12,000 people suffer hearing pain in Blackpool

Tinnitus affects people of all ages with one in 10 experiencing life changing symptoms such as depression, anxiety and sleep deprivation — often increasing the risk of suicide when combined with other factors.

A national GP survey conducted by the NHS National Institute for Health Research and Nottingham University showed majority of GPs admitted to a lack of clear, concise, accessible training on tinnitus management.

Tinnitus accounts for 750, 000 GP visits per year in England and due to the lack of treatment options, 63 per cent of patients who visit their GP are not taken forward for treatment but are told to learn to cope with the condition leaving patients feeling deserted.

Mark Williams, chief Audiologist at The Harley Street Tinnitus Clinic said: “In some of the worst cases, patients have to be hospitalised for their own safety because the incessant noise has led them to contemplate suicide.

“Research shows that treating people with first signs of tinnitus means a better outcome for them later.”

The condition, which involves a constant ringing in the ears, affects around six million people in the UK with about 600,000 experiencing it to a severity affecting their quality of life.

Nicholas Fox Weber, who has had tinnitus for 15 years said: “I tried acupuncture, vitamins, herbal medicines, the works and still no success.

“Mainly, I wish there had been more attention to my tinnitus from the start.”