Research boost for greater understating of tinnitus
Industrial deafness and/or tinnitus occurs when workers are exposed to loud noises over a period of time, or perhaps a sudden and unexpected blast of sound that causes acoustic shock. Tinnitus can be distressing and although difficult to diagnose and treat it is a recognised form of personal injury. Employers who do not put in place adequate protection from noise for their staff can be held responsible and ultimately face tinnitus compensation claims.
Research into tinnitus has often suffered from a lack of funding. However, the British Tinnitus Association (BTA) has donated a record sum of £230,000 for a three-year research post at the University College London (UCL) Ear Institute in an attempt to find a cure for the debilitating condition.
This funding (agreed in May 2008) will enable the instatement of a senior research associate and a small team of researchers who will carry out the project in a leading multidisciplinary research facility.
Principal issues for the team will be:
- gaining a full understanding of tinnitus
- exploring potential causes at multiple stages of the auditory pathway
- achieving development strategies for early diagnosis
- recognition of those individuals who are susceptible to tinnitus
- establishing the means to eradicate the causes of tinnitus
Martin Wass, Director of BTA, said, "We are committed to finding a cure for tinnitus and believe this funding is essential in the quest to find out how people can treat the condition. At least 10% of the adult population in the UK has tinnitus and it can cause great distress to sufferers and their families."
David McAlpine, said, "The BTA's commitment to funding a research fellowship marks a significant step in the search for a cure for tinnitus. Here at the UCL Ear Institute, we believe that the most fruitful approach to finding a cure lies in understanding how the healthy auditory system works, and how it is perturbed in tinnitus.
"In partnership with the BTA, the UCL Ear Institute will be able to develop a programme of research that brings a wide range of scientific disciplines to bear on the investigation of tinnitus."
YouClaim and tinnitus compensation claims
Here at YouClaim we have many years of experience dealing with workers' compensation claims for personal and work related injury involving industrial deafness, acoustic shock and tinnitus.
Our experienced personal injury solicitors work on a no win, no fee basis thus ensuring you will never be charged a penny for their services whether your claim is successful or not.
If you feel you have been affected by work related tinnitus or industrial deafness please call our free helpline on 0800 10 757 95 or we can call you back at a time to suit you.
Alternatively, fill in our online claim form and we will call to discuss the details of your tinnitus claim.
