Wednesday 17^th October 2007,

Winding Wheel, Holywell Street, Chesterfield.

Tinnitus and Deafness Awareness Conference

The first Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Tinnitus and Deafness Awareness Conference was a success.  We were expecting in the region of 40 people but over 60 people attended.  The half day conference was designed to help anyone experiencing Tinnitus and/or deafness as well as giving carers and family members a better understanding of what it is like to experience Tinnitus. 

.The Conference began with a talk from Dr Petter Tungland, a Consultant Audiological Physician, now retired but still working part-time at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield.  Dr Tungland helped delegates to understand how the hearing process develops from a child and how we perceive noise.  He explained that the way we react to Tinnitus causes a vicious circle of stress, causing the Tinnitus to appear worse.  Dr Tungland said that it was very important for delegates to learn to distract from listening to their Tinnitus.  The support group provides a factsheet on looking outside yourself and appreciating the sounds and smells that surround us as a process of distraction.

Martin Wass, Director of the BTA then gave a talk on some of the ways in which we may be able to do that, for example the use of relaxation tapes. Martin Wass also brought along a CD with various noises that people may experience, this is used to help family and friends to understand what the person who has Tinnitus is experiencing. 

Other speakers included Kymm Pettit, senior Audiologist and Counsellor talking about a technique that helps to reduce irrational thoughts and behaviour associated with experiencing Tinnitus.  Margot Boss, Hearing Therapist talked about how we unnecessarily get wound up about things, which of course can make Tinnitus worse and how to learn to accept what has happened without getting stressed. 

We also heard from Janet Millard who is the Co-ordinator of Deaf and Hearing Support (CAMTAD).  She spoke about her personal experience of deafness and Tinnitus.  CAMTAD provides technical aids which may assist with hearing the television, telephone, doorbell, alarm clock, smoke alarm etc.  At very short notice Vivienne Keightly agreed to speak.  Vivienne became profoundly deafened in her late teens and was forced to give up work. The only noise she can hear is her Tinnitus. Becoming deaf was a terrifying experience for her but she has learnt that there is Life after Deafness and with the help of her hearing dog Bunty helps others to overcome the traumatic experience.

We received some good feedback from the conference which was very useful to many people.

       

© David Martin -2007