The British Tinnitus Association – the only charity in the UK dedicated to supporting those who live with the condition – has changed its name to Tinnitus UK as part of a major relaunch aimed at tackling growing numbers of sufferers.
It is estimated that one in seven adults in the UK have tinnitus, while many of the world’s top musicians suffer, including Coldplay’s Chris Martin, Liza Minnelli, Huey Lewis, Ozzy Osbourne and Eric Clapton; it affects Hollywood stars, too, including William Shatner, Liza Minelli, Keanu Reeves, and Barbara Streisand.
While often described as a ringing, tinnitus may also sound like a clicking, buzzing, hissing or roaring and can be soft or loud, low- or high-pitched, and may seem to come from one or both ears or from the head itself.
In some people, it may interfere with concentration, and in other cases it can cause anxiety and depression.
The Sheffield-based charity was launched in 1979 as the British Tinnitus Association, reflecting its roots as a network of tinnitus support groups.
It provides free support to anyone with tinnitus or caring for someone with the condition and is leading the charge for more investment in research. The organisation also works with healthcare professionals to ensure sufferers receive the right information to manage their tinnitus.
Tinnitus UK received a major digital grant to improve its digital resources to further help sufferers, and used this to create a new and improved website, devised by Reason Digital, an enhanced web chat and a tinnitus chatbot.
The chatbot will be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – and will guide people with tinnitus to relevant resources. This is the only tinnitus chatbot that is free and available to everyone and marks a significant step forward for the charity in its aim to reach more people with tinnitus.
Alongside the new name, a refreshed visual identity has been developed, which features clear bright colours and a soundwave graphic.
Tinnitus UK chief executive Deanne Thomas said: “This new name puts tinnitus first, because taking on tinnitus is the main reason we’re here, and we want everyone to know that. Becoming Tinnitus UK will help us reach more people with tinnitus, be more visible and raise more awareness of this condition which can have a significant impact on people’s quality of life.
“The chatbot means we can help people no matter what time of day it is – as we know tinnitus can spike at night. Our website integrates with our new CRM system, which will help us to connect with more people than ever before.”
Chair of trustees Lynne Gillon added: “This marks the start of an exciting period for the charity, as we build on our past successes and strive to reach even more people who may be struggling with tinnitus – moving nearer to our vision of creating a world where no one suffers with tinnitus.”
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