A huge THANK YOU to all of those who braved the rain and winds to attend THIS 2019 on Saturday. The event was a great success as a result of the interest generated by the informative and enlightening presentations from our range of guest speakers.
THIS 2019 – The Day Itself
There were over 200 visitors on the day taking advantage of the various sessions and information stands. We were delighted with the turnout, even though the weather caused difficulties with public transport. There were hugely encouraging comments from attendees. We intend to issue videos of the various sessions over the next few months. However, it can’t substitute for those large number of one-to-one sessions took part throughout the day.
Show organiser Alan Hopkirk said,
“The day was very intense for me, but I was humbled by the patience of those who waited to share their challenging experiences and how thankful they were for the resources that were available. I sincerely look forward to helping many of them to get their lives back on track. I was also impressed by the content delivered by my fellow presenters which were endorsed by the comments on our feedback cards.”
The two presentations from our headline speaker Professor Baguley were of the highest quality. Visitors to THIS 2019 also queued to take advantage of David’s knowledge and expertise. It was a true delight and privilege to have him involved in the event. To have the President of the BTA taking part in THIS (Tinnitus & Hearing Information Show) whilst the BTA held their own event in Hull is an indicator of the show’s growing relevance in raising awareness of tinnitus and providing information to those struggling with Tinnitus, Hyperacusis and Hearing Impairment!
Other Presenters
Our other presenters were Betty Perrers, who runs the Edinburgh and Lothian BTA Tinnitus Support Group. She told her tinnitus story and how support groups helped her over ten years ago. Richard Jones from Phonak UK illuminated the progress and the amazing future options in hearing technology.
Dawn Lamerton from NHS Lothian explained the pathway for children with Hyperacusis and the similarities with adults through free NHS provision. Huw Evans from Sonova explained how advances in assistive listening devices made “Roger” a wonderful, small and easy to use accessory for the hearing impaired to use in noisy environments. Michael Pavloski from Invizear detailed the benefits of Microsuction Ear Wax Removal. The reduced provision of NHS ear syringing services makes this especially relevant.
Finally, show organiser Alan Hopkirk showed how tailored treatments for tinnitus patients can give measurable and lasting benefits. His case studies for a number of his more challenging cases, give hope to those with similar life-affecting issues.
What Next?
We will have videos over the coming weeks and months of the individual presentations. These will enable you to review those areas of the show that you found helpful and interesting. In addition, it will give those who were unable to attend a chance to catch up on everything. The raffle draw will also take place during the coming week and the lucky winners will be announced in our next bulletin.
