Released on: July 15, 2008, 3:19 am

Press Release Author: BeyondPR

Industry: Healthcare

Press Release Summary: Harry Brannigan from Whitehaven, West Cumbria, is well
acquainted with tinnitus as he suffers from the same humming sound in his ears every
day.

Press Release Body: As many other tinnitus sufferers will be aware, limited funding
is going into research to develop a cure or treatments, which is disheartening when
people like Harry are robbed of even the most simple of pleasures - peace and quiet.

Harry, 54, has actually noticed a reduction in his tinnitus over the last 12 months
and has experienced more 'quiet periods' recently. But the noise seems to get worse
for him when he has problems with his neck brought on by stress and bad posture. The
current lack of knowledge about tinnitus means that the link between tinnitus and
neck or jaw problems cannot be fully explained.

A visit to his local surgery indicated to Harry that few GPs have a good knowledge
of tinnitus, but thankfully his problem was not ignored. "My doctor wasn't that
clued up about tinnitus but was very supportive, as was the ear, nose and throat
(ENT) department at my local hospital. But I have realised how little treatment and
support is available for sufferers," says Harry.

"Postural work on my neck through physiotherapy has been a real help, alongside
regular exercise. I also use a radio at night, tuned between stations to create a
soothing 'shh' sound, which if kept just below the tinnitus noise helps reduce its
impact; This is crucial to help me get to sleep. It's important not to dwell on the
tinnitus or listen out for the noise either," says Harry. "I also think that
avoiding sound-proofed rooms, or silence in general, is crucial to the habituation
process."

As a Skills Tutor working with people with learning disabilities, Harry misses the
quiet that he needs in order to concentrate.
"Tinnitus affects my life in many ways but I particularly used to value peace and
quiet when doing my work," says Harry. "Now, if I am in a quiet room, I just become
more aware of my tinnitus.

I hope that raising awareness of tinnitus will help enable sufferers to be treated
better, but what I'd really like is just to be rid of it."

To non-sufferers of tinnitus, Harry's message is simple, "Lucky you! Some people
look at tinnitus in a very dismissive way because they don't understand it and can't
see it. If they only knew how debilitating it is, they would view it very
differently indeed," he says.

Deafness Research UK is the country\'s only charity dedicated to finding new cures,
treatments and technologies for the deaf, hard of hearing and other hearing impaired
people including tinnitus sufferers.

Vivienne Michael, Chief Executive of Deafness Research UK, said: "Nearly five
million people in the UK are affected by tinnitus and it can have a devastating
effect on their quality of life. Not enough is known about this very complex
condition and we are determined to do something about it. We are committed to
funding leading edge research and providing practical information to health
professionals for the benefit of sufferers," she added.

'Deafness Research UK has produced a useful guide called 'Managing Tinnitus'. To
receive a copy telephone 0808 808 2222 or email info@deafnessresearch.org.uk. For
information on research into deafness and other hearing conditions, log on to the
website, www.deafnessresearch.org.uk'
ENDS



Web Site: http://www.beyondpr.co.uk

Contact Details: Press enquiries
Jon Gardner, BeyondPR. Direct line 0114 275 6996. Mobile 07930 697773. e-mail:
jon.gardner@beyondpr.co.uk
Ref: DRUK0058 - Harry Brannigan