in each situation, 

and increase them over weeks and months. 

Feel good for the time you spent in the 

situation: you are doing well! 

For situations where you feel you can’t 

leave, e.g. on public transport, it can help 

to have a back-up option in your bag or 

pocket. Ear defenders are not helpful in 

everyday situations, but it can help to 

reassure you to have them on hand if 

everything gets too much. If you have 

hearing aids, taking them out can have the 

same quietening effect. 

Once you have left, you can review how this 

went. 

• Did you use your plan? 

• If you did, what went well? Be proud of 

this achievement! 

• What didn’t go well? What have you 

learned? 

• If you didn’t use your plan, what stopped 

you? 

• What did your buddy see? Asking others 

can help to know what happened. 

You can use the breathing or mindfulness 

exercises to also restore your calm 

afterwards. Once you have learnt from 

the situation, leave it behind. Tomorrow 

will be a new day to try out your plan again. 

When you are rested, you can practise 

again. But make sure you take a break first! 

It is likely to take a few months to gradually 

get back into your everyday social and work 

situations. Be patient and kind to yourself, 

and enjoy the times that you do have out 

and about. 

If you are not finding these tips helpful, 

or need help to work through this, please 

do speak to either your Audiologist or 

Occupational Therapist, or ask your GP for 

a referral to your local Audiology service. 

This article has been written by Sarah Bant 

(Clinical Scientist in Audiology), Vicky Sadler, 

(Hearing Therapist),Karen Shearsmith-Farthing 

(Occupational Therapist) and Kathryn Fackrell 

(Researcher), with the help of people living with 

noise sensitivity. A longer version of this article 

can be found on the Dementia Voices website at 

https://bit.ly/NoiseLock 

Save the date! 

The BTA Virtual EXPO will be 

taking place over the weekend 

of 16 to 17 October 2021. 

We will be delivering a range 

of online sessions for those 

with tinnitus, where we will be 

joined by tinnitus patients who 

will be sharing their stories 

and tips and answering your 

questions. 

Further details will be 

confirmed shortly. If you have 

any questions, please email 

events@tinnitus.org.uk 



Supersensitive connection causes 

hatred of noises 

A supersensitised brain connection has 

been identified in people who suffer from 

misophonia, an extreme reaction to 'trigger' 

sounds. 

For the first time, researchers led by 

Newcastle University, have discovered 

increased connectivity in the brain between 

the auditory cortex and the motor control 

areas related to the face, mouth and throat. 

Lead researcher Dr Sukhbinder Kumar, 

said: “Our findings indicate that for 

people with misophonia there is abnormal 

communication between the auditory and 

motor brain regions – you could describe it 

as a ‘supersensitised connection’. 

“This is the first time such a connection 

in the brain has been identified for the 

condition.” 

Misophonia, which means ‘hatred of sound’, 

is a condition in which sufferers experience 

intense and involuntary reactions to certain 

sounds made by other people, referred to 

as ‘trigger’ sounds. Trigger sounds are often 

the sound of someone chewing, breathing 

or speaking. 

Their reaction is often extreme, and tends 

to consist of a combination of anger, 

disgust, fight-or-flight response, sometimes 

an urge to hurt the person making the 

sound or to leave the situation. 

The condition is common, affecting 

anywhere between 6% to 20% of people. 

Those with the more severe forms can find 

themselves unable to tolerate family, work, 

public or social situations. 

Previously, misophonia had been 

considered a disorder of sound processing. 

Dr Kumar added: “Interestingly, some 

people with misophonia can lessen their 

symptoms by mimicking the action 

generating the trigger sound, which might 

indicate restoring a sense of control. Using 

this knowledge may help us to develop new 

therapies for people with the condition.” 

Reference 

Kumar S, Dheerendra P, Erfanian M, Benzaquén E, 

Sedley W, Gander PE, Lad M, Bamiou DE, Griffiths 

TD. The motor basis for misophonia. Journal 

of Neuroscience. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1523/ 

JNEUROSCI.0261-21.2021 




Even the sound of my own 

voice can annoy me! 

Louise is 31 and has lived with 

misophonia all her life. Here she 

explains the impact it has on her. 

I can't remember a time when I wasn't 

sensitive to certain sounds but I've only 

realised that it's an actual condition with 

a name in the last five years or so. 

