Issue December 2005

Appeal to Raise funds for UK Research Programme

A dedicated research programme in the UK to investigate Campral and other drugs would require funding of up to £100,000 - two to three years fundraising at current levels.

We appeal to you to help us raise the necessary funds.


Season to be Cheerful

The festive season is here and we would like to wish all our supporters and friends the very best of the season, and to thank you for your support in 2005.

We have good reason to be cheerful! 2005 has seen advances
in research and the discovery of a promising new drug. We hope
to start a dedicated research programme in the UK to investigate this drug further. With your continued support, we will be able to.

Enjoy the festive season! However, remember moderation does not just apply to eating and drinking. Be aware of pubs and clubs with loud music, firework celebrations and crackers pulled too close to your ears. Why not have a break from that new MP3/iPod and talk to your family instead! And, when you are plugged in - don't forget to turn down the volume!

I wish you and your family a happy and healthy 2006.

Philip Champ
Trustee



Campral: Call for Further Research in the UK

Last month we announced the discovery of a promising new drug for tinnitus sufferers, called Campral. Research Scientists
working on behalf of the American Tinnitus Association and ATR are now calling for further research to determine the effectiveness of the drug. Dr Peter Rea, otologist and lead clinician at the Leicester Royal Infirmary said: "We need to see if we can replicate these findings in a larger group of carefully-screened patients here in the UK."

A dedicated research programme in the UK to investigate Campral and other drugs would require funding of up to £100,000.


In the News: Deafness Warning for UK Bar Staff

BBC News reported that UK bar staff are at risk of deafness due to extended opening times - increasing their exposure to noise. In last month's newsletter we reported on the connection between noise loudness, and length of exposure to that noise - and the increased incidence of hearing loss and tinnitus.
See our decibel reference guide.

The New Noise Regulations threshold for the workplace is reduced from 85 to 80 decibels (dB) from February 2006.
Take steps now to reduce the risk.



24-hour party people urged to protect their ears this Christmas

New research from RNID, shows that 55% of 16-30 year olds visit pubs and bars where you need to shout to be heard more than once a week. 75% of those who go are there for up to
four hours at a time. 44% of these have experienced ringing in the ears on at least one occasion, with 34% reporting ringing or buzzing in the ears on a regular or occasional basis after a
night out.

The RNID advises partygoers to:

  • Stand away from loudspeakers when in pubs and clubs or at gigs and concerts
  • Take regular breaks from the dance floor in pubs and clubs and use chill out areas to give ears a rest from loud music
  • Wear earplugs specially designed for use in clubs and gigs, especially if you are regularly exposed to loud music i.e. as a frequent clubber, gig goer, DJ or musician.

Visit the don'tlosethemusic website.





Help in Whatever Way You Can ...

Action for Tinnitus Research is a UK-based charity. Our funds are raised almost entirely through voluntary donations. Run by volunteers and part-time staff, we do everything we can to keep costs down, so that we can spend more money funding research.

Remember there are many more ways you can help than purely financial. Contact us if you think you can help ...



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