Charity expert comes to Swansea tinnitus support group

An expert from the British Tinnitus Association (BTA) will be speaking at the next meeting of the Swansea tinnitus support group. The meeting will take place 4.30pm – 5.45pm Friday 1 November, at the Discovery Room, First Floor, Swansea Central Library, The Civic Centre, Oystermouth Road, Swansea SA1 3SN.

The group, lead by local volunteers Alison Parry and Yvonne Hurcombe, enables 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.

Colette Bunker, BTA Volunteer and Support Group Manager will be giving a talk about the latest research and management techniques highlighted at the BTA’s recent Conference and Expo, and talking about the work the BTA does to support those who experience the condition.

Colette comments:

“I look forward to coming to Swansea and speaking with the support group. Being among people who have tinnitus, listening to their experiences and how they manage it, can be inspirational. I feel I learn something every time I attend a group meeting. It is amazing seeing the difference it makes to people, especially those who have recently been diagnosed.”

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 people 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.

Colette adds:

“Tinnitus can be an isolating condition, and we’re keen to spread the word that there are management techniques which can help a person lead the best life they can, and to reduce the burden of living with this condition.”

If you would like to find out more, please contact group organiser Alison Parry at alison.parry@ntlworld.com or by telephone on 07974 120 996, or contact Yvonne Hurcombe on 01792 429 042