It doesn't seem to matter whether the 

volume of my trigger sounds is high or low 

- I will react. I get angry and frustrated and 

it's as if a rage comes over me, but I am 

learning to calm my reactions. 

I find the sounds of other people eating 

to be a big trigger but even the sound of 

my own voice can annoy me. When I was 

younger, I would only sit down to a family 

meal once a year, at Christmas. Even 

then I would go straight up to my room 

afterwards, which made my mum very sad. 

For a long time, I didn't ask for help. I had a 

guilty conscience about asking for support 

because I thought it would be wasting the 

doctor's time. However, I am now receiving 

counselling and getting support to help me 

to control my emotions, and I have been 

working on exposing myself to more noises. 

I am now actually able to eat out with 

others in a restaurant or if I'm out and 

about. There does have to be noise in the 

background though, and sometimes I have 

to play games on my phone. These both 

help my brain go somewhere else and treat 

the sound of eating as a background sound, 

so it's not too bad. 

Louise Lansbury 

My current challenge is managing the 

reactions to eating sounds at work. I work 

in a small office, with thin walls and no 

break room. My manager eats her lunch 

next to me - it's like a pair of speakers 

blasting in my ears. Fortunately my boss 

is okay with me listening to music through 

little headphones. 

At other times, headband speakers are 

the best thing ever, especially at night. I 

also practice butterfly breathing, which 

makes a fluttering noise inside my ears. 

When it does get too much, and I can feel 

the rage building, I step out and go and do 

something else instead. These things are 

really working for me, but I still have some 

way to go. 

I hope that by sharing my story I can help 

others to really understand what it's like 

to live with misophonia. 


Meet our marath 

L-R: Richard, Hugo, Louise, Karen, Colette, Angela, Helen, Neal, Jess, Jo and Christina 

Louise 

"In 2017, tinnitus 

hit me out of the 

blue. It devastated 

me emotionally and 

physically for a long time and affected 

my work and personal life a great 

deal. I had no idea how debilitating the 

effects could be (and continue to be 

for many people). 

"I cope much better these days and 

in fact now volunteer for the British 

Tinnitus Association to help others 

through tough times.” 

Hugo 

“Having seen my father 

suffer from it on a dayto-day 

basis, I began to 

recognise the lack of awareness 

and support (both medical and 

practical) for the condition. 

"This is shocking, given how many 

people are affected by tinnitus. I hope 

that I can use the London Marathon 

as a platform to fervently encourage 

others to donate to the BTA and put a 

spotlight on a condition that causes so 

much stress and discomfort.” 

The Virgin Money London Marathon is 

one of the highlights of the challenge 

event calendar. 

We're thrilled to have a wonderful group 

of fundraisers taking part this year. From 

power walkers to ultramarathon runners, 

each person has a different motivation for 

joining our marathon team and has kindly 

shared their story. 

Hugo will be running the marathon in 

person in London on 3 October whilst the 

rest of our team will complete the virtual 

event and choose their own 26.2-mile route. 

Donors and supporters play such an 

important role in keeping fundraisers 

motivated to push through their training 

and put one foot in front of the other on 

the big day. 



on team! 

Challenger's 

challenge 

Karen 

“I developed tinnitus in 2017 following 

the death of my little brother, Squirt 

(Iain), and an extremely stressful 2016 

at work. 

"I was lucky enough to be referred to a 

hearing therapist who recommended 

the British Tinnitus 

Association as 

a place to find 

information and 

support. And 

they have been 

fantastic at both." 

Please cheer our runners on by donating to 

help raise vital funds and awareness. 

To make a donation securely online, visit 

tinnitus.org.uk/meet-our-marathonteam 

or call 0114 250 9933 to donate by 

phone. 

Thank you! 

Despite many changes to his original 

fundraising plans, Colin Challenger will be 

completing a mammoth walk this 

September to raise much-needed funds 

for a cause very close to his heart, as his 

mother suffered badly from tinnitus. 

He told us: “I had originally planned to walk 

the Hadrian’s Wall path (approximately 79 

miles) in May 2020 to raise money for the 

BTA but due to Covid-19, this wasn't 

possible. I will now be walking 33 miles 

along the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal 

over the weekend of the 4 and 5 September 

which will be a big challenge.” 

We're so grateful that despite delays, Colin 

is still keen to complete his challenge to 

raise vital funds and awareness. 

