Released on: October 26, 2007, 6:26 am

Press Release Author: BeyondPR

Industry:

Press Release Summary: Cliff Weale of Iver in Buckinghamshire has suffered from the
same 'high pitched rushing sound' for ten years.

Press Release Body: Cliff Weale of Iver in Buckinghamshire has suffered from the
same 'high pitched rushing sound' for ten years. Like many other sufferers of
tinnitus, he says it has affected everything in his life and feels that little is
done to alleviate the problem. Cliff can only hope that one day there will be enough
research funding to end the nightmare once and for all.

Cliff, 60, said, "The tinnitus is mostly in my left ear, but often in both ears, and
is much worse at night. It becomes even more unbearable when I wake first thing or
if I wake in the night, like someone trying to bore into my skull. Sleep seems to
exacerbate my tinnitus."

Cliff is now retired, but is robbed of the pleasures that he was looking forward to
after leaving work. He misses the enjoyment of music, or just sitting quietly in his
garden on a summer's day, but considers himself more fortunate than some other
sufferers. "I am lucky, as I do get really quiet periods. It makes you feel very
happy, but then the noise comes back with vengeance."

After talking to his GP, Cliff was referred to an NHS consultant, who actually had
tinnitus himself, but was of little help. Cliff then obtained a masker and two
hearing aids from a local dispenser which did not really work either. He has been
taking the drug Amitriptyline for some time. "It made me feel much better so I am
still on it." Cliff has also tried acupuncture, gingko, a mouth guard and a visit to
a chiropractor, with little success.

His local NHS tinnitus clinic has been helpful but cannot understand why Cliff is
still not completely used to the noise. In fact, it has been impossible for him to
get used to his tinnitus, as it has got much louder over time. "If my tinnitus was
still like it was ten years ago, then I would be much happier", Cliff says.

Cliff believes that anyone who does not have tinnitus, particularly in a severe
form, cannot understand what each day is like. "The fact that I cope relatively well
with something that isn't visible is hardly recognized by my family and friends."


"There is not enough being done. I really believe that with time and professional
help my tinnitus could be resolved but no one seems to be interested. I've recently
had an appointment with my local NHS hearing clinic, who have been fantastic, but
when I tried to explain that my tinnitus had got worse, I was quickly referred back
to the tinnitus clinic so I feel like I'm going in circles", Cliff agonises. "I
would love to just sit down with a professional who would accept what I say and not
think that I'm exaggerating my problem."


The UK-based charity Action for Tinnitus Research focuses on funding medical and
scientific research in pursuit of a cure and raising awareness is a key part of its
work. Operations director Nick Doughty said: "It is estimated that over five million
people in the UK are affected by tinnitus and it can have a devastating effect on
their quality of life. Not enough information is available about the very complex
symptom and we are one of the few organisations determined to do something about it.
We are committed to funding leading edge research and providing practical
information to health professionals for the benefit of sufferers," he added.

For more information on Action for Tinnitus Research, logon to the website at
www.tinnitus-research.org, e-mail help@tinnitus-research.org or telephone 0115 925 4065

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