Nh
Tinnitus
Information
2014
Produced by:
New Forest Tinnitus Group
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Contents
3. Venue and Organising Team
Who are we at the New Forest Tinnitus Group?
5. What is Tinnitus and what can be done to help?
7. Joining the group and Contact Numbers
Experiences from our Members
16. Group Resources
17. Book Review & product reviews
20. Hearing Therapist – Penny Stannard
21. Bowen Technique – Jan Cox
23. Tai Chi and Tinnitus – Jenny Burton
25. Tai Chi for the 21st Century – Malcolm Calvert
27. Hypnotherapy – Paul Hancocks
27. Sleep – Six Steps to Sound Sleep
29. 2014 Programme of Meetings
30. Ringing the Changes Tinnitus Therapies Event
31. News from newly formed SE Hants Group
32. Tinnitus Flowchart – how to get help
33. Glossary of some useful definitions/terms
35. Useful contacts and further reading
36. Tinnitus Relaxation Course – Jan Petty
37. Lipreading
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We hold meetings on second Thursday of each month from
2.30 until 4.30pm at the Lyndhurst Community Centre, in main
car park off the High Street in Lyndhurst, Hants SO43 7NY
Our meeting room will be indicated on the notice board in the
Foyer. Usually we meet in the Beech room
Who are the New Forest Group?
Jan Petty is a Hearing Therapist who has had a special interest in helping
people with tinnitus for the past 40 years. Jan was involved in setting
up the group four years ago with Debbie Hallmann. Recently Penny
Stannard, Hearing Therapist at Royal South Hants Hospital,
Southampton has been made an Honorary Member of the Group and is
part of the organising team. Penny was instrumental in facilitating our
referral scheme to RSH. Jan Cox, Bowen Technique Therapist also
works closely with members to help with tinnitus management. Many of
our Members are experienced in helping people with tinnitus as they
have the condition themselves and have helpful advice to offer visitors to
the group. The every day tasks for running the group are shared amongst
the team members.
Who are the Team Members?
Group Co-ordinator Jan Petty
I have been associated with the group
since its beginnings in 2008 and we
have grown from strength to strength
in the ensuing years.
In October of
last year the group celebrated its Fifth
birthday.
Some of you will have already seen a few of the following pieces written
by members in one of our previous Newsletters, but I feel they speak for
themselves, saying a lot about the group support which we offer and
deserve a permanent place.
There is no doubt that there are things which can help you to deal with
tinnitus and we at the New Forest Tinnitus Support have a wide selection
of information and equipment which can assist, together with a very
supportive group of members with varied and interesting ideas of things
to try. I think you will get encouragement from reading through this
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book and will see that there are three main strands to you to achieve a
good outcome.
1. Understanding mechanisms of tinnitus which must include
Audiological diagnosis, explanation and therapy plan.
2. Provision of equipment (hearing aid/s, tinnitus retrainer/s or other
equipment) plus tinnitus counselling
3. Relaxation therapy. At the group we suggest Bowen Technique
and/or Tai Chi as both being excellent. I hope to teach various
relaxation therapies during 2014 and to close meetings with deep
relaxation when time permits. More details about this later.
Of course I think it goes without saying, that in addition to achieving the
above, continuing to belong to a support group such as ours, is a valuable
way of increasing your knowledge of what is going on in the world of
tinnitus, discussing new developments and ideas as well as being part of
a very supportive group. I look forward to talking to you at one of our
meetings.
Jan Petty
Team Members
Hearing Therapist
Group Advisor
Programme Planning
Loan Scheme Organiser
Meet and Greet
Refreshments
Other members
Penny Stannard
Kath McKibbin
Stephanie Stokes
Sue Roberts
Jean Wright
Sally Bradley
Jeannie Flux
Fiona Medway
June Johnston
Ann Pruce
Also involved with the group
Nigel Stannard – Website advice
Jan Cox – Bowen Therapist
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What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is a sensation of a sound or sounds which can be in one or both
ears, or in the head. The sounds heard take a variety of forms but the
common link is that they do not come from an external source. People
describe ringing, buzzing, whistling, rushing, humming, hissing and a
whole range of other sounds.
Even an express train or jet engine.
I know someone who describes her sound as bacon sizzling.
What causes Tinnitus?
Exposure to loud noise * hearing loss * ear or head injury * emotional
stress * ear disease * infection * side effects of medication
Who is affected?
People of all ages are affected and although people with hearing loss
may also have tinnitus, it affects a significant number of people with
normal audiograms (hearing tests)
National Statistics
10% or six million people in the UK have tinnitus and up to 1% of adults
or 60,000 people have tinnitus that affects their quality of life e.g. being
unable to sleep, inability to concentrate, or enjoy relaxing or quiet
moments and so on.
What can be done to help?
Despite what you may have been told in the past, there is much that can
be done to help people with tinnitus and if you come along and give us a
try, it may be for you. Members are a varied group of people with
tinnitus, some of whom bring partners along too. Partners are made to
feel very welcome and play and important supportive role in the
group. We also welcome visitors from other tinnitus support
groups and are pleased to be involved with the newly formed
S.E. Hants group which meets at Bedhampton. Jan went along
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to support them at their inaugural meeting in September last
year and they had nearly 30 in attendance. Penny was invited
as their Speaker for November. We wish them every success
with their group.
We welcome from time to time people with a special interest in
tinnitus – Residential Home Managers, Care workers, Social
workers, Occupational Therapists, Podiatrists and others with a
professional interest in learning about tinnitus so as to help their
particular group of patients/clients.
Jan has visited some of
these groups to talk about tinnitus and the help that is on offer
at a support group such as ours. She has recently been booked
to speak at several of the Brendoncare Clubs in the New Forest
area, and will be giving information on Tinnitus to members of
these clubs. To learn more go to www.brendoncare.org.uk for
information about these groups - there may be one near you.
So what do we do and what help is at hand in
the New Forest?
We are very proud of being able to facilitate access to NHS tinnitus
therapists which has been set up in conjunction with Penny – see our
Flowchart at the end of this booklet
 Improving quality of life by sharing of ideas and personal
experiences
 Empowering people with tinnitus to seek help and further medical
opinion
 Organising an interesting programme of meetings which are both
fun and informative.
Our monthly programme and Flowchart
explaining how to get further help, feature at end of this
booklet.
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Would you like to join?
What do I need to do to become a member of the Group?
We do not make a charge for attendance at meetings and you are
welcome to attend a couple of times to see if the group is going to be of
benefit to you.
However, we strongly urge you to become a member
as we do not receive any funding and rely on membership subscriptions
and donations to balance the books.
The annual subscription is only £20 (unchanged for 5 years) for which
you will receive :Monthly update of Tinnitus news from the group by email
Membership card/programme of meetings
Personal name badge
NHS Referral to present to your GP if required
Advice from Hearing/Tinnitus Therapists
Tinnitus Information booklet
For more information contact Jan 07894701665
or jan.petty@ntlworld.com
Experiences from our members
We begin with two articles by Kath McKibbin who has recently joined
the organising team. She will be at the information desk with copies of
this booklet, membership and referral forms when you sign in at one of
our meetings.
" MUSICAL HALLUCINATIONS " MY TINNITUS IS IN THE
FORM OF MUSIC IN MY HEAD
I have had tinnitus for over twenty years, various types of noise that have
never bothered me to that extent. I think I have been able to ignore the
noise and get on with my life.
