Issue August 2006

Work-induced tinnitus>>
Dentists report high incidence

Medical News Today has reported on the incidence of tinnitus and hearing loss amongst dentists who use noisy tools to do their job.

The article states that most of the current high-speed hand pieces, such as high-speed drills and scalers used by dental professionals, are between 90 to 100 decibels. If you recall from our decibel chart, sound levels over 80 decibels can cause hearing loss if exposure is long.



Case Studies>>
Living with tinnitus

Earlier this year we started publishing a number of case studies of your true life experiences of people living with tinnitus. John Young of Swindon, Wiltshire survived a sub-arachnoid brain haemorrhage in 2002 but developed severe tinnitus as a result. Read John's story...



Media Ambassadors >>
Welcome pack launched

Our regional ambassadors' programme continues to generate a great deal of interest, and since out last newsletter we have been approached by several national publications who are working on tinnitus-related articles. Because we have a bank of volunteers who are prepared to talk to the media about their experiences of tinnitus, we are likely to see some more editorial coverage about ATR and tinnitus in the near future. Many thanks to all those who have already volunteered!

We are actively looking for more volunteers to help us cover all geographic areas in the UK, and give the best possible range of ages and occupations.

We desperately need to hear from you if you can help, and:

  • You live in the North East of England (Tyne & Wear/Northumberland)
  • You live in the North West of England (Greater Manchester/Cheshire/Mersyside/Lancs/Cumbria)
  • You are female and under the age of 40
  • Your tinnitus is directly related to occupational exposure to excessive noise (e.g: music industry; heavy engineering; airport staff)
  • You are a teacher suffering from tinnitus
  • You are a dentist suffering from tinnitus

Volunteer to be an Ambassador and receive your free Welcome Pack with tips and ideas on raising the profile of tinnitus in the media...



JustGiving Trends>>
Not just marathons and cycle rides: mark a 'life event'

Would you like to raise funds for tinnitus research? JustGiving say that more and more people choose to mark a major personal event - such as a wedding, a birthday, or funeral - by raising money for charity. It is easier than ever before to raise money for charity. You don't even have to ask us! Just go online to www.justgiving.com and fill in the simple online form and you can start raising funds immediately.
Find out how to raise funds for ATR online...



In the News>>
Summer activities can increase hearing loss

Cincinnati.com reports: "People tend to spend more time outdoors in the summer, and their exposure to loud noise increases. Whether the noise is from powerboats, firecrackers, lawnmowers or motorcycles, a University of Cincinnati otolaryngologist encourages people to take precautions to protect their ears."



Band plugs in to protect hearing

Chapter XIII hope to protect their ears during performances The BBC reports: "Ringing ears are a familiar temporary after-effect of seeing a live band. But the effects of loud music are far worse for the musicians on stage, who are subjecting their ears to high decibel levels night after night. Up-and-coming rock band Chapter XIII are taking action to protect their hearing."