Tinnitus Awareness Week 2025 (3–9 February)
Imagine if every minute of your waking day was invaded with the sound of buzzing cicadas, a squeaking wheel, or crashing waves – and that sound never went away. This is the daily reality for at least half a million Australians suffering from severe tinnitus, described as “devastating” and “life-ruining” by audiologists.
Soundfair, a national charity focused on the wellbeing of people living with hearing loss and tinnitus, announces the launch of the “T is for Tinnitus” campaign for Tinnitus Awareness Week 2025. This campaign aims to tackle the invisibility of tinnitus and highlight the urgent need for better support and funding. The annual campaign is seeking support to launch an Australian-first consumer survey to document the impacts on sufferers and the cost to the economy in terms of lost productivity, providing a comprehensive picture of this hidden condition.
“One significant reason that tinnitus isn’t taken seriously is the absence of large-scale Australian data. We want to provide concrete evidence to the government and health professionals that this condition is a devastating disorder,” says Soundfair CEO Dr Caitlin Barr.
“We hear heartbreaking stories every day of people unable to sleep or socialise, not getting treatment or acknowledgment from their doctors. By providing evidence of the impacts of tinnitus, we can drive policymakers to wake up to the devastating impact on our community.“
While the medical causes of tinnitus are not fully understood, audiologists know it can be brought on by exposure to loud noises and can be exacerbated by stress, diet, certain medications, and hearing loss. Recent research has shown the noise is literally “inside the heads” of sufferers. For approximately 2% of Australians – or 500,000 people – the inescapable assault is incredibly distressing.
“The invisibility of tinnitus seems to prevent it from being discussed. Amidst the conversation about preventative health for skin and cancers, tinnitus remains unheard and invisible,” says Dr. Barr. “By doing nothing to address this condition, public health services are neglecting their duty of care to the community.”
Despite the challenges, there is hope. Innovative research, dedicated advocacy, and supportive programs are part of ongoing efforts to improve the lives of those with tinnitus. The “T is for Tinnitus” campaign serves as a beacon of hope, bringing together experts, advocates, and the community to drive positive change.
Key Points:
Prevalence: 1 in 10 Australians suffer from tinnitus, yet the condition remains largely invisible—ignored, underfunded, and dismissed.
Campaign Launch: This Tinnitus Awareness Week, Soundfair is launching T is for Tinnitus, a national campaign calling out the unacceptable lack of support, funding, and preventative action relating to tinnitus. It seeks to make tinnitus and its impacts visible.
Life-Altering Condition: Tinnitus is more than just ringing in the ears—it can be life-altering. Yet, too often, people are told, “There’s nothing that can be done,” leaving them isolated and without hope. With 20% of tinnitus sufferers experiencing distressing and disturbing symptoms, and some tragically taking their own lives, it’s time to break the silence.
National Survey: The campaign is advocating for Australia’s first national consumer survey on tinnitus, titled “Living with Tinnitus,” to gather critical data and evidence to influence policy and advocate for change.
Compelling Statistics:
Prevalence: 1 in 10 Australians suffer from tinnitus, with 20% finding it distressing.
Public Perception: Many sufferers are dismissed by health professionals, leading to hopelessness and stigma.
Mental Health Impact: Lack of timely help results in serious mental health consequences, including suicides.
What Lived Experience and Professional Experts Say:
Victoria Didenko, Tinnitus Awareness Ambassador: “Tinnitus has had a huge impact on my health and general wellbeing. It took me too long to find the help I needed to learn to live life with ringing ears. I want support and information earlier to prevent others escalating to a crisis of despair and hopelessness that comes of this auditory torment.”
John Ross, Tinnitus Awareness Ambassador: “Tinnitus doesn’t have an off switch, but our response to it does. The key to surviving isn’t silencing the noise – it’s choosing to focus on the life still waiting to be lived. The T is for Tinnitus campaign turns up the volume on condition millions endure every day.”
Dr. Caitlin Barr, CEO of Soundfair: “Our goal with the ‘T is for Tinnitus’ campaign is to shed light on the hidden struggles of those living with tinnitus and push for the much-needed support and recognition they deserve. By this time next year, I hope I can paint a different picture with national data in hand.“
Call to Action:
- Join the Movement: #SeeMyT Challenge Join the #SeeMyT social media challenge by posting a picture or reel making a ‘T’ sign with your arms in support of people living with tinnitus. Post using #SeeMyT #TforTinnitus #TinnitusAwarenessWeek.” Tag @soundfairau and @tinnitusawareness and nominate 3 friends to join the challenge.
- Driving Change: Funding Australia’s First National Tinnitus Consumer Survey This campaign is calling for support to fund Australia’s first national consumer survey on tinnitus, Living with Tinnitus, which will provide critical data to drive policy change and improve support services. Donate at www.tinnitusawareness.org.au to help make tinnitus visible and fund research that will change lives. Host a ‘T’ event to raise awareness—sign up at www.tinnitusawareness.org.au.
Audio/Visual Content:
Examples of the 2024 #SeeMyT challenge posts are attached to illustrate what is anticipated this year. Several known public figures, including radio presenters, musicians, and TV personalities, have agreed to participate in this challenge throughout the week.
Audio files of what tinnitus can sound like are available on request.
About Soundfair
Soundfair is a national charity advocating for people with hearing loss and tinnitus for 93 years.
Media Contact: Dr. Caitlin Barr, CEO, Soundfair Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0447 660 242