Since retirement in 1994 my hearing
deteriorated in both ears I have attended lip reading classes for two
years, I found that experience most helpful.
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Since the middle of 2012 I started to hear music; I found it difficult to
understand why it would not stop. It seemed to be a twenty four hour
seven days a week constant music, I had no control. I just wanted to find
the OFF switch
I have read that the music or sound is often familiar.
It can range from simple tones to songs or even orchestral music. It
does.
At times the music would be just a few continuous musical notes three or
four notes UP and the same DOWN such as" DA DA DA/ DA DA
DA" . I could not sleep; if I did, this is the sound I had in my head when
I woke up.
In exasperation one morning I said " why don't you sing Roll out the
Barrel". To my amazement "IT " did and then "Long way to
Tipperary", " You'll never walk alone” and so I remembered songs from
the past:
"Star Dust" , "Smoke gets in your eyes " and more. It
became rather enjoyable. I would be singing with a group I recognised
or even The Mike Samms Singers, who used to be on the radio long ago,
on a Sunday evening; " Sing Something Simple " .
The singing and music sometimes got mixed up after a while, and stuck
on a few notes; and these few notes would go on for ever until I would
sing and "IT " would sing along with me. I then realised this was not
what I wanted.
From the beginning, the biggest problem was, I just could not sleep at
nights for very long; it was spasmodic sleep, then awake. The music was
non stop; I could not go on. I needed help!!.
I found details of the type of tinnitus I had, on the RNID website "
Musical Hallucinations” which is mainly due to stress. I have had quite
a lot of stress over the past few years.
I took this information to my
GP and had a referral to a tinnitus therapist at the Royal South Hants
Hospital. I also attended an Audiology clinic for an update on my
hearing.
I am now aware that my brain needs normal noise, and because of my
severe hearing loss, my brain is hearing other noise, in my case music.
It was up to me to do something about it.
I found details of the New Forest Tinnitus Support Group on the BTA
website. I was so welcomed at my first meeting in December 2012. It
was wonderful to feel I could talk to others about my problem and
hopefully, to know I am not thought of as "barking mad".
I am so grateful I have the support of the group.
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There is a lot of information and help available for me to try and live
with this tinnitus noise and music.
Kath McKibbin
Editors Note: This follow-up was received from Kath before her first
article was published in our first Handbook.
Following the above article I wrote about my tinnitus, I decided I need to
do more to try to combat the effect the tinnitus/sleep deprivation had on
my life. I have noticed my brain seems to be inactive at times, and at
my age, this worries me.
I am able to continue to drive my car – I have older persons driving
assessments every two years which gives me the confidence to be
independent and not rely on others. I do have relatives living in various
parts of this country that I like to visit. However, I felt it was dangerous
to drive too far, in case I fell asleep at the wheel.
Just recently, I decided to contact the BTA free phone helpline and I am
very pleased that I did. The advisor I spoke to “David” really listened
to every word I said. I explained the problem I was having with
Musical tinnitus, sleep deprivation, memory and driving. I was asked
for my email address and was sent such helpful advice.
1. Taming Tinnitus – behavioural techniques.
This explains that I must not let the tinnitus rule my life. Make the
tinnitus less attention-grabbing. People can and do manage the
impact tinnitus has on their lives
2. Goodnight, sleep tight
The beliefs and worries that we have about quantity of sleep, or about
the effects of not sleeping, or about tinnitus generally, have more of
an impact on sleep problems than the sound of tinnitus.
3. Self help for tinnitus This is information about Relaxation
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Since receiving this information and advice I feel so much better and
I am more able to ignore the tinnitus noise. I have had some good
nights sleep. Long may it continue.
I now realise it is not just the tinnitus that has been the problem; it is
the other things in my life as well.
I feel that joining the New Forest Tinnitus support group has given
me the incentive and encouragement to help myself.
I can’t thank you enough.
Kath McKibbin
Editors Note: We have copies of the 3 articles Kath mentions in
our A – Z of Tinnitus Directory.
The following six articles were previously printed in the first Edition
in the Spring of 2013. We are always looking for thoughts from our
members to add to these pages and if you have anything to say we
would love to hear from you.
A Positive Side Effect of Tinnitus
by Brian Matthews
My search for relief from tinnitus has had unexpected consequences...
Quite by chance whilst walking the sea wall from Lymington to
Keyhaven (approx. 5 miles), I found that the
sea breeze (rarely a zephyr and often an icy
blast) masked the insistent ringing. Returning
regularly, I began to take an interest in my
environment, its history (the salt industry) and
natural history (being the Lymington-Keyhaven
Nature Reserve). I already belonged to the
local history society so joined Lymington and
District Naturalists' Society (LDNS) some 3
years ago, attending winter lectures and
participating in their monthly (October - March) bird watching walks
along the sea wall.
Two years ago I joined Hampshire and IOW Wildlife Trust and, besides
joining various walks, I became a volunteer for 2 of their projects. One
involves the removal of Himalayan Balsam, an invasive non-native
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plant, from local streams and waterways and the other is a quarterly
beach clean and litter survey at Hurst Spit (but just a section, not all of
it!). These took up 19 days last year and there are more dates scheduled
for this.
I have just been "persuaded" to join the LDNS Committee as they
needed younger members (I was told anyone under 70!) and a treasurer.
Apparently, the fact that I did not actually handle money in my banking
career would be no bar to my appointment.
Being outdoors and occupied suits me and helps me to cope. It is also
rewarding and FUN!
Living Happily with Tinnitus
Imagine you have a neighbour called Mr Annoying who you don’t much
like. When you see him, say ‘Good Morning’ and get on with your day.
One of the many good bits of advice I was given by
our local Hearing Therapist. Admit he’s there, but
don’t rise to him.
Mr Annoying is of course that
annoying noise in your head.
I am a retired teacher and when things got bad, I was
lucky enough to spot an advert for The New Forest
Tinnitus Support Group. It was as if the first meeting
I went to was specifically aimed at me; I even
acquired a referral form for the NHS Tinnitus
Therapist to take to my doctor. Chris Gilbert came round with some
relaxation exercises for me. Even the local GP understood. I am also
very fortunate in having an understanding and
determined wife and a good family. Living happily with Mr Annoying is
all about support from those around you.
I am a piano nerd and am known to become boring on the subject
although I can’t quite see it
I play most days and find it hard not to
play any keyboard I happen to be passing.
So I haven’t given up
music. I go to concerts still (not the amplified kind). Penny Stannard
advised me not to give things up. So I haven’t.
I still enjoy birdsong
and church bells (not too close).
So thanks to all this support, I haven’t gone bonkers after all.
Trevor Beach
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My Tinnitus by Sue Walters
I have had tinnitus for many years and have been
able to cope with it, but unfortunately I had a fall
at Christmas and it brought it all back louder and
worse than ever.
Obviously I went to my Doctor who arranged an
appointment at the Royal South Hants Hospital
for a referral and another hearing test. He also
suggested that I go to a Pilates group as this may
help, but whilst doing Pilates I twisted my inside and pelvis. I did a
lot of damage which made me feel worse, so much so, that I went to a
Chiropractor who told me that my pelvis and back was out of sync.
