In response to requests from audiology professionals, the BTA has published a new tinnitus leaflet and poster sharing updated information and advice about tinnitus management. The leaflet is available now, ahead of our forthcoming Tinnitus Awareness Week (6-12 February) campaign.

Intended as a bright, positive and informative source of information about tinnitus, the new leaflet includes information on causes of tinnitus as well as treatment options, and incorporates an A3 poster which can be displayed on notice boards and patient areas within clinics and surgeries.

Ten per cent of the UK adult population have permanent tinnitus, yet in many cases subtle changes in people’s environment can improve quality of life. The advice within the new leaflet aims to reassure tinnitus patients that there are plenty of simple ways to make a real difference to living with tinnitus. These include:

• Visit your GP – there are treatment options available and GPs will be able to refer you to someone who can help
• Relax – regular relaxation (such as tai chi, qi gong, yoga, meditation, relaxing music) can reduce the loudness of tinnitus, and also helps to break the vicious circle of stress and anxiety that often accompanies experiences of tinnitus
• Keep active – work, leisure pursuits and other interests can help to provide a worthwhile focus
• Exercise – regular exercise can help people to ignore and cope with their tinnitus more easily
• Avoid silence – reduce the intrusiveness of tinnitus by having environmental sounds playing at a comfortable level in the background
• Personal contact – the BTA helpline is available to offer support, and can provide details of local groups and contacts
• At night – having some low level sound can help mask tinnitus
• Join the BTA – keep up to date with the latest research from the BTA’s journal Quiet, and receive discounts on products to help cope with tinnitus

David Stockdale, CEO at the British Tinnitus Association, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer our new tinnitus leaflet to professionals, and we hope it will become a useful resource for those consulted by patients with tinnitus. The improved design and content we have incorporated into the new leaflet has already garnered many positive comments from our Readers Panel.”

Multiple copies of the BTA’s new tinnitus leaflet are available on request. Please contact the charity on 0114 250 9933 or email info@tinnitus.org.uk.

The British Tinnitus Association is a certified member of the Department of Health’s Information Standard, meaning that it is a recognised provider of trustworthy, reliable and evidence-based health care information to the public and medical professionals.