§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many sufferers from tinnitus there are in England and Wales;
(2) what treatment for tinnitus sufferers is available on the National Health Service; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. CurrieTinnitus is a buzzing or ringing sound in the ears. It is estimated that some 15 per cent. of the adult population experiences symptoms of varying frequency, degree and duration which might be defined broadly as tinnitus, and that some 2 per cent. of adults experience continuous tinnitus, a proportion of whom would be seriously troubled by the symptom.
Facilities for the treatment of tinnitus sufferers should be available at all hospital ear nose and throat departments. Decisions on the treatment of individual patients are matters for the clinical judgment of the hospital consultant concerned.