In an effort to overcome my tinnitus we looked on the BTA website to
find out where our nearest group would be. We live at Hedge End,
Southampton. Finding out that there was a group in Lyndhurst, although
some distance away, I telephoned and spoke to Jean Wright who was
very helpful and advised that we visit the group. My husband, who is the
driver, as I don’t drive, and I, attended the next meeting - they were so
friendly, helpful and welcoming that I decided to join there and then.
At that Thursday’s meeting there was a presentation by Jan Cox a
Bowen Technique practitioner, who actually performed some procedures
on two of the members.
Shortly afterwards the Group announced that there would be a 3 session
course for anyone interested, at which I duly enrolled. After just the first
session, in the evening, I went up and down the stairs without any pain
or realising that I’d done it successfully. I hadn’t been able to do that for
quite some time. I’ve since noticed that I find I sleep better without pills
and am a lot suppler. I feel the treatment has definitely benefited me and
I will continue again when possible.
Living with a Tinnitus Sufferer
by Alan Flux
I'm fortunate; I do not suffer from
Tinnitus. However I have lived with
Tinnitus for as long as I can remember
because Jeannie, my wife, suffers
from it. It is difficult for someone like
me to understand the effects of
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Tinnitus on a sufferer such as Jeannie. I can only guess at how
distressing it must be to be constantly bombarded with “sounds in the
head” that won't go away. When I'm able to sit quietly and read a book I
see the discomfort on Jeannie’s face because she is unable to share the
luxury of “silence”.
As I write this it's early in the morning and is very quiet and I can just
hear in the far distance the low throbbing hum of a generator somewhere
in Southampton Docks. I can only imaging what it must be like to hear
something like this all the time somewhere in my head.
On several occasions Jeannie has accompanied me to see, and hear,
tribute groups and afterwards I know that it takes several days for her
Tinnitus to subside to a manageable level. It makes me fear for those of
the “younger” generation who drive around with massive sound systems
blasting out in their cars. Is there a Tinnitus time bomb waiting around
the corner?
One “benefit” of Jeannie's Tinnitus is the support that she gets from the
New Forest Support Group. I have tried to accompany Jeannie on her
monthly visits whenever possible and it's remarkable to see the change in
her over the past couple of years. Her Tinnitus is now an irritating friend
whom she won't let control her. I've also learnt a lot from attending, and
can now relax and fall asleep during most meetings, except when the tea
and biscuits are served! A final benefit is that we now fall asleep to the
sounds of Gheorghe Zamfir's Pan Pipes every night, and sometimes I
also wake up to them in the morning!
My tinnitus journey
by Fiona Medway
I am 53 young and until 2 years ago I was a fit(ish) woman who worked
full time with a large extended family.
Well the family side of life is
still good but my health turned upside down 2 years ago. I should say,
as this story is tinnitus related, I did not have any signs of tinnitus before.
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One day all was OK – a week later I was in hospital for a long stay and a
major operation. The recovery period was long and drawn out, during
which period I noticed a buzzing in my ears. I also had a balance issue
and dizziness, but with everything else that was going on I assumed this
would improve as my health improved.
Six months later I was still suffering with my balance plus dizziness and
the buzzing was now loud and constant. I said to myself “Welcome to
the strange and alien world of tinnitus”, and sought medical help. Both
the Doctors and Consultant didn’t seem to know what was going on and
after MRI, Hearing test, etc. I was told that the balance should improve
and I would get used to the tinnitus!
So I was left to deal with the
constant noise which, if I am honest, was dragging me down. Because
I had been so ill over the previous year I didn’t mention it to my loved
ones as they had been through enough already with me nearly “popping
my clogs” I tried my best to smile and pretend all was OK and that I
was just a bit wobbly due to “old age” but some days I did wonder if I
was strong enough to cope with this for the rest of my life. I felt guilty
for having these thoughts, after all I had family to live for, etc. but the
thoughts were always there – you can’t make them go away. That
buzzing would not give me a break.
Does this ring bells with anyone?
I am very lucky to have a dear friend called Jean. Jean has changed
from a woman who came across as short tempered and abrupt to
someone who is now jolly, chatty and bubbly - why? Because she had
severe tinnitus, couldn’t hear people properly and was very fed up with
it all. Then her husband found the tinnitus group where she was
helped, can now hear properly, and knows how to control the buzzing,
making her life good again.
As I had known Jean through this
transformation I talked to her about the tinnitus. I had bottled it all
up and then suddenly it all poured out to Jean who hugged me and
said “Stop, this can be sorted out” and these words gave me
desperately needed hope. She introduced me to the group and my life
is changing.
Firstly, it was great to know that I was not alone – there are so many
others, young, old, fit, unfit, just normal everyday people all with the one
thing in common.
Secondly, at my first meeting I found out about all the information which
was on offer.
Books, Tapes, leaflets, Equipment, as well helpful
techniques to try, together with the chance to talk to others who
understand and can offer advice.
We also had a talk and demo of
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relaxation methods which can help. The group helped in so many ways
and you get a cuppa and a biscuit!
Then Thirdly, came the big step in my journey. I was given a referral
form by the group to see Penny Stannard (you simply ask your Dr. to
sign it and you post it to the Hospital) Penny is a Hearing Therapist,
not just an expert in her field but also has tinnitus, so she knows how we
all feel.
The appointment came quickly and Penny took the time to
obtain background information, explained the results of my hearing test,
what tinnitus is, how it affects your life and health and how it can be
controlled so that life will be good again. I can say I walked out of her
consulting room feeling like a million dollars! I still have a way to go
but she has given me hope, supported by information and another
appointment to fit a tiny discreet hearing aid. This will not only help me
to hear better, but also the tinnitus will be more easy to control.
I think my struggle with life this past two years, or at least the tinnitus,
balance and dizziness will be something of the past very, very soon. So
I would like to thank Jean for the guidance to the group, the group for
their support and help, and thank Penny for her expertise and
professionalism. The moral of this story is you don’t have to suffer, you
don’t have to suffer alone, you don’t have to suffer full stop! The help
starts here, with this friendly group over a cup of tea – I just wish I had
found them a year ago, but am pleased that I have now.
TINNITUS - MY FIRST THOUGHTS
by Sue Roberts
A year and a half ago we moved house. Sitting in
our new home a few days later I started to hear a
humming/droning noise. “What’s that noise, can you
hear it?” I asked my family. “What noise!” they
replied. “That humming/droning sound” I said. Of
course they could not hear it, as I was to find out
later that I was suffering from tinnitus.
Days went by and the noise remained, it was now starting to affect me,
so I went to the doctor and said “I think I may have an ear infection”, I
explained about the noise. She checked my ears, nothing wrong. You
have tinnitus, said the doctor. She went on to explain to me what it was
and that it would probably remain with me for the rest of my life. I was
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somewhat desperate, as to how and why this started. As the weeks went
on it became more annoying and depressing. I was referred to the ENT
Unit at Royal South Hants, where I met a hearing therapist who turned
my world around. She was absolutely brilliant and explained what
tinnitus actually was and gave me options and pointers on how to cope
with it, she also gave me a white noise generator, which incidentally I
find great at times when my tinnitus is really, really, bad.