Colin has nearly reached his £700 goal but 

needs your help to get there. You can donate 

at justgiving.com/colin-challenger or 

over the phone on 0114 250 9933. 


The Marie and Jack Shapiro Prize 

Marie and Jack Shapiro 

We’re pleased to announce the shortlist for 

the Marie and Jack Shapiro Prize, which is 

awarded to the published research paper 

by a UK-based author most likely to result 

in improved treatment or public awareness 

of tinnitus. It is intended to encourage 

researchers, public communicators and 

others to develop an interest in tinnitus, 

and to recognise their efforts. 

The prize is named after the late Jack 

Shapiro, the founder of the BTA, and his 

wife Marie, who both played an important 

role establishing the BTA and in raising 

awareness of tinnitus. 

The prize is judged by our Professional 

Adviser’s Committee – a panel of medical 

professionals and researchers with a 

special interest in tinnitus – with the winner 

due to be announced in October 2021. 

The shortlist for 2021 covers papers 

looking at different aspects of tinnitus, 

from causes to management, including 

studies on the uptake of virtual tinnitus 

consultations; an evaluation of tinnitus 

services for children in the UK; a feasibility 

trial for psychology-based therapies 

delivered by audiologists and a several 

studies looking at tinnitus subtyping. 

We are delighted to see that vital 

tinnitus research has continued in these 

unprecedented times and a very difficult 

situation for researchers and clinicians. 

Despite a lack of funding and resource, the 

quality and relevance of research continues 

to grow year-on-year, and choosing the 

winner of this year’s Marie and Jack Shapiro 

Prize will be a very difficult decision. 

Whilst the Shapiro Prize recognises the 

fantastic work that is already being done 

in tinnitus research, much more is needed 

before we can realise our vision of a world 

where no one suffers from tinnitus. We 

are committed to funding, supporting and 

campaigning for tinnitus research now and 

in the future. 

For the full shortlist, including links to each 

of the papers, visit our website at tinnitus. 

org.uk/marie-and-jack-shapiro-prize- 

2021-shortlist 



Maisie Carscadden, BTA Events Manager, looks ahead. 

Due to the success of our first virtual 

conference back in 2020, we have decided 

to remain online for 2021. 

The BTA Virtual Conference 2021 – aimed 

at audiologists, ENTs, GPs, hearing care 

professionals, psychologists, tinnitus 

support group leaders and researchers will 

take place online from 4 to 8 October. 

Attendees will get full access to our 

programme of lectures, case studies, 

seminars and networking opportunities 

across five days. 

International speakers 

Remaining online also allows us the 

opportunity to invite international speakers. 

You can expect to hear from speakers from 

far and wide, including Hasselt University, 

Ear Science Institute, The University of 

Western Australia, East Tennessee State 

University, UCL Ear Institute London, 

Antwerp University Hospital and many 

more. 

Themes and topics 

Each day of the conference presents a 

different theme, including the psychology 

of tinnitus, practical skills, and the latest in 

tinnitus research. 

Topics will range from paediatric tinnitus, 

tinnitus and hyperacusis and PTSD 

management and tinnitus, to the impact 

of tinnitus on professional musicians 

We understand that running the conference 

virtually is a more accessible format 

allowing us to reach more people from 

across the world. Over 400 attendees will 

come together this autumn to enjoy our 

sessions and engage in our live Q & A with 

our speakers. 

We are keen to ensure that the attendee 

experience is the best it can possibly be, 

so we are excited to announce that we will 

be using a new and improved platform 

for our virtual conference this year. The 

new platform will allow attendees to view 

profiles and network with others, including 

all our speakers and download materials 

straight from the live sessions, and CPD 

accreditation will be available (details to 

follow). 

All attendees will have access to all 

recordings and conference materials for 

12 months after the event, allowing you to 

watch sessions on-demand until October 

2022. 

Book now! 

Our booking site is now live. Tickets can 

be purchased from 

www.btaconference2021tickets.co.uk 


17 th Annual Conference 

British Academy of Audiology 

baaudiology 

@BAAudiology 

British Academy of Audiology 

18-19 November 2021 

Manchester Central 

Convention Complex 

Join us in Manchester to celebrate Audiology 

through the latest research, education and 

expertise, with inspiring speakers and informative 

sessions. 

