Tinnitus Awareness Week 2026: How ENT UK Is Working to Advance Tinnitus Care
05 February 2026
Tinnitus affects millions of people across the UK, and for many it remains a persistent, life-altering condition. This year’s Tinnitus Awareness Week is an opportunity to highlight the progress being made, the partnerships shaping future care, and the work ENT UK is doing to support clinicians, researchers, and patients alike. As demand for evidence-based management grows, ENT UK is investing in national and international collaboration to raise standards and improve outcomes.
A key step forward is ENT UK’s new role as a strategic partner of the World Tinnitus Congress (WTC), which will be hosted in London in 2027. This partnership places UK clinicians and researchers at the centre of a global effort to accelerate understanding of tinnitus and influence the future of diagnosis, management, and innovation. Planning for the Congress is already under way, and the collaboration ensures that UK expertise—particularly in otology, audiology, and clinical research—helps shape the scientific programme and wider priorities. With London as the host city, the UK has a unique opportunity to showcase its strengths and drive international knowledge exchange.
High-quality patient information continues to be a cornerstone of ENT UK’s commitment to improving care. The Patient Information team is currently revising ENT UK’s Tinnitus leaflet in collaboration with Tinnitus UK to ensure it reflects the latest best practice and treatment guidance. This new edition will align with updated clinical insights from audiology, psychology, and otology, while ensuring accessibility for patients from all backgrounds. The review process includes the integration of patient feedback, making the leaflet more practical, clearer in tone, and better equipped to help people understand what tinnitus is—and what support is available. The updated resource will be launched later this year and made freely available to clinicians and the public.
As part of efforts to signpost effective self-management tools, ENT UK is also drawing attention to the OTO app—an app-based cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) programme designed specifically for people living with tinnitus. Many ENT professionals are familiar with OTO’s evidence-based approach, but ENT UK is encouraging more members to explore the available clinical information and resources. The app includes guided CBT, mindfulness exercises, and sound therapy, and may offer additional support for patients seeking structured self-help strategies. Members can find more information at the OTO hub.
Leadership in research is another priority area. ENT UK’s President-Elect, Prof Taran Tatla, has begun a year-long secondment with the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), strengthening cross-disciplinary research into tinnitus mechanisms, management approaches, and prevention. Prof Tatla’s work will help shape national research priorities, expand collaboration with hearing-care professionals, and support a more consistent evidence base for clinical pathways.
Together, these initiatives reflect ENT UK’s growing commitment to raising standards of tinnitus care across the UK. By championing research, improving patient information, and fostering meaningful partnerships, ENT UK aims to ensure that people living with tinnitus receive the understanding, support, and high-quality treatment they deserve.