Case Study - Julian Cooper

ARLESEY MAN WARNS OF NOISE DANGERS AT WORK

Julian Cooper of Arlesey in Bedfordshire developed tinnitus while working solidly for three days using an industrial grinding machine. He had no ear protection while carrying out the job and is angry that employers don't take more responsibility for workers' health and safety.

He describes the condition as 'wretched' and admits to feeling very depressed after his diagnosis three and a half years ago. He even had to give up work because of the many problems it caused including stress, fatigue and lack of concentration. Over time, Julian has found the incessant noise slightly easier to live with and is now training for a new profession but is disappointed that so little medical help is available.

"I've seen four separate specialists in different parts of the country and none of them have been able to help," he explained. "The noise is loud and high-pitched like an untuned radio. It never goes away and can almost drive you crazy but there is nothing anyone can do to stop it."

Julian, 44, uses maskers in both ears which offer some relief but are by no means a solution. He remains hopeful of a cure eventually being found and would willingly take part in research and trials to bring that day nearer. "I'd do just about anything if it would get rid of the noise," he said. "Tinnitus isn't a well-documented condition and no one can understand what it's actually like unless they've got it too. We really need to do everything possible to find a cure."

Julian firmly believes that people should be made fully aware of the risks associated with noisy working environments and thinks proper health warnings should be introduced. "I'm disgusted that this happened to me at work and I don't want anyone else to end up in the same situation," he said. In the meantime, Julian manages day to day by trying to stay relaxed and going straight to bed when he feels tired at night which makes it easier to fall asleep. "I can cope better now and I hope that I'll eventually be able to ignore it more but it can still be a nightmare," he added.

The UK-based charity Action for Tinnitus Research focuses on funding medical and scientific research into the condition. Its operations director Nick Doughty said that raising awareness was an important part of its work in the pursuit of a cure. "It is estimated that over five million people in the UK are affected by tinnitus and it can have a devastating effect on their quality of life," he explained. "Not enough information is available about this complex condition and we are one of the few organisations determined to do something about it.� We are committed to funding leading edge research and providing practical information to health professionals for the benefit of sufferers," he added.

For more information on Action for Tinnitus Research, logon to the website at www.tinnitus-research.org, e-mail [email protected] or telephone 0115 925 4065

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