We look forward to seeing you all in Manchester in November 

for two days of presentations, workshops, poster sessions and 

networking. 

Adult rehab, paediatrics, vestibular, tinnitus, service 

improvements, reflections on the past year and service changes 

post-Covid will all be on the agenda as we meet for the first time 

face-to-face after a challenging 18 months for everyone. 

CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS 

• The Adrian Davis lecture to be presented by Professor Kevin Munro, Ewing Professor of Audiology, University 

of Manchester 

• The Bamford lecture to be presented by Dr Paul Johns, Consultant Neuropathologist & Reader in Clinical 

Neuroanatomy, St George’s Hospital, London 

• Other Keynote speakers include Dr Patricia Oakley, Professor Jason Warren and Professor Cynthia Casson 

Morton 

• Parallel sessions looking at all aspects of Audiology across all sectors from research to clinical practice, 

encompassing commercial aspects 

• Awards programme to acknowledge individuals and teams who have excelled in the Audiology profession 

• The UK’s largest Audiology exhibition 

• Exciting networking opportunities 

• And much more! 

If you are a healthcare professional with an interest in any aspect of Audiology then 

you will benefit from attending this conference. 

For more information visit www.baaudiology.org/conference

Fake or fabulous? 

BTA Communications Manager Nic Wray looks into CBD gummies 

You may have seen email or social media 

advertising promoting CBD gummies as a 

cure for tinnitus, or perhaps you’ve even 

come across a headline and an apparent 

independent news story claiming there has 

been a breakthrough in tinnitus treatments. 

This could be life-changing news if true – 

so what’s the real story behind these 

products, and why aren’t the BTA telling 

people about them? 

What are CBD gummies? 

CBD gummies are being widely marketed 

under a number of different names – some 

of them related to TV programmes or 

celebrities (including journalists and 

religious figures). 

The gummies are small jelly sweets 

containing the cannabis extract CBD. 

CBD is one of the many chemicals called 

cannabinoids which are naturally found 

in cannabis plants. 

Even though it comes from cannabis 

plants, CBD doesn’t give you a ‘high’ – 

that’s caused by another cannabinoid 

called THC. 

Cannabinoids and tinnitus 

To date, there have been very few studies 

into the effects of cannabinoids on tinnitus. 

However, the current evidence from animal 

studies suggest that they could in fact lead 

to increased activity in the auditory areas 

of the brain, and hence actually increase 

tinnitus. 

The side effects of CBD products can 

include nausea, fatigue and irritability. 

CBD can also affect liver function. 

Licences for the use of CBD extract as 

medicine have not yet been granted. 

Buyer beware! 

It is important to remember that the 


supplements market is unregulated, 

and products vary widely in quality and 

ingredients. Some may not contain any 

CBD at all, and some may contain illegal 

levels of THC. 

In our research into CBD gummies, we have 

found confusing information about what 

the products contain. Different suppliers 

list different ingredients for the same 

product, so it is difficult to know what 

you may be taking. 

Some people who have bought CBD 

gummies have told us that much larger 

than expected payments have been taken 

from their credit cards, and complaints to 

sellers are going unanswered. 

We have seen ourselves that some buyers' 

full details are easily viewed on one of the 

product-selling websites, leaving people 

vulnerable to fraud and identity theft. 

Some selling websites give buyers the 

impression that the product is sold, 

promoted or otherwise endorsed by 

the BTA. This is untrue. 

Our verdict 

We strongly suggest avoiding CBD gummies 

and their sellers. There is a lack of evidence 

for the effectiveness of CBD products for 

tinnitus, and potential risks for harm, not 

least to your wallet! 

Sadly, there will always be unscrupulous 

people willing to profit from people’s desire 

to improve their health and wellbeing. 

For more information on the claims for 

many advertised supplements, visit www. 

tinnitus.org.uk/tinnitus-treatments 



It really isn't a giggle 

Adaobi Nwachuku first heard about 

tinnitus from a stranger. 

I first heard of tinnitus about 11 years ago from an 

elderly gentleman who struck up a conversation 

while we were waiting for our trains. At first, we 

chatted about the weather and the length of 

time it was taking for the train to arrive. I can’t 

remember how we started talking about his health 

and the ringing in his ears. He was full of humour 

when he described how he wasn’t sure which ear’s 

tune he was expected to jig to. He described it as 

a ‘ting ting’ in one and a ‘bang bang’ in the other 

and we had a giggle about it. As got on my train, 

I remember thinking what an awful experience to 

have and for some reason, I never forgot him. 