At this time, I started to research the internet (wonderful tool), and I
came across the New Forest Tinnitus Group, so I thought I would give it
a try. My first meeting went really well, everyone was so friendly and
welcoming. I also found it very useful to swap notes with other tinnitus
sufferers. I now attend regularly on a monthly basis and find it really
useful, there is always an interesting talk and you can borrow resources
to try at home, i.e. relaxation tapes, books, sound machines etc. If you
are in any doubt about coming to one of our meetings please don’t
hesitate as you know everyone is in the “same boat” as it were, and
understand when you have a little moan.
A year and a half on, I am managing to cope with tinnitus and generally
have a very good quality of life, but occasionally I do get days when it is
unbearable. On those days I will take myself out for walks, swimming,
gardening anything that gets me out of the house. It takes time to come
to terms with tinnitus, and try to ignore it best you can. You also get to
know the things that may trigger the tinnitus, so it is also helpful to know
so you can prepare yourself for the loud noise.
I still think to myself it is early days for me, eventually I will ignore my
tinnitus, but also knowing that it will be there in the background come
what may.
Sue Roberts
Group Resources Loan Scheme “Try before you Buy”
We are always adding to this equipment and encourage you to have a
look to see if there is anything of particular interest to you. Items are
displayed at monthly meetings and thanks to a generous donation from
Anna Chalk raised at a tea party in her garden with a band and stalls
this has recently been expanded.
Members may borrow any of the
above for £1 per month (Sue Roberts whose article appears above will
be taking over running the Loan Scheme)
Also available for reference is an A– Z of Tinnitus
directory which is regularly being updated and this is on ongoing task.
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Articles are available to read at meetings, but also if you want to take a
copy away please ask Jan before removing from the file – it may be the
last copy. Jan is currently working on a separate Research directory
with articles from the BTA, TRI, and other professional sources.
Book Review
“Living with Tinnitus and Hyperacusis”
By Dr. Lawrence McKenna, Dr. David Baguley and
Dr. Don McFerran.
Published in 2010, this book was written by three doctors from different
disciplines who have a particular interest in tinnitus and hyperacusis and
have had many years of experience of working with patients in this field.
The book is divided into two parts:
1. Defining the problem
2. A programme for recovery
The chapters are short and succinct with excellent summaries and both
parts address the physical and psychological effects of tinnitus with
positive suggestions as to how to cope.
Part 2 covers thought processes, relaxation, behaviour, sound therapy
and sleep using case histories to illustrate significant points. Cognitive
Behaviour Therapy is known to be a valuable practice as also are
relaxation and meditation. The contemporary message is optimistic in
that there is now a much more informed understanding of the problems
and there is overall a greater awareness of how to cope with tinnitus and
hyperacusis.
I would recommend this book as being very
clear and reassuring because the choice is not
to let tinnitus or hyperacusis have adverse
effects and the strategy and tactics outlined
provide a positive and helpful approach.
Review by Karen Ball
The following is a brief account of the
information contained in a few chapters of
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the above book. By Kath McKibbin
This is just my understanding of my hearing loss and tinnitus.
 How a person like me can cause tinnitus to happen by not wearing
my hearings continually.
 When I was first diagnosed with severe hearing loss, I did not
listen to the good advice I was given.
 I have kept the information from each chapter as short as possible
to help me understand how my brain and body work in relation to
my tinnitus – a copy is available from Kath on the Help desk at
meetings.
 I now have some understanding about my nervous system,
habituation and cognitive behaviour.
 Most of all I understand about stress arousal and its effect onb the
brain and central nervous system.
 How relaxation exercises and meditation will help me.
I need to read and understand more and to do this I must read the rest of
the book, until I can get a full understanding about my tinnitus and how I
can manage to live with it with much less stress. That will be nice.
I feel much more positive now than I was in December 2012 when I
attended my first New Forest Tinnitus Support meeting.
Tinnitus Product Review by Jan Petty
1.
The Sound Oasis Travel S-850
Cost £46.38
I have been experimenting with this piece of kit which we have in our
Resources Box, and I must say it performs very well. It is probably one
of the best providers of sound enrichment on the market. It scores on
many points. It is very light at 273g incl. 4 “AA” batteries.
The controls are easy to use and the visual display is bright and clear to
follow. There is a clock with multiple choice of alarm modes, two time
zones and a calendar.
Somehow the instructions have gone missing
when someone has borrowed it, or when it was being packed away,
which is why I was motivated to find out how exactly it works, and from
now on there will be instructions in the box, and I will keep a spare copy.
There 19 sounds in all, some of which are well known to me as a
therapist, the differing sounds of moving water are generally accepted as
being relaxing, but some are quite new and a bit different. With a little
practice I think the controls are easy to understand.
19
It has almost as much to offer as the Deluxe which is bulky, weighs in at
1.32Kg and costs almost twice as much at £89.75. Only advantage is
that Deluxe has a Radio & treble/bass adjustment together with Nap
timer.
I like this relaxer and suggest you give it a whirl.
equipment available for a one month loan period.
2. Pillow Speakers
We have this
In conclusion, let’s look at various types of
Pillow Speakers.
They fall into four categories and I think it is worth discussing the merits
of each one separately. The 4 types are:1.Mono speaker
2. Dual speakers.
3.Stereo Pillow insert.
4. Sound Pillows (small or standard).
Q What exactly is a pillow speaker?
A Pillow speakers deliver sound to your ear/ears without disturbing
anyone else. You can listen in privacy and comfort (especially at night)
and they can help with providing distracting sounds from any sound
source. All have a 3.5mm headphone socket.
Q So they don’t produce a sound themselves?
A. No – You select the kind of sound (perhaps with the guidance of a
Hearing Therapist or Audiologist) which helps you.
Everyone is
different.
Q Why are they such a good idea?
A 1. They are portable. 2. You are in control.. 3. You can listen to an
audiobook, relaxation tape, radio or record your own preferred sounds.
4. You select the volume, on/off switch and whether you use a timer etc.
5. They are inexpensive and easy to operate.
Q Which do the two Hearing Therapists associated with our group
recommend?
A Penny and I like item 3 -stereo pillow inserts for several good reasons
– mainly sound quality, durability, hygiene and comfort.
20
Q How much do they cost?
A A mono speaker price will vary greatly. You many be able to pick one
up for as little as £1.99 but a good one will be between £10 and £12.
Dual speakers are around £12-£14. Stereo Pillow inserts are £24 and
Sound Pillows will cost £23 for a standard pillow size and £21 for a
small travel version.
Q Can I try all four types of pillow speaker through the group
A No! We stock the first three, but if you want a Sound Pillow we are
sorry but they simply are not practical for us to hold in stock.
Hearing and Tinnitus Therapy
My name is Penny Stannard. I am a Hearing Therapist and Audiologist
working at the Royal South Hants and Lymington Hospitals for the
NHS.
In 1994 I volunteer with a
communication group at the
audiology department in
Bournemouth run by Jan
Petty and was inspired to
pursue a career in Hearing
Therapy. I started work at
the audiology department in
1995, and qualified in 1998
at Bristol University in
Hearing Therapy and at
Charing Cross hospital in
audiology.
My main interest is in tinnitus, which is a subject close to my heart,
being a sufferer myself, and my learned knowledge and personal
experience has taught me how to manage my own tinnitus and help
others to manage theirs. With this in mind, I feel there is a need in the
New Forest and surrounding area for a private Hearing Therapy service,
which I started in the autumn of 2012 based at the Lyndhurst
Community Centre. Go to my website www.thetinnituslady.co.uk
21
My qualification also enables me to help those with Ménière’s disease,
otosclerosis, hearing loss, communication and coping strategies.
