Local MP John McDonnell tackles tinnitus with help from RNID

Local MP John McDonnell has pledged to help his constituents to tackle tinnitus - the medical term for noises inside the ears or head.

RNID research reveals that 15% of people have experienced tinnitus, but 70% of GPs surveyed by the charity have never had any training on the condition.

RNID, which represents the UK’s 9 million deaf and hard of hearing people, has joined forces with Unum, the UK’s leading disability insurer, to call on GPs to improve the advice and support they give patients with tinnitus and to support people with tinnitus in their efforts to lead a full life, including at work.

Local MP John McDonnell said: “Tinnitus is an extremely serious condition which can cause great hardship. It is extremely difficult to relax at home or concentrate on working with constant buzzing or ringing in your ears.

“RNID’s dedicated new tinnitus website and helpline are doing a great job to support people with this condition and help them get on with their lives. However, we need to do more to improve GP’s understanding of this condition - I’ll be speaking to my Local Primary Care Trust to make sure the estimated 12,450 tinnitus sufferers in Hayes and Harlington are getting the medical support they need”.

Brian Lamb, Acting CEO of RNID, said: “Tinnitus can be a debilitating condition for many people, leaving them feeling isolated and stressed - particularly if they can’t access the medical advice they need to help manage it.

“Unfortunately there is no cure - however, it can be managed with simple techniques and equipment. We’re delighted that John McDonnell MP has pledged to help tinnitus sufferers get the best care and advice to manage their condition. Also, if you have tinnitus, you’re not alone - RNID’s new website and dedicated tinnitus helpline provide expert information and tips to help you ‘Tune out Tinnitus’ and live your life to the full”.

Joanne Hindle, Corporate Services Director at Unum, said: “We’re delighted to join forces with RNID and John McDonnell MP to increase understanding and treatment of tinnitus. We are particularly pleased to help highlight a condition which can have debilitating effects both at work and at home, but which can be managed with proper understanding. We would extend the campaign to employers who also need to understand what changes they might make that could support employees with this condition.

“By working with local health services and GPs, together we can deliver the best care for people whose lives are blighted by this condition”.

For more information on tinnitus, the RNID or Unum, please contact Donna Tipping (RNID) on 020 72968229 or 07944 038635 or John Hutson (Unum) on 01306 873 471 or 07876 036746.

submitted by John on 13 Nov 2007 at 16:55