Pulsing rhythmically 

A decade later, I have been diagnosed with the 

same condition, and it really isn’t a giggle. It all 

started when I got ill around November 2018. I had 

to be on a lot of painkillers and antibiotics. After 

the last dose of antibiotics I received, I noticed 

that my right ear felt like it was full of water and 

seemed like it was pulsing rhythmically with my 

heartbeat. It was very uncomfortable and near 

unbearable, but I thought it would clear by itself 

after a couple of days. It didn’t. At the same time, 

my blood pressure was dangerously high. We 

thought if we brought the blood pressure down, 

the pulsing would stop, but it did not. 

Very dismissive 

When I tried to talk to the GP about it, he was very 

dismissive, but I was insistent and got referred 

to a consultant. I was actually confident that this 

would now get sorted, and I would go back to being 

normal. Unfortunately, I was discharged by the 

consultant almost a year later with a diagnosis of 

pulsatile tinnitus and a "sorry we can’t do anything 

for you". 

It was good to know that it wasn’t a tumour in my 

brain causing the pulsing, but it was hell knowing 

that nothing could be done about this and I had 

to manage this situation with external sources of 

Adaobi Nwachuku 

noise, to distract me from the internal whooshing 

that would not stop. 

I hardly have quiet moments 

I have now had this condition for over two years. 

Sometimes I can ignore it, other times it will not 

be ignored. It just pulses hard and loud without 

respite. I hardly have quiet moments; in fact, I have 

not had a quiet moment in months. I manage it 

with music (I am hardly without my headphones) 

and can only fall asleep on my right side with the 

pulsing ear on the pillow. 

Sometimes telephone conversations are difficult, 

because I am working extremely hard to listen 

through the constant pulsing. Sometimes when 

I hear external noise I have to ask other people if 

they heard the same noise just to make sure it is 

not my tinnitus. 

I believe that awareness will help to push more 

research into this condition and treatments that 

will bring well needed relief to so many people. 

Visiting the BTA website will help you learn more 

about it and how you can help. 


90 not out! 

Geoff Standley is one of our oldest (at 90!) and longest-standing members. Here he shares 

his memories of his time supporting the BTA and the tinnitus community. 

My story begins in 1975, when in my midforties 

I was diagnosed with tinnitus, 

a high-pitched whine in my right ear. 

Eventually I was fitted with a masker which 

did help and was told that there was no 

cure and that I would have to learn to live 

with it. 

This dreadful intrusion into my healthy life 

was undoubtedly caused by the frequent 

use of an ultrasonic cleaner at work (no 

ear defenders supplied). 

The loss of both of my parents within six 

months sent me into a spiral of depression. 

Family life for my wife and two teenage 

daughters was severely disrupted. When 

I realized that I was becoming addicted 

to my medication, I knew that I had to 

do something. Gradually and very slowly 

I weaned myself off my ‘smarties’, life 

improved, and there was light at the end 

of the tunnel. 

Fortunately, some time later I spotted an 

article in the local newspaper written by Bill 

Anderson, who ran a tinnitus support group 

in Leeds and I went along. I soon became 

involved on the committee and in 1983 ran 

in the James Herriott half marathon 

to raise funds for the BTA. 

In 1987 I became Chairman of the group 

and our meetings relocated to the General 

Infirmary in Leeds where we established 

a good relationship with the Audiology 

department. 

The Leeds Tinnitus Information Service was 

Geoff Standley 

inaugurated when 5,000 pre-addressed 

cards were distributed to ENT clinics, GP 

surgeries, health centres and libraries. 

I also started home visits, as I was 

approached by a GP to visit a gentleman 

who had taken an overdose whilst waiting 

for an ENT appointment. However, after 

visiting a distressed young lady who lived 

in a one-room bedsit flat, I realised that by 

making an unaccompanied visit I had put 

us both in a vulnerable situation and ended 

my home visits forthwith. 

In 1993, my wife and I had a three-month 

6,000-mile trip in our motorhome to 

France, Spain, Gibraltar and Portugal. 

Visiting the shrine at Lourdes I did not have 

any preconceived idea of a cure for my 

tinnitus, but joining hundreds of pilgrims in 

the candlelight procession was a moving, 

calming experience. 

