About the Tinnitus Support Group
Tinnitus, along with associated hearing conditions including hyperacusis, can be extremely debilitating, impacting daily life and often the ability to sleep. However, obtaining support, especially given the impact these conditions can have on a person’s mental health and wellbeing, can be both difficult and lengthy.
With this in mind, the Tinnitus IoW Support Group was formed to provide a safe, positive and relaxed environment in which those living with hearing conditions can share experiences and management strategies, to find new ways of being able to live and cope with their condition. The group also provides signposting to professional services and products that may help those with hearing conditions.
Everyone is welcome to attend both regular Support Group meetings and special events. More details can be found here.
History of the Tinnitus Support Group
In 2019, Susan Poole, an Audiologist at St Mary’s hospital on the IoW, was invited by Rupert Brown (a professional drummer who himself has experienced severe hearing issues as a result of this profession) to work with him on a project. With Susan having already been interested in forming a support group, and Rupert being so enthusiastic about the idea, Susan arranged the Tinnitus IoW Support Group’s inaugural meeting, which was held in February 2020, being very well attended.
Unfortunately, the intervention of Covid delayed subsequent meetings, but once things had settled down meetings resumed with three being held per year.
By 2025 the frequency of meetings had increased and 2026 will see meetings held every two months along with guest speakers. Online, through a Facebook group, the Tinnitus IoW Support Group now has 140 members, all local.
Susan continues to run the group, with assistance being provided by Rupert Brown, who has done a lot of work in the field of sound therapies. Other assistance is provided by Phil Rudd, who suffers from distorted hearing (a rare condition called dysacusis).
Future for the Tinnitus Support Group
Over the years the group has evolved, being very friendly with everyone getting involved in the conversations and suggesting different management strategies. Moving forward, consideration is being given to closer links with Tinnitus UK (a charitable organisation offering free phone support for tinnitus sufferers) and social events. As the NHS budget is squeezed ever tighter community support will become more important. Whilst the Support Group will never replace the importance of good Audiology Tinnitus services, it will, however, provide ongoing peer support at its best, delivered by patient experts with lived experiences.
Disclaimer
Please note that nothing said by organisers or presenters at Support Group meetings are to be considered as providing advice on either medical or mental health matters. Susan, whilst an Audiologist working for the NHS, is not acting in this capacity within the Support Group.