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Lengthy NHS waits leave Ipswich tinnitus patients facing 'years of unnecessary suffering'

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A leading Ipswich audiologist has warned tinnitus patients in Ipswich could face "years of unnecessary suffering" due to specialist NHS waiting times of up to three years, as a national report reveals the scale and impact of the delays this Tinnitus Week.

Why it matters: One in seven adults in the UK lives with tinnitus – a condition causing ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears – with 1.5 million people experiencing severe symptoms.

Karen Finch RHAD FSHAA FRSA, Owner and Lead Audiologist for All About Hearing, conducting a hearing assessment
Karen Finch RHAD FSHAA FRSA, Owner and Lead Audiologist for All About Hearing, conducting a hearing assessmentCherry BeesleySimply C Photography

The big picture: The report by Tinnitus UK, released for Tinnitus Week (3-9 February), reveals that 60% of doctors cannot offer standard levels of care due to staffing shortages.

What they're saying: "I am deeply concerned by these findings. Too many people with tinnitus are being left to suffer, with little or no support," says Karen Finch, Audiologist and Co-Director at All About Hearing  in Ipswich.

We regularly see patients in our clinics who have been told there's nothing that can be done or who have spent years waiting for help.

By the numbers:

  • 8 million people will be affected by tinnitus in the UK by the end of 2025

  • 36 per cent of private audiologists consider tinnitus care a low priority

  • Patients wait over 12 months and up to 3 years for hearing aid assistance and psychological therapies

  • 1 in 10 sufferers with no obvious cause may have 'hidden hearing loss' – damage to the nerve carrying sound signals to the brain – which standard hearing tests might miss

Karen Finch performing otoscaopy on a patient prior to earwax removal treatment
Karen Finch performing otoscaopy on a patient prior to earwax removal treatmentCherry BeesleySimply C Photography

Managing the condition: All About Hearing in Ipswich offers multidisciplinary support, working with a local ENT specialist and cognitive behavioural therapy practitioners to help manage the condition.

"Whilst we are not tinnitus specialists, we work with the condition on a daily basis, helping to identify if an individual's tinnitus is linked to an underlying hearing loss, alongside providing help and support for how to best manage the condition," says Finch.

Research shows that while CBT cannot stop the tinnitus itself, it can reduce distress and improve quality of life, leading to reduced symptom intensity.

The bottom line: While local support is available through private clinics, the report highlights critical NHS waiting times and calls for improved training, guidelines, and service provision for tinnitus care.

All About Hearing

All About Hearing is an independent, family-run audiology practice serving Ipswich and the surrounding communities.

Karen Finch RHAD FSHAA FRSA, Owner and Lead Audiologist for All About Hearing, conducting a hearing assessment
Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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Theatre project transforms lives through art

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We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Participants have praised the life-changing impact of a creative wellbeing programme at Ipswich's New Wolsey Theatre, designed to support people with multiple health conditions.

Why it matters: With long-term health conditions predicted to affect 68% of people by 2035, innovative approaches to supporting wellbeing and reducing health inequalities are becoming increasingly vital.

Tell Your Story exhibition at New Wolsey Theatre
Tell Your Story exhibition at New Wolsey TheatrePolly AldertonNew Wolsey Theatre

The big picture: Tell Your Story, produced by New Wolsey Theatre's Creative Communities team and funded by NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board, brings together people with multiple health conditions in a supportive environment to develop skills in photography, animation and creative writing.

What they're saying: "This programme has been confidence building. It's a really lovely way of bringing people together in a safe space. The gentle introductions, and support and help of the team, makes you feel accepted and part of a little family," one participant said.

By the numbers:

  • 12 workshops led by photographer Gillian Allard and writer Dean Parkin

  • 30% of people currently live with a long-term condition

  • 70% of all health and care spending goes to long-term conditions

What's happening: A free exhibition showcasing participants' work is running in the theatre's lounge area until Monday, 17 February.

The bottom line: Tell Your Story demonstrates how creative expression can improve wellbeing, resilience and sense of agency for people living with long-term health conditions.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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