I was first involved with the New Forest Tinnitus Group when asked to
be a speaker, which I have done on a few occasions, and always find the
group to be very supportive and encouraging to tinnitus sufferers, and I
am very proud to be associated with the group.
She
really
listens
Bowen Technique -
an explanation by Jan Cox
Jan works regularly with members of the New Forest
Tinnitus group and often comes to meetings.
Bowen Technique is named after Tom Bowen, an
Australian therapist, who in the 1950’s, developed and
practiced a series of defined procedures applied gently
on the body with fingers and thumbs. His methods seemed to set in
motion the body’s own ability to self-repair. Little known in the UK up
to now, its reputation is growing as more and more people recognise the
effectiveness of this very relaxing and therapeutic technique.
Having received my first treatment in Australia, where Bowen originates,
I was truly impressed by how much better I felt. Further sessions proved
just as successful. I was amazed at how such small moves had such a
profound effect and on different levels, with notable results. My own
experiences inspired me to train in the Bowen Technique myself - I
wanted to make similar benefits available to others. My background and
qualifications in Sport, Dance and Gymnastics served as an excellent
platform for working with this gentle and effective complementary
therapy.
22
A gentle, soft tissue form of body work, Bowen has provided relief for
many types of injuries and other health problems, both acute and
chronic. It is suitable for people of all ages - there is no manipulation. By
working over muscles, ligaments, tendons and fascia the technique
focuses on realignment and rebalancing on all levels. Non invasive and
precise activations deliver corrective signals to problem areas via the
autonomic nervous system.
Sessions usually take 45 to 60 minutes on a therapy couch or sitting)
following a short consultation. At certain points, you practitioner leaves
the room for a couple of minutes to allow your body to respond to the
moves. Procedures are ‘set’ initially when you place both feet on the
ground and by walking around a little. The process continues during
sleep. It may take several days to feel any beneficial changes although
for some people this starts immediately. It is not uncommon for other
reactions to surface such as old aches and past symptoms. These are
temporary and are part of the body’s way of clearing stresses and
restoring optimal bodily functions and structures. One of the most
important factors is to keep your body properly hydrated. Drinking
enough water helps to ‘lubricate’ your system ensuring more efficient
functioning throughout.
Depending on the type of problem and how long it has existed, you may
need further Bowen sessions. These are best carried out
within the following 5 to 10 days. If appropriate, we may show you
specific exercises to continue the therapeutic process. After that you may
benefit from a regular maintenance programme or just need ‘topping up’
from time to time. It is best to avoid other forms of treatment while
receiving Bowen, as this could affect how effectively your body responds
to the therapy.
I have been working with members of the New Forest Tinnitus Group
with encouraging results.
If your group or organisation would like to have a talk and demo on
Bowen Technique, please feel free to contact me.
Janet E. Cox BTAA, ITEC, B.Ed. (Lond)
janet.cox@bowentechnique.co.uk Reg. Bowen Practitioner
Tel:
01202 424698
Mob: 07966 514 508
23
Tai Chi
The following articles are by Jenny Burton who has given very
successful presentations to the group.
Jenny trained in 1986/7 as a Hearing Therapist and has worked at
Hospitals throughout Bucks. She has since trained as a Tai Chi
Instructor and now she spends most of her time working with patients
with tinnitus and vertigo. She also works successfully with groups who
have, in addition, cardio-vascular and arthritic conditions.
Tinnitus: How can Tai Chi help?
Tai Chi is a superb tool to help with focusing away from tinnitus.
Sometimes just for a relatively short time and sometimes as one becomes
more proficient at the Tai Chi forms, individuals can experience longer
periods of relief.
Initially I used Tai Chi to help people with balance problems. However
my colleagues and I have found that the particular style that we do is
helping people with arthritis, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, general
cardiovascular fitness as well as tinnitus.
As always there are no guarantees certainly no instant alleviation.
Presently there has been no research that Tai Chi or the deep breathing
exercises associated with Tai Chi can give relief to individuals with
tinnitus, however, there is plenty of documented research for the relief
of other long term difficulties such as arthritis.
The ‘Sun Style’, which has slow fluid and graceful movements with a
higher stance, can be so relaxing and rejuvenating.
As the forms
becomes less mechanical and more depth is achieved an increasing
emphasis is placed on “Qigong” which is a breathing exercise that
requires practice.
Also this form can be undertaken in a seated
position. I certainly have been amazed at the difference Tai Chi can
make to individuals quality of life.
Tai Chi places the emphasis on breathing and the mental component of
the training. It consists of fluid, gentle, graceful and circular movements
slow in tempo. The philosophy is that the body relaxes allowing the life
force “Qi” (energy inside the body) to flow more freely.
24
Tai Chi improves joint mobility, strengthens muscles (including the
diaphragm) improves balance and co-ordination and general
cardiovascular fitness.
There are many different styles of Tai Chi:
Chen, which has spiral powerful and low stance movements.
Yang, which has gentle, graceful, slow movements.
Wu is characterised by softness and emphasis on redirecting incoming
force.
The style of Tai Chi that we are trained in is the Sun Style, which has
been adapted for people with Arthritis, but is suitable for all.
The sun style is characterised by
A high stance
Agile steps with a follow up step forwards or backwards, making it
easier to balance and with less strain on joints
As the forms becomes less mechanical and more depth is achieved an
increasing emphasis is placed on “Qigong” which is a breathing exercise
that requires practice. It has increasing numbers of sequences, known as
“forms”. which is good for concentration.
Tai Chi encourages you to listen to your body, developing individual’s
ability to understand more about their mental and physical wellbeing.
Whilst Tai Chi itself can and does encourage relaxation and can be used
as a tool for defocusing from everyday concerns and difficulties, such as
tinnitus, ‘Qigong’ can potentially have also have a powerful effect on
individuals capabilities for relaxation.
Just thinking and concentrating on the form can provide up to 65 –75%
of the benefit of doing the movement itself.
Reference. Tai Chi for Arthritis Instructor’s Workshop notes 21/12/06.Dr Paul Lam TaiChi productions.com
Teaching Tai Chi Effectively. Dr Paul Lam.- Tai Chi productions
2006Lam Paul & Kaye Nancy Tai Chi for Beginners + 24 FormsLimelight Pub Sydney 2006
A L Turner 16/1/08 & additions J Burton 30/04/08
25
Sun Style Tai Chi which is part of the Tai Chi for health program, is a
safe form of exercise that's enjoyable and allows individuals to work at
their own pace and level. The goal for some may be to maintain current
levels of mobility whilst working towards improvement, some wish to
improve co-ordination, others find the peaceful session mentally
therapeutic but the majority enjoy the combination of all aspects if Tai
Chi. Comments that people have made about improvements they have
experienced since attending Tai Chi classes include:
 A gentle method of exercise that they can comfortably do
 Improved balance
 Improved mobility and flexibility
 Increased strength
 Better concentration
 Controlled co-ordination
 More confidence
 Enhanced sleeping patterns
 Improved periods of relaxation
 Getting out and enjoying a social activity
If you get the opportunity do give Tai Chi a try
Jenny Burton Tai Chi Instructor in Buckinghamshire
These are the notes from Malcolm Calvert’s talk to the group
in 2013 (Malcolm runs classes around the New Forest area)
Tai Chi for Health and Wellbeing
Tai Chi is a very ancient form of Chinese exercise system originally
based on martial arts. It relies on internal energy (Chi) and not
physical strength.