Four weeks later, we arrived in Gibraltar. I 



was last in Gibraltar in 1951 where I served 

14 months of my National Service, so I was 

very keen to try and establish a self-help 

group on the Rock. I held a very successful 

meeting. I took lots of information with me 

and spoke for about an hour answering 

many questions. The following day I 

recorded two interviews for Gibraltar radio 

and television, so I am hopeful that the BTA 

will have a contact in Gibraltar. [Yes, there is 

still a tinnitus support group in Gibraltar – ed.] 

In May 1994, as keen long-distance walkers 

my wife Wendy and I took on the challenge 

of the Coast to Coast walk to raise funds 

for the BTA. 

In 1997, I resigned as Chairman of the 

Leeds Group and became Chairman of 

the Bradford group the following year. The 

Tinnitus Information Service started in 

Leeds continued with the distribution of 

3,000 cards. 

I endeavoured to keep the format of 

monthly meetings as varied as possible 

with talks on homeopathy, acupuncture, 

flower arranging, the Fire Service, Yorkshire 

Water and Samaritans, a canal cruise and 

fish and chip parties at Christmas. 

The most popular meetings were about 

tinnitus with talks from audiologists and 

consultants and we were very privileged to 

be addressed by Dr Terry Buffin, Dr Peter 

Tungland, Dr Ross Coles and Dr Ewart 

Davies. 

The group was able to establish tinnitus 

noticeboards in three major hospitals, and 

sponsor two audiologists to attend the 

BTA Tinnitus Adviser Training courses in 

Nottingham. 

I reluctantly resigned as Chairman of the 

Bradford Group in September 2006 and 

was awarded Honorary Life Membership 

Some of Geoff's collection of clippings 

of the BTA. 

During my involvement with the BTA 

my wife and I travelled extensively. 

We have been blessed with having 

seven grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren 

who have kept us busy. 

Aged 84, I joined a local mandolin group 

which then inspired me to take up keyboard 

lessons resulting in me playing in a 

local nursing home and a signing group, 

fundraising for charities. 

I am now disabled but still able to drive my 

adapted car and use a mobility scooter. 

I have several hobbies and enjoy a daily 

crossword. 

Tinnitus? Yes I still experience a highpitched 

whine in my right ear, but I guess 

that I have been and still am too busy to 

let it intrude into my still wonderful life. 

Geoff asked that this article be dedicated 

to Wendy Standley, who passed away in 

February 2020. 


Nick's story: Learning to ignore the 

noisy bunch that's moved in with me 

Two-and-a-half years ago, as I dozed off in bed 

after celebrating a friend’s birthday at a club, I 

suddenly noticed an intermittent, high-pitched 

sound I hadn’t before. I checked all the surrounding 

appliances to no avail, before realising with alarm 

the noise was coming from me. It was the start of 

an ongoing battle with tinnitus. 

When I went to the GP to request a referral to an 

ENT specialist, he irritably replied, "I don’t know 

who told you about that but it’s not what we do". 

He handed me an information sheet about finding 

distractions and managing stress, and that was it. 

I felt like I’d wasted his time. Sadly, this experience 

is all too common amongst sufferers, though I’ve 

since discovered it is possible to be referred to a 

specialist through the GP. 

Immensely reassuring 

Tinnitus isn’t taken seriously by many in the 

medical community, and due to the chronic 

underfunding of research there are few, if any, 

viable treatment options. In fact, it receives forty 

times less funding than comparable conditions 

like depression, anxiety and hearing loss. This is 

why it’s immensely reassuring to know the BTA is 

working on our behalf to offer advice and support 

and help find medical solutions to this horrible 

condition. It provides hope, which is a vital 

source of comfort when the noise starts 

to feel overwhelming. 

Background chatter 

I was 20 when I developed tinnitus, and it has 

gotten louder since then; in addition to the 

intermittent ringing that began in my left ear, 

there’s now a constant ringing and hissing in both. 

I take my mind off it by going for a walk, or getting 

some work done in a coffee shop where it blends in 

with the background chatter. Oddly, it doesn’t really 

affect my sleep. It’s when I’m trying to concentrate 

- reading, working or watching TV for example - 

that it bothers me. As an aspiring writer this isn’t 

ideal, but I’ve adjusted to it over time. Eighteen 

months ago, I never imagined myself sitting here 

Nick Benton 

calmly writing an article amidst the sound of angry 

snakes and chirping crickets; yet I am. 

