As Tinnitus Week begins today (2-8 February), our new research reveals the toll that tinnitus is taking on millions of people’s wellbeing. 1 in 7 people in the UK live with tinnitus and many report high levels of stress, anxiety and disruption to their daily lives.
Our survey, which polled people living with tinnitus across the UK*, found that:
- 66% said their tinnitus can impact their stress levels
- 51% said their tinnitus makes them feel anxious or overwhelmed
Understanding tinnitus
Tinnitus is the name for hearing noises that are not caused by an outside source, and despite it affecting millions of people, it remains widely misunderstood. Tinnitus is an invisible experience that can impact every aspect of your life and often, there’s no easy way to explain what it feels like.
For some, tinnitus isn’t just a hum in the background; it can make everyday tasks a challenge. A third of people said that their tinnitus often or always affects their ability to do day-to-day tasks, with some of the most common experiences including affecting their ability to:
- concentrate (57%)
- difficulty relaxing (54%)
- interfering with sleep (46%)
- being unable to enjoy social situations (43%)
Shockingly, over 1 in 3 said their tinnitus has made them feel worried about the future.
Gaps in support
As well as the emotional impacts of tinnitus, our research has revealed that only half of those experiencing tinnitus symptoms say they have received support from a healthcare professional for it. Of those who have received support*, 60% delayed getting help when they first noticed it, with over half saying they believed nothing could be done.
Concerningly, of those surveyed:
- 44% said they were dissatisfied with the information and support for tinnitus currently offered by healthcare professionals
- 25% said they felt their GP or healthcare professional lacked knowledge about tinnitus
No one should face tinnitus alone
Franki Oliver, Audiology Manager at RNID, said:
Our new research this Tinnitus Week highlights the millions of people in the UK who are living with the debilitating symptoms of tinnitus and not getting the levels of support they need. At RNID, people from all walks of life regularly tell us they are finding everyday tasks impossible and struggling with mental health because of their tinnitus, which is too-often ignored or dismissed.
Currently, there is no cure for tinnitus. But the good news is that with the right support, a lot of people discover they can still live a full, balanced life with tinnitus, using a range of effective ways to manage it, from talking therapies and hearing aids to relaxation and mindfulness.
No one should face tinnitus alone. If you’re finding your tinnitus difficult to manage or you’re worried about someone close to you, our free online tinnitus guide offers plenty of helpful information, practical tips and advice to live well with tinnitus.”
Caris’s experience
Caris Lount, 23, a social media influencer living with tinnitus, said:
Although I’ve learned to live alongside my tinnitus, this research closely reflects my own experience. I used to worry a lot about what my future would look like with tinnitus, so it doesn’t surprise me that more than one in three people have said the same thing.
When I was first told I had tinnitus and hearing loss, the doctor directed me to websites clearly aimed at older people… The support from RNID was completely different – their advice gave me the tools to move forwards with confidence and showed me that living well with tinnitus is possible.”
Read Caris’s full story.
The future of tinnitus research
At RNID, we’re investing in research to better understand tinnitus and how it can be treated. We’re working on making the invisible, visible – and ensuring that everyone with tinnitus feels seen, understood and supported.
Get your free tinnitus guide
*Based on a sample size of 92 people who said they have received support for their tinnitus from a healthcare professional.