A new online support group to help Welsh-speaking people with tinnitus has been launched by the British Tinnitus Association.
The first meeting took place last week (Wednesday 23 March) and will be held every fourth Wednesday subsequently.
It is estimated that around 345,000 people experience tinnitus in Wales and 7.1 million people across the UK – around 1 in 8 adults.
Facilitated by volunteer Clare Young, who has tinnitus herself, the group will enable people with tinnitus to meet others with the condition, hear useful tips on coping methods, find out what help is available and hear about the latest research.
Clare said: “I was diagnosed with tinnitus in 2000 after an operation was conducted on my ear drum. Over the years I have experienced a range of different sounds and as a result been through the process of attending countless ENT appointments. In recent years I have finally learnt how to manage and accept being able to hear my own brain speaking to itself! I now accept that it is just a part of me.
“I have been a college lecturer in North Wales for the past 21 years therefore I understand the importance of being able to communicate in your native language. For this reason I decided to volunteer to start a support group through the medium of Welsh, to give Welsh speakers the opportunity to discuss their experiences with each other.”
The Grŵp Cefnogi Tinitws Cymraeg Ar-lein is supported by the British Tinnitus Association (BTA).
Tinnitus is defined as the experience of sounds with no external source, most commonly ringing or buzzing, but sometimes experienced as whooshing, clicking or even music.
Around one in eight adults experience persistent tinnitus. Many people aren’t troubled by sounds they hear, but for around 10%, the condition has a significant impact on their quality of life, often linked to stress, anxiety or sometimes depression.
Spaces can be booked here.
Commentaires