David Davies MP is backing a charity’s campaign calling for vital local services supporting tinnitus sufferers to be safeguarded.
Mr Davies gave his support to Action on Hearing Loss’s call on NHS Wales to protect essential services, such as hearing therapy and ear, nose and throat (ENT) treatments which help people manage tinnitus in their everyday lives.
During the charity’s parliamentary event marking Tinnitus Awareness Week (4-10 February 2013), Mr Davies checked the volume at which he listens to his personal music player by having its sound level tested on Action on Hearing Loss’s Sound Head.
All new personal music players in the EU will have a safe default volume of 85 decibels from this month onwards and the charity is encouraging people not to the override the setting.
Mr Davies said: “I have experienced tinnitus myself over the years, albeit it temporarily. It comes and goes and I therefore have some understanding of the debilitating effects it must have on people who suffer from hearing loss all the time.
“Tinnitus manifests itself as unpleasant ringing, whistling, humming or buzzing sounds in the head or ears and can affect sleep, work, personal relationships and lead to depression.
“With that in mind, it’s important that people reduce the risk of developing the condition by listening to their music players at safe sound levels. It’s also vital that people with tinnitus have quick access to life-changing support so I’m delighted to back Action on Hearing Loss’s call for local ENT and hearing therapy services to be protected.”
Chief Executive of Action on Hearing Loss, Paul Breckell, added: “As tinnitus is an invisible condition, its distressing effects are often not recognised, or underestimated by friends and family.
“We are grateful for David Davies’ support for our campaigning during Tinnitus Awareness Week and highlighting the need for residents in Monmouthshire to protect their hearing and have access to essential information and support if they develop this distressing condition.”
For information about Tinnitus Awareness Week, visit www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/taw or telephone the Action on Hearing Loss Tinnitus Information Line on 0808 808 6666.