CATHY Jamieson, is backing a charity's campaign calling for vital local services supporting tinnitus sufferers to be safeguarded.

The Kilmarnock and Loudoun MP gave her support to Action on Hearing Loss's call on the NHS to protect essential services, such as hearing therapy and ear, nose and throat (ENT) treatments which help people manage tinnitus in their everyday lives.

During the charity's parliamentary event marking Tinnitus Awareness Week (4-10 February 2013), Ms Jamieson attended an event which allowed parliamentarians to hear a series of simulations recreating the unpleasant ringing, whistling, humming or buzzing sounds which people say represents their experiences of the condition in their head or ears.

The MP also checked the volume at which they listen to their personal music player by having its sound level tested on Action on Hearing Loss's Sound Head. All new personal music players in the EU will have a safe default volume of 85 decibels from this month onwards and the charity is encouraging people not to the override the setting.

Cathy Jamieson MP says: "I have personal experience of mild tinnitus associated with an ear infection. Around 10 per cent of adults have mild tinnitus which can have debilitating effects on sleep, personal relationships, work, and lead to depression.

"With that in mind, it's important that music lovers across Kilmarnock and Loudoun reduce the risk of developing the condition by listening to their music players at safe sound levels.

" It's also vital that local people with tinnitus have quick access to life-changing support so I'm delighted to back Action on Hearing Loss's call for local ENT and hearing therapy services to be protected." Chief Executive of Action on Hearing Loss, Paul Breckell, says: "As tinnitus is an invisible condition, its distressing effects are often not recognised, or underestimated by friends and family.

"We are grateful for Cathy Jamieson MP's support for our campaigning during Tinnitus Awareness Week and highlighting the need for Kilmarnock and Loudoun residents to protect their hearing and have access to essential information and support if they develop this distressing condition." For information about Tinnitus Awareness Week, visit www