Managing Hearing Loss and Tinnitus During COVID-19

Struggling to hear when on the phone? Neighbours complaining you have your TV a bit too loud? Asking others to repeat themselves a lot? You may be one of the 12 million individuals experiencing hearing loss. Hearing loss can be caused by a range of factors including wax, infection, noise exposure or aging.

Another form of hearing impairment is Tinnitus. Tinnitus is a noise in one or both ears that has no external source. People describe their tinnitus as a ringing, buzzing, whistling or a range of other sounds. If you are concerned you may be developing hearing loss or Tinnitus, you should contact your GP.

For many, hearing loss can be life changing and can have a profound effect on their mental health. Research shows 1 in 2 people with hearing loss will struggle with their mental health during their lifetime, compared to 1 in 4 of the general public. Often, it is not the condition itself but societal and cultural factors, such as communication and stigmatised attitudes, that can lead to isolation and loneliness. It is important to look after our mental health and wellbeing at the current time and to support those who may be struggling with a hearing impairment. If you or someone you know is struggling with hearing loss and you feel it is having a negative impact on your mental health, check out these resources for additional support:

General resources about Mental Health and coronavirus:

  1. Mind https://www.mind.org.uk/coronavirus-we-are-here-for-you/ ,
  2. Mental Health Foundation   https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/coronavirus ,
  3. Samaritans https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/if-youre-having-difficult-time/if-youre-worried-about-your-mental-health-during-coronavirus-pandemic/ ,
  4. NHS Every Mind Matters https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/

Source:
RNID – Managing Hearing Loss and Tinnitus During Covid-19 Information Pack  https://rnid.org.uk/coronavirus-response/looking-after-your-mental-health-and-wellbeing-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak/

Social Media:

  1. 25th January 9.40 am – @ShropsCCG and @telfordCCG are urging people to support those who may be struggling with hearing loss and be understanding of the barriers they face during lockdown. Learn more at: {link to web article} @BritishTinnitus @RNID
  2. 29th January 11 am – Do you have a ringing, buzzing or whistling in your ears? You may have Tinnitus. Contact your GP if you are concerned. @RNID @BritishTinnitus Learn more at: https://www.telfordccg.nhs.uk/news/1198-managing-hearing-loss-and-tinnitus-during-covid-19
  3. 3rd February 3 pm – Did you know Tinnitus is very common and affects 1 in 8 adults of all ages across the UK? For more information, visit: https://www.tinnitus.org.uk/ @BritishTinnitus @RNID 
  4. 5th February 12 noon – 1 in 2 people with hearing loss will struggle with their mental health. If you are struggling, @SignHealth has a free text service for deaf people:
    https://signhealth.org.uk/with-deaf-people/crisis-text-service @RNID
  5.  8th February 4 pm – Struggle to hear on the phone? Neighbours complaining your TV is too loud? You may be one of the 12 million individuals struggling with hearing loss. Don’t struggle in silence. Contact your GP. https://www.telfordccg.nhs.uk/news/1198-managing-
    hearing-loss-and-tinnitus-during-covid-19 @BritishTinnitus @RNID

 

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