The Chi is collected at a point just below the navel called the Lower
Tan Tien. This area is like your Chi energy petrol tank and from this
point the energy is directed around your body through meridians.
Tai Chi is used because of its healing qualities and its slow graceful
26
movements combined with calm deep natural regular breathing. It has
become very popular as a means of maintaining good health and
feelings of relaxation and calm.
Tai Chi is enjoyable, very interesting to learn and with many
practitioners around the world benefitting from the many health
enhancement programmes.
Chi Kung exercises have been used by the Chinese people for
thousands of years to maintain their energy levels and keep them in
good health.. Commonly translated as energy cultivation, Chi Kung
exercises are used in association with a warm up session of light
stretching, and a series of balanced breathing and relaxation exercises.
Exercise for the 21st Century
Health and wellbeing in today’s world is becoming ever more
important as the population lives longer and wishes to remain active..
Tai Chi is an excellent
exercise system for the mind, body and spirit, improving overall
wellbeing, acting as an ideal aid in the prevention of illness and
disease, as well as assisting recovery. Longevity could also be
improved.
Tai Chi and Chi Kung in their many forms are used in many hospitals
in China to aid recovery from major surgery and to assist with cancer
treatments. It is recognized as a suitable complementary therapy by
numerous health related
bodies, notably, the British Heart
Foundation, and charities Age Concern.
Acknowledged by the National Health Service and the National
Institute for Clinical Excellence as being appropriate exercises for
many conditions.
Tai Chi and Chi Kung are very popular with all age groups as a
regular form of light but beneficial exercise and it can be enjoyed by
all regardless of their abilities.
Malcolm Calvert
www.taichi4healthandwellbeing.com
27
Hypnotherapy
Some thoughts from Paul Hancocks who gave a talk at our meeting in
November 2013
It isn’t what happens to us in life, its how we deal with it that is the
important thing.
This is an easy statement to make, but it is not always that easy to apply
in practice, especially if you have experienced something like tinnitus.
It is a lesson I have learned the hard way, having encountered the
condition on a personal and professional level. I have run through a
gamut of emotions since it started, ranging from anger and anxiety especially at the beginning - to a more accepting attitude and a
determination that it was not going to define my entire existence.
Hypnotherapy can be very helpful in helping to initiate and accelerate
the habituation process so that the person experiencing it (I don't like to
use the word' sufferer') can get on and lead a full life once again. As well
as helping to remove the anxiety and fear surrounding the condition, the
use of hypnosis in a clinical setting can help someone deal with many of
the knock-on effects such as sleeplessness, depression and lack of focus.
Essentially it works on a subconscious level, helping the brain to
reprogramme itself so that the noise is no longer seen as something
threatening or annoying and defusing the subconscious triggers that can
make the condition difficult to deal with.
I am confident that one day there will be a cure for this, but in the
meantime, take heart, you can get your life back together and there are
many people who are there to help you - not least yourself.
Paul Hancocks Hypnotherapist
website: www.hancockshypnotherapy.co.uk
If you want to discuss any aspects of Hypnotherapy i.e. Sleep
difficulties, with Paul he will be available at our “Ringing the Changes”
Tinnitus Event on Sat.12th April (see page 29 for more details)
28
Six Steps to Sound Sleep
One: Go to bed when you feel tired and avoid sleeping during the day.
Two:
Get up at the same time every morning.
Three: Make time for some gentle exercise during the day, preferably
in the afternoon or early evening, but not just before going to bed.
Four: Sleep in a dark well ventilated room on a comfortable bed.
Maybe invest in a good quality pillow. If you can’t sleep, it’s much
better not to lie in bed tossing and turning but to get up and do
something such as reading.
Five:
Every night, before bedtime, do something to help you relax
and take your mind off the stresses of the day. For example, have a
bath, read, play soft music, relaxing sounds tapes or audio books –
through headphones or a pillow speaker/insert perhaps so as not to
disturb others.
Six:
A small warm, milky drink may help you to sleep but avoid
alcohol, tea, coffee and cocoa since these may keep you awake, as can
late night eating.
29
2014 Program
9th Jan.
The Tinnitus Lady – Penny Stannard & Jan
Petty on Tinnitus Management
13th Feb.
Vitametik - What is it? - Sabine Wuensche
13th Mar.
Hands – Karen Moss Occupational Therapist
10th Apr.
Musical Movements– Jan Cox, Dance teacher
12th Apr.
“Ringing the Changes” Tinnitus Event
8th May
Equipment– Hants Social Services Hearing &
Vision Team
12th Jun.
Group Resources Demonstration
“Try before you Buy” Penny & Jan
10th Jul.
Relax! How difficult is that? Jan Petty
August Recess
11th Sep. Stephanie Stokes, BSc., M.A., M.Phil.,
The MRI and Tinnitus
9th Oct.
Annual review - Group Forum
13th Nov
Relaxation Therapy with Jan Petty
11th Dec
Christmas Celebration
If you have a professional interest in Tinnitus you are
invited to come along to one of our meetings where you will
receive a friendly welcome, together with information for
your clients/patients.
For more details
contact Jan on 07894 701665
or go to www.jan.petty@ntlworld.com
30
A date for your Diary
Saturday, 12th April, 2014 10.0 am – 4.30 pm
We plan to have a one day Tinnitus Therapy Event which will feature
tried and tested ways of managing tinnitus and will include
demonstrations, workshops and group discussions. Penny has named it
“Ringing the Changes” which we think is very apt.
Participants will be encouraged to sign up for the whole day as we need
to know numbers for catering. It is hoped everyone will be able to take
part in at least three of the activities on offer.
There will be a
lounge/quiet area where you can sit and enjoy a chat or just rest.
The event will be free of charge of members of the NFTSG (membership
£20 pa) which will include lunch, ongoing refreshments throughout the
day, a welcome pack and items to try and take away. We have booked
the entire Lyndhurst Community Centre and will be running exciting
Workshops and demonstrations of things we have found to help our
members over the past 5 years. To include:
Relaxation
Tai Chi
Bowen Technique
Make a Tinnitus Film
Sound Ideas
Pottery Therapy
Hearing & Tinnitus Surgery
Reflexology
Hand Therapy
Hypnotherapy
The event will be sponsored by: BTA, Key to Hearing, Starkey and the other
Therapists in attendance.
There will be stands where you can view products and
try things out. Please register if you wish to book for specific workshops where
numbers may be limited (i.e Pottery,& Making a Film)
Come along and help us make this a great day out!
31
SOUTH EAST HANTS TINNITUS SUPPORT
GROUP
Our Tinnitus Support Group was set up in 2013 to cover south-east
Hampshire and the western end of West Sussex and is registered with the
British Tinnitus Association. We are currently meeting in Bedhampton,
just west of Havant, but draw in people from a large area, from Hayling
Island to Petersfield and from Fareham to Chichester.
The group is run by a group of ordinary people who have tinnitus
themselves. Our aim is to give people with tinnitus an opportunity to
meet others with similar experiences and to get advice and
encouragement in a friendly atmosphere. This year we plan to meet
roughly every six weeks, alternately on weekday evenings and Saturday
mornings.