False information 

Are you new to tinnitus and unsure what to do? 

I’ve been there. Firstly, try to stick to trustworthy 

sources like the BTA and NHS websites if you 

need to research. The internet is awash with 

false information and horror stories - neither are 

helpful. Secondly, buy some good ear plugs. A 

custom-moulded pair, which I eventually bought 

and now carry everywhere with me, will set you 

back around £80; if that’s outside your budget, I’d 

recommend the filtered rubber plugs for £10-£20 

instead. Thirdly, don’t think too far ahead and keep 

to your daily routines as best you can. 

Get involved 

I’ll end with a request. Get involved in the fight 

to have this condition recognised for what it is 

- highly prevalent, potentially debilitating and in 

desperate need of more research. Write, volunteer, 

fundraise, donate - do whatever you can! Together, 

we can create a quieter future for those living with 

tinnitus. But first we must make some noise. 



HERE TO HELP 

Our Tinnitus Support Team are here to 

help anyone who is affected by tinnitus, 

whether you have tinnitus yourself, or have 

a relative, friend or colleague who needs 

help with the condition. 

We know getting in touch with a helpline 

can be quite daunting for some. Picking up 

a phone and making that first call takes 

courage, but we think it’s 100% worthwhile 

for those who do speak to us. 

And because we know not everyone wants 

to talk, we now have other ways for you to 

get in touch including web chat, text and 

email. 

“my chat with you 

calmed me like a 

discussion with a 

friend.” 

Hazel 

“Although I only recently started 

supporting the BTA with the helpline, 

I have already found this incredibly 

worthwhile. It is clear that those who 

ring up are struggling on their own and 

having someone who can listen, stay calm 

and help them makes such a difference to 

them.” 

If you need to talk, we are here for you. 

Our Tinnitus Support Advisers are 

available from 9am to 5pm, Monday 

to Friday and can be reached in the 

following ways: 

Our friendly team, consisting of both staff 

and volunteers, are here to help you by 

offering advice, information, support or 

just to be here to listen. 

Hazel is one of our volunteer team, and 

she told us: 

Freephone helpline: 0800 018 0527 

Web chat: www.tinnitus.org.uk and click 

on the web chat icon 

Text/SMS: 07537 416841 

Email: helpline@tinnitus.org.uk 


Lenire is a non-invasive bimodal neuromodulation device that has been shown 

to reduce the symptoms of people living with tinnitus. 

Combining sound stimulation to the ear with mild electrical stimulation to the 

tongue, Lenire drives long-term neuroplasticity in the brain to treat tinnitus. 

In a recent large-scale clinical trial, published in Science Translational 

Medicine, the treatment was found to reduce tinnitus symptoms in 86.2%* 

of treatment compliant participants after a period of 12 weeks. Furthermore, 

80.1% of compliant participants reported reduced tinnitus symptoms that 

were sustained for at least 12 months after the treatment ended.** 

View our research and find out how you can refer 

your tinnitus patients at lenire.com/healthcare. 

*As measured by Tinnitus Handicap Inventory score 

**Conlon et al., Sci. Transl. Med. 12, eabb2830 (2020) 



Meet the volunteer 

Our volunteers are a very important part 

of the BTA team, providing support for 

everything from admin tasks to answering 

our helpline. Here, you can find out more 

about tinnitus support volunteer Louise. 

Tinnitus and I became constant 

companions on 1 November 2017. And as I 

type this story my auditory cortex remains 

busy with its ever-changing shrill whistling, 

swooshing, and white noise - yet 

somehow I let it pass through me 

these days without becoming 

a complete pile of anxiety 

any more. 

I believe my tinnitus was 

brought on due to a slight 

hearing loss (perhaps riding 

a motorbike without hearing 

protection for many years) 

and perhaps accumulated stress 

from my personal circumstances. My 

nervous system quickly went into overdrive, 

irrationally sensing some kind of serious 

danger or threat. From a couple of weeks 

in, I fought for months with chronic anxiety 

and severe sleep deprivation. I lost about 

25 lbs over six months and I gave up my job 

as a happy full-time dog walker, all because 

I felt unable to cope with anything. 

