Inquest Revealed Man's Struggle With Condition

The difficulties of living with the effects of the medical condition tinnitus have been tragically highlighted in a case which saw a sufferer hang himself.

According to the Northern Echo, an inquest in Chester-le-Street heard that Mark Hughff saw a doctor about the condition several hours before committing suicide at a picnic site near Durham at the end of March.

In a statement from his GP, it was revealed that the man was annoyed at suffering the symptoms of the condition, which is linked to ringing or humming noise that is most often heard during quiet times.

Discussing the case, Mark Allen of Irwin Mitchell said: “This terribly sad incident highlights how much of an impact the condition, which remains misunderstood and occasionally trivialised by many, can have on sufferers.

“Tinnitus is generally a ringing or buzzing sound which is often permanent and can have an impact on so many people. A number of the cases we deal with are linked to working in noisy environments.

“People who can link the condition back to a workplace may be able to make a claim which, while it would not spell an end to the condition, will allow people to reduce the impact it has on their lives.”

If you or a loved one has suffered from hearing damage such as acoustic shock, tinnitus, and noise-induced hearing loss caused by conditions at work our solicitors could help you claim compensation. See our Industrial Disease Claims page for more information.