We have a guest speaker at most of our meetings. This might be a
medical professional with tinnitus expertise, or a practitioner of a
technique such as relaxation or mindfulness which may help people to
cope with tinnitus symptoms. We hold a supply of British Tinnitus
Association leaflets and also run an Equipment and Resource Library.
We are very grateful to the New Forest Group for advice in our early
stages; we have learned a great deal from you about how to run a support
group. Members of the New Forest Group would be very welcome at any
of our meetings.
For more information and details of our current programme, please see
our website at www.sehants-tinnitus.org, or contact Ann Hudson at
annhudson84@gmail.com or 01243 786135.
32
Tinnitus Flowchart – How to get help
Visit your Doctor
The Hearing Therapist
at the hospital will reply
swiftly.
Audiological
assessment and
further
investigations
if indicated
No luck?
Your Doctor
will check your
ears, but you do
not need a
hearing test to
go with the
referral.
Obtain Hearing Therapist
Referral form from New
Forest Tinnitus Support
Visit Doctor again.
Mention New Forest
Tinnitus Support Group
and ask if referral could
be made to Therapist at
Royal South Hants
Hospital using the form.
Treatment options will be discussed
Hearing Loss &
Tinnitus
Tinnitus and/or Hyperacusis
with slight or no hearing loss
 Hearing Aids
fitted
 Advice on
communication
Tactics
 Sound generators fitted
 Explanation of sound
therapy
Come to see us New Forest
Tinnitus Group We can offer
 Continuing advice
 Relaxation and
coping strategies
Glossary
33
Useful terms/definitions you may come across when reading about
Audiology/Tinnitus
Acoustic Neuroma – a slow-growing (non-cancerous) benign tumour on
the acoustic nerve that connects the ear to the brain. Also called
vestibular schwannoma
Acoustic Reflex Testing – measures the function of the muscles in the
middle ear in response to sound
Aetiology – the cause or causes of a disease or abnormal condition
Audiogram – a graphic representation of a hearing test
Audiologist – a health care professional trained to evaluate hearing loss
and related disorders, including balance disorders and tinnitus.
Audiometer – the equipment used to test hearing/tinnitus
Auditory Cortex – the highest level of the brain that receives inputs
from the lower auditory regions of the brain
Bilateral Hearing Loss – loss to hearing ability in both ears
Bilateral Tinnitus – tinnitus in both ears
Cerumen – medical term for ear wax which is a secretion which keeps
the ear dry and protected from infection
Cochlea – the spiral-shaped organ that contains hair cells
Cochlea implant – medical device that bypasses damaged structures in
the inner ear & stimulates the auditory nerve
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy – attempts to solve emotional,
behavioural or thought disorders through a psychotherapeutic approach
Decibels noted as dB on the audiogram – measures the intensity or
loudness of sound
Ear Nose & Throat Department – known as ENT –Outpatient dept.
with a large team of Clinicians specialising in testing, diagnosing,
prescribing and treating symptoms in the areas of the ear, nose and
throat.
Eustachian Tube – balances pressure from back of the nose to the ear.
Frequency –a common word for frequency is Pitch. Can be expressed
in cycles per second or Hertz (Hz)
Ginkgo Biloba – a supplement derived from the Maidenhair tree that
improves blood flow to the brain, cognition, and acts as an antioxidant
Habituation – process by which repeated and harmless stimulation leads
to less and less perception and reaction
Hair Cells – tiny sensory cells that convert sound vibrations into neural
activity. The hair cells are arranged in orderly rows lining the organ of
Corti within the cochlea.
Hyperacusis – Abnormally reduced tolerance to sound. A symptom
where sound which is not especially loud, and not bothersome to others,
seems overwhelming, intense or even painful.
34
Labyrinth – a complex system of chambers and pathways of the inner
ear. It includes both hearing and balance portions of the inner ear.
Limbic System – A system of nerves and networks in the brain which
controls emotions and drives
Masking (not to be confused with Maskers) – used in hearing testing to
isolate the non-test ear. The level of masking required being calculated
by the Audiologist for each individual test.
Meniere’s disease – Inner ear disorder that can affect both hearing and
balance systems. It can cause episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus
and sensation of fullness in the ear.
MRI – (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) – uses magnetic fields and
radio waves to produce detailed images of the structure of the brain
Neural – of or relating to a nerve or the nervous system
Neurones – cells of the nervous system that can rapidly transmit
information from one cell to the next. This is known as neural activity
Noise Induced Hearing Loss – hearing damage due to exposure to
harmful sounds, or repeated long exposure to sounds in excess of 85dBA
Otic – relating to or near the ear
Otolaryngologist – Physician/Surgeon who specialises in diseases of the
ear, nose, throat, and head and neck
Otosclerosis – inherited genetic condition that causes a spongy bone
growth in the middle ear and surrounding bone
Presbyacusis – Hearing loss caused by changes in the middle and inner
ear due to the aging process
Pulsatile Tinnitus – perception of pulsing sound in the head or ears
(resembling the heart beat) usually caused by blood flow disturbance or a
blood vessel abnormality
Pure Tone – a sound wave having only one frequency of vibration
Somatosound – tinnitus produced by muscular activity or blood flow is
sometimes know as a somatosound or “body sound” and other body
functions such as yawning or swallowing as well as pulsatile tinnitus
come within this category. Also sometimes referred to as “Snaps and
Pops” See explanation in “Living with Tinnitus and Hyperacusis”
Sound Therapy – introduces sound into the auditory cortex of the brain
to refocus the brain’s attention away from the tinnitus. Sound therapy
equipment includes hearing aids, sound relaxing devices and a variety of
other sound producing equipment, including what used to be called
Tinnitus Maskers – also known as Tinnitus Retrainers, White Noise
Generators or Sound Generator
Sound Enrichment – an expression first coined in the 1980s to mean
use of good quality sound to help achieve habituation.
Vertigo –the illusion of movement, often with feelings of imbalance and
nausea
Vestibular System – the portion of the inner and central nervous system
35
Some Useful Tinnitus Contacts
British Tinnitus Association
Ground Floor, Unit 5, Acorn Business Park, Woodseats Close, Sheffield,
S8 0TB.
Email: info@tinnitus.org.uk
Website: www.tinnitus.org.uk
Action Against Hearing Loss (RNID)
19-23 Featherstone St. London EC1Y 8SL
tinnitushelpline@hearingloss.org.uk RNID advice
solutions@hearingloss.org.uk Products for hearing and tinnitus
Tinnitus Research Initiative
info<at>tinnitusresearch.org
Deafness Research UK
330-3321 Grays Inn Road, London WC1X 8EE.
www.deafnessresearch.uk
Suggested Reading
Living with Tinnitus and Hyperacusis. Authors: Dr. Laurence
McKenna, Dr. David Baguley and Dr. Don McFerran
Tinnitus: A multi-disciplinary approach. Authors: G. Andersson, D.
Baguley, L. McKenna, D. McFerran. All the current approaches are
described and the tinnitus literature reviewed.
