Industry unites at pivotal CEO round-table event

Tinnitus UK has hosted the very first CEO’s Roundtable, an ambitious event aiming to unite the hearing health industry to tackle pressing issues in tinnitus care and support. Professionals representing the British Academy of Audiology (BAA), British Society of Audiology (BSA), the British Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists (BSHAA), Association of Independent Hearing Health Professionals (AIHHP) and ENT UK were joined by Neuromod, GN and Specsavers to discuss a united approach to help drive the change that is required.

Following the publication of ‘Ringing the alarm: The tinnitus care crisis’, the discussion looked at common themes, problems and clear actions that can be taken forward.

The discussion examined the ongoing challenges in how people with tinnitus receive initial support. It was noted that many General Practitioners (GPs) are unable to provide adequate help, and in some cases, their advice may even be unhelpful. A promising approach being trialled in Wales, where tinnitus patients are seen by an audiologist first, was identified as a potential model that could be replicated to help improve early intervention across the UK.

Another key issue raised at the round table was the need for a more holistic approach to the medical guidance provided to Integrated Care Boards (ICBs). The current approach has a heavy focus on the clinical aspects of tinnitus rather than the broader impact tinnitus has on individuals’ mental health and well-being. With the Government reviewing a draft national tinnitus strategy, the group stressed the importance of ensuring tinnitus is taken seriously in wider health and care reforms.

The need for audiology to be supported by a scope of practice rath er than further regulation was the subject of a lot of discussion and something that the group has agreed to consider. Another discussion point focussed on concerns about the delivery of CBT, the main therapy offered to people living with tinnitus. The assembled group discussed the need to consider tighter controls over CBT practitioners.

To drive meaningful change, Tinnitus UK and its partners committed to several immediate actions, including:

• Creating a case for government support and lobbying for tinnitus to be prioritised in healthcare policies.
• Reviewing the Welsh audiology-first model to explore its potential for national implementation.
• Providing input into upcoming NICE guidelines review and a national tinnitus strategy to ensure the best possible outcomes for people with tinnitus.
• Engaging Higher Education Institutions to enhance training and knowledge in the audiology sector.

With a quarterly meeting schedule now in place, Tinnitus UK and the key partners within the hearing health sector remain committed to driving improvements in tinnitus care and ensuring that no one faces tinnitus alone.