A tinnitus support group has been launched in Truro to provide monthly support and information at the office of Hearing Loss Cornwall in Walsingham Place.

The Cornwall Tinnitus Group will help people break the isolation of their condition by enabling them to connect with others who understand what living with tinnitus is like; find out more about available support; hear about the latest research, and discover coping methods and strategies to live well with the condition.

One in seven adults and approximately one child in every UK classroom lives with tinnitus. Around eight million people in the UK are projected to be living with the invisible condition by the end of 2025, including more than 3,000 people in Truro and 81,000 in Cornwall.

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. Tinnitus can be there all the time, or come and go; the volume can vary from one episode to the next.

While many are untroubled by the condition, around 10% find it has a significant impact on their quality of life, resulting in stress, anxiety or depression. Friends and family often struggle to understand how it feels, and are welcome at support meetings to help all parties understand more about the condition.

Volunteer group leader Sheila Marwood lives with tinnitus herself. “I hope this new group will provide a welcoming place where people living with and supporting others with tinnitus can come together to support each other, receive information and advice and share common experiences,” she said.

The Cornwall Tinnitus Group is supported by the charity Tinnitus UK, which offers a helpline via telephone, web, SMS and email.

All are welcome to attend support group meetings. For more information, email [email protected]