The high stress levels of modern life may be increasing people’s suffering from tinnitus, according to two leading experts.

Tony Kay, Head of Audiology Services at Aintree University Hospital, and Prof Chris Dowrick, a GP in Aintree Park Group Practice and Professor of Primary Medical Care at the University of Liverpool, were speaking as a new advice site called www.takeontinnitus.co.uk was officially launched.

The British Tinnitus Association has created the site, plus a guide for GPs, to mark Tinnitus Awareness Week 2017, which runs until Sunday 12 February.

Prof Dowrick, the first GP to become a member of the BTA Professional Advisor’s Committee, said: “Many people experience high levels of stress from a wide range of issues, some from personal, work or family problems, others from relentless exposure to social media and 24-hour news broadcasting.

“A high level of stress may make it more likely for people to be troubled by their tinnitus. The advice on the Take On Tinnitus website and the GP guide can help people manage their stress, and can help make all the difference to their quality of life.”

Tony, a member of the BTA Professional Advisor’s Committee, said: “Tinnitus affects around one in 10 people, so it is a major issue across Merseyside. Living with tinnitus is the opposite of suffering in silence, but we know that too many people think that nothing can be done to help them. This simply isn’t the case.

“While it’s true that tinnitus cannot be ‘cured’ in most cases, there are a range of management techniques which thousands of people have used to improve the quality of their lives.

“We know what a difference this can make to people and we have excellent feedback from our patient support group. I would urge anyone living with tinnitus to visit the new website or see their GP.”

Anyone needing support or advice about tinnitus can contact the BTA at info@tinnitus.org.uk or call the helpline on 0800 018 0527.

The BTA is the only national UK charity dedicated solely to supporting people with tinnitus. Information can also be accessed online at www.tinnitus.org.uk

During Tinnitus Awareness Week (6-12 February), we are urging people to stand Together for Tinnitus, details of how you can get involved can be found at www.tinnitus.org.uk/TAW2017.