Tinnitus Treatments: Clinical Protocols
Editor Richard Tyler
Breaking the Sound Barrier: The Journey Beyond Tinnitus
Author: Elspeth Fahey
Textbook of Tinnitus:
Editors: Aage R. Moller, Berthold Langguth, Dirk DeRidder, Tobias
Kleinjung
36
Tinnitus Relaxation – 4 week course
Tutor: Jan Petty
Venue:
Library at Lyndhurst
Community Centre, Lyndhurst SO 43 7NY.
A four week relaxation course will be held in 2014 looking at several
relaxation techniques –sessions will be for an hour and a half. To include
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Understanding the Stress response
Learning muscle relaxation techniques
Using two-minute routines
Exploring different Breathing techniques
Sound Enrichment Ideas to try
Explaining relaxation circle
Using Visual Imagery effectively
Perception and Habituation
Deep relaxation to end each session
Practical tips/ideas for practising at home, and after end of Course
The 4 week course will also provide:
Relaxation and breathing handouts to take home
Exercises to practise between sessions
Equipment on loan.
There will be a short break for refreshments & discussion/questions.
If you are unable to attend a session notes will be provided at your next
visit. The
Sessions will be
weekly and it will be helpful if you can practise what is taught in
between attendances.
Contact Jan on 07894701335 or at jan.petty@ntlworld.com for full
details and to reserve a place.
37
Lipreading – Why and what is it?
Lipreading is the art of interpreting movements of lips, tongue and
jaw. Facial expression also helps to convey meaning – but not all
speech elements can be seen. Almost unseen elements like ‘k’ ‘g’ or
‘ng’ can often be guessed at by the context of what is being said.
Nearly all words have one ‘clue’ or recognisable shape that will help.
Spelling in English does not necessarily correspond to pronunciation
and in lipreading – or speech reading as it is sometimes referred to,
spelling is irrelevant.
It is the shape what is being said which is
important. So look at these shapes. For example ‘f’ ‘v’ and ‘ph’ look
the same. Try without your voice, and looking in a mirror to say few,
view, phew! Also ‘p’ ‘b’ and ‘m’ look very similar – try batch, match,
patch. Now ‘ch’ ‘j’ and ‘sh’ so try Cheap, Jeep, Sheep. Likewise ‘d’
‘n’ and ‘t’. Look at dine, nine and tyne.
Feeling these movements yourself is helpful in understanding how they
look on the person you are trying to understand and lipread effectively.
It is, of course, helpful if you know the topic of the conversation, so
don’t be afraid to ask what the subject of the conversation is.
Not all people do speak clearly and you will have difficulty lipreading
these people. Some well-meaning people will over exaggerate mouth
movements and others will split up sentences. It will be much easier to
understand if natural phrasing and rhythm is used. Words in isolation
are difficult too and nothing can be seen for an ‘h’.
Positioning yourself is important. Sit with your back to the light and
have the light shining on the face of the person speaking. Don’t be shy
is asking someone to change places with you if their face is in shadow.
Lipreading is tiring on the eyes so try to strengthen your eyes eg.
blinking eases strain and rolling your eyes can be beneficial too - but
perhaps not whilst in conversation!
Lipreading classes are fun! There may be one near you. If not,
perhaps we should start one!

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Tai Chi & Chi Kung
exercise for all ages and abilities
GET FITTER AS YOU GET OLDER!
Daytime & evening classes
Enquiries to Malcolm or Glenda
Tel. 02380651223 / 07941702267
Email taichienquiries@gmail.com
www.taichi4healthandwellbeing.com
Karen Moss Dip.COT, SROT
Independent Occupational Therapist
 Assessment of access and personal independence
equipment for the home
 Hand Therapy
 Splinting
 Also specialising in workplace ergonomics,
 personal immediate needs following
illness/injury, and rehabilitation programmes
Please contact me for costs and to discuss your needs
moss.karenr@gmail.com
Tel: 07712 943690
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Let’s go Potty!
WHY NOT TRY YOUR HAND AT HAND-BUILT POTTERY?
There is no need to be artistic or able to draw, to work with clay!
I have enjoyed many happy years teaching pottery - to students - adults people with disabilities - and at Headway House. You will learn and
have fun too!
Pottery is great as a therapy - it helps concentration – and is good for
relaxation. Plus, it maybe ideal to help with your tinnitus. I will explain
how a ball of clay is transformed through various stages to the finished
article and by the end of the session you will have made your own piece.
I recommend that for a 2 hour session, people make an animal or a
piece of fruit for their first attempt - using the ‘hollowing-out’ method.
I will bring the tools and various models and pictures to inspire you - or
you may wish to bring something from home to work from. I will take
your completed work home, to be fired in the kiln. During the workshop,
we can discuss how you would like to decorate your piece – whether to
glaze it or to paint it with acrylics etc.
I will be holding two workshops at the Tinnitus Event in April, each
lasting two hours – so I hope to meet you there!
You may also be interested in doing a regular half-day pottery
session at the centre; or I can run an all-day workshop at my
home for just 3 or 4 people. Please contact me for details.
lyn.perry6@sky.com
01202 951813
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Jan has been booked by Brendoncare to give talks about lipreading and
tinnitus at several of their clubs. There are 19 in this area. She spoke
at Havilland Springers (Boscombe) in early February and will be at
West Moors and Ferndown clubs in March and April. It’s another way
of spreading the word about what we do, and the help we offer people
with tinnitus.
Tony Hanson who runs Brendoncare writes:About Brendoncare
Brendoncare is dedicated to improving the quality of life for older people
in our regions across the South and making a difference to their lives in
every way possible. Care is at the heart of all that we do and our aim is
always to provide happiness, fulfillment and independence. Brendoncare
is a registered charity which provides high standards of care through its
10 care centres and numerous friendship clubs in Hampshire and Dorset.
The social clubs offer friendship, wellbeing, fun and stimulation for
older people. There is a choice of weekly, fortnightly and some monthly
clubs meeting in the afternoons and in the mornings. Each club has their
own programme of activities including entertainers, interesting speakers,
quizzes, fun games, outings, exercise, member’s experiences etc. We
provide an access fund for those who simply cannot afford to get to our
clubs meaning nobody is excluded, whatever their financial situation.
We also provide financial support in the Care Centres to those who
cannot afford the full cost of that care with our 'Care for Life' promise,
offering security and peace of mind to our residents and their families.
If you would like to know more about joining or volunteering at our
Clubs or Care Centres, please call us on 01962 852133 or visit our
website – www.brendoncare.org.uk.
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Notes
(for your own use)
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Notes
(for your own use)
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Private Hearing Therapy Service
I am a fully qualified hearing therapist and audiologist, and I
specialise in helping people who suffer from Tinnitus,
Otosclerosis and Ménière’s Disease.
The service is provided as a 1 hour home visit appointment.
Services
 Hearing test, using a fully diagnostic audiometer
 Counselling for hearing related disorders
 Tinnitus management
 Advice on hearing aid use
 Advice on coming to terms with hearing loss
Contact me by telephone: 07514417556
Visit my website: www.thetinnituslady.co.uk
E-mail me: thetinnituslady@btinternet.com
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Tinnitus?
Help is at hand
You do not need to be alone
We can help you to deal with tinnitus
Expert advice
Help with NHS referral
Access to sound therapy equipment
Regular meetings with specialist talks
Friendly and welcoming.
Chat to others in the same situation over a cup of tea
If you like what we do you can join for an annual subscription of £20.
This will go towards room hire and payment of guest speakers.
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