A new group to support local people with tinnitus is being formed in Macclesfield, with the first meeting taking place next month.

The inaugural meeting of the Deafness Support Network Cheshire East Tinnitus Support Group will take place 2.00 – 4.00pm on Thursday 7 July.

The town centre sessions are free, and will be hosted within DSN on Macclesfield's Bridge Street.

It is estimated that over 42,000 people experience tinnitus in Cheshire East alone, and 7.1 million people across the UK - around 1 in 8 adults.

Richard Turner is the facilitator of the new tinnitus support group meeting in Macclesfield.

Facilitated by local volunteer Richard Turner, who has tinnitus himself, and DSN's Community Engagement Officer Erica Jones, the aim of the group is to inform and empower people living with tinnitus, supporting them to manage their condition better through peer-to-peer support and information and advice from talks and presentations by guest speakers.

Erica Jones said: "DSN is so excited to launch the new Tinnitus Support Group starting in July. It is a service we have not offered in the past, but with the support of new volunteer Richard Turner, who lives with tinnitus himself, funding from Waitrose Alderley Edge and of course support from the British Tinnitus Association, we can't wait to welcome people through the doors."

DSN Cheshire East Tinnitus Support Group is supported by the British Tinnitus Association (BTA).

Colette Bunker, BTA Head of Services, commented: "Being among people who have tinnitus, listening to their experiences and how they manage it, can be a tremendous help. I witness this first-hand when attending group meetings. It is amazing seeing the difference it makes to people, especially those who have recently been diagnosed."

Colette Bunker of the British Tinnitus Association. (Inage - Colette Bunker LinkedIn)

Tinnitus is defined as the experience of sounds with no external source, most commonly ringing or buzzing, but sometimes experienced as whooshing, clicking or even music.

Around one in eight adults experience persistent tinnitus, claim the British Tinnitus Association.

Many people aren't troubled by sounds they hear, but for around 10%, the condition has a significant impact on their quality of life, often linked to stress, anxiety or sometimes depression.

According to the British Tinnitus Association, around 1 in 3 people will experience tinnitus in their life. 

Macclesfield: Don't suffer in silence: Over 42,000 people experience tinnitus in Cheshire East alone. So it is likely that someone you know may suffer from it. (Image CC 2.0 Unchanged bit.ly/3OorHQf)

Tinnitus costs the NHS £750 million annually, with a cost to society of £2.7 billion per year.

There is no cure, only treatment to alleviate symptoms.

"Tinnitus can be an isolating condition, with friends and family struggling to understand how it feels to adapt to the presence of loud or persistent noises," added Colette.

"Some people choose to bring a partner or family member to the meetings, which can often help both parties understand more about the condition and the experiences or behaviours it can bring."

The Deafness Support Network has been in Macclesfield for 11 years. Their site is round the back from the DIB. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

The two-hour sessions have a capacity cap. Please attend the meetings for further information about future dates.

The sessions come at no cost those who attend, but a small donation to cover refreshment costs would be greatly appreciated.

Macclesfield: For more information about the sessions, please contact Richard Turner or Erica Jones on 0333 220 5050.

You can also email them on [email protected].

Please click here to access the British Tinnitus Association (BTA) website. 

There is a capcaity cap, so turn up early to avoid disappointment. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

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