Worcestershire man backs calls for more support for those with tinnitus
Tinnitus UK predict by the end of the year 8 million people in the UK could be experiencing the condition
A Worcester man is calling for more support for those with tinnitus after experiencing it nearly all his life.
77-year-old David Hughes says he first noticed a 'ringing sound' in his ears when he was aged seven.
Tinnitus is the name given for hearing noises that do not come from an outside source, ranging from ringing to a buzzing sound.
David says it's now just become part of his normal life and he has learnt how to deal with the condition.
"I first noticed something not quite right when I was a child," he said.
"The bit I remember is asking my mother what was that ringing noise I could hear, but in those days tinnitus wasn't a particularly recognised condition so not many people knew much about it.
"I've had ringing in my ears all my life basically, but it's something you learn to cope with."
Charity Tinnitus UK predict by the end of the year 8 million people in the UK could be experiencing tinnitus.
David believes more awareness would help those dealing with the condition.
He said: "People who do suffer from tinnitus, suffer quietly, they don't make a lot of noise or fuss about it.
"I think it's absolutely important it gets more publicity as it would make it more than likely sufferers will come out and look to get any help for it.
"As I got older, more and more noises started to happen but I found having a coping mechanism is the most important thing for mental stability."