The British Tinnitus Association Warns Soldiers Of Dangers Of Excessive Noise

Main Category: Hearing / Deafness
Article Date: 17 Aug 2009 - 4:00 PDT

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The British Tinnitus Association (BTA) is advising members of the Armed Forces to be aware of the dangers of excessive noise while they are undergoing training and intense combat. The warning comes as a soldier who had suffered permanent hearing loss and tinnitus in one ear as a result of exposure to excessive noise, during basic training, was highlighted in the media this week. The 22 year old soldier was ordered to not use ear defenders during a live firing exercise in 2004, and this led to him experiencing 'fuzzy noises' in his left ear and ultimately being discharged from the army on medical grounds in 2007.

According to research published in October 2008 by The Times newspaper, hearing loss and tinnitus is a common problem among those working in the Armed Forces. Indeed nearly a third of the 691 soldiers in the 1st Battalion The Royal Anglians, who returned from a six-month tour of duty in Afghanistan in October 2007, suffered hearing difficulties.

Tinnitus is typically characterised by a persistent 'ringing in the ears', and can be a debilitating condition that causes great distress to sufferers and their families. There is currently no cure. Almost five million people in the country, a staggering 10% of the adult population, suffer with the condition at some point in their life.

The BTA, which is the only charity dedicated to supporting those who experience tinnitus, receives hundreds of calls every week from tinnitus sufferers on its free phone helpline (0800 018 0527), many of whom are former soldiers or people who have worked in noisy environments. The charity aims to encourage 'Better Tinnitus Awareness' and to prevent people exposing themselves to damaging noise levels which can lead to the development of tinnitus.

Roy Bratby, Chairman of the BTA said: 'As this week's case demonstrates, tinnitus is a common consequence of exposure to loud noises in professions such as the Armed Forces. Tinnitus can prove detrimental and sometimes has disastrous and life-long consequences for those who experience it, affecting all aspects of a person's life. The BTA recommends that exposure to loud noise is limited whenever possible to avoid long-term damage and that suitable ear protection is worn in circumstances where exposure is unavoidable.'

As a world leader in providing support and advice about tinnitus, the BTA has a trained team of friendly and experienced advisors for anyone who is experiencing tinnitus or is simply seeking guidance or information about the condition.

Source
The British Tinnitus Association