I initially got help with medication, and 

weekly counselling sessions for my 

anxiety. My partner and family were really 

supportive and tried to help me through 

it. But I still felt isolated and desperate. 

Not working unfortunately made matters 

worse. 

One day when I was feeling totally out 

of control, I went to my church to talk to 

the priest. The church was shut and there 

was no one around. I sat down in tears 

unable to cope. In desperation I called the 

BTA telephone helpline number. A very 

friendly, helpful lady on the end of the 

phone empathised and gave me lots of 

comforting support plus some practical 

advice. It was a significant moment for me. 

Even though it was quite a long road to 

habituation, once I managed to turn my 

life around, I became a member of 

the BTA, and recently started 

volunteering weekly on their 

web chat support line. I am 

also a BTA befriender. 

These roles are hugely 

rewarding because I am 

able to reassure people that 

normal life and tinnitus can 

go together! I talk to lovely 

people who deserve better lives. 

And I am participating in the virtual 

London marathon in October for the first 

time, raising money for the BTA and the 

NHS. If you would like to support me, you 

can donate at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ 

LouMartin59 

How did I make it back to a kind of 

normality? By letting anxiety go via 

therapy; relaxation exercises; sound 

enrichment; changing my mindset by 

challenging my negative thought patterns 

and going back to work. I try to minimise 

catastrophising! 

I think it's really important to be grateful 

every day for a few things in your life and 

knowing that “this too shall pass”. One day 

may be really difficult, but another will be 

better. 


SUPPORT GROUPS 

Scotland 

Edinburgh and SE Scotland 

Forth Valley 

Glasgow 

Highlands NEW! 

Northern Ireland 

Belfast 

Craigavon 

Derry/Londonderry 

Enniskillen 

Newry and Mourne 

Omagh 

RNID Northern Ireland 

North-West England 

& Isle of Man 

Aintree 

Blackpool 

Bolton 

Cumbria 

Garstang 

Isle of Man 

Kendal 

Manchester 

Prestwich 

St Helens 

Stockport 

Widnes 

Wales 

Barry 

Brecon 

Cardigan 

Newport 

Pontyclun 

Pontypridd 

Rhondda 

Swansea 

Ystradgynlais 

South-West England 

Bournemouth and District 

Bristol 

Gloucester 

Kingsbridge and District 

Mid-Somerset 

South West England 

Taunton 

Truro 

South-East England 

Aldershot and District 

Amersham 

Ashford, Kent 

Aylesbury 

Basingstoke 

Brighton 

Canterbury 

Crowborough 

Dover 

Faversham 

Harpenden, Luton, St Albans 

Haywards Heath 

Hitchin and Stevenage 

Isle of Wight 

Lyndhurst/New Forest 

Maidstone 

Marlow/Farnham Common 

Oxford 

Pembury (West Kent) 

Rochester 

Salisbury 

Southampton 

Thanet 

Watford 

Worthing 

West Midlands 

Birmingham & District 

Newcastle under Lyme 

Shrewsbury 

Stoke on Trent 

Sutton Coldfield (on hold) 

Telford 

Warwick 

Whitchurch 

As we go to press, some groups may 

be planning to hold physical meetings. 

Find out when and where these groups 

are meeting by checking the Support 

Groups Directory online at bit.ly/ 

TSGTT or contact us on 0800 018 

0527 or helpline@tinnitus.org.uk. 

We will ensure these groups have the 

tools to do so safely. 

North-East England 

Chester-le-Street 

Darlington 

Newcastle 

North Tyneside 

Seaham 

Yorkshire & Humber 

Bradford 

Keighley 

Rotherham 

Rotherham Central 

Sheffield 

York 

East Midlands 

Chesterfield 

Derby 

Leicester 

Lincoln 

Northampton 

East of England 

Bury St Edmunds 

Cambridgeshire 

Chelmsford 

Colchester 

Ipswich 

King's Lynn 

Lowestoft 

Norwich/Norfolk 

Southend-on-Sea 

London (within M25) 

Bexley 

Boreham Wood 

Bromley 

Chiswick 

Greenwich 

Hornchurch 

Isleworth (West Middlesex) 

Kingston 

North East Essex 

North London 

Orpington 

Redbridge/Hackney 

Key 

BTA Gold Standard group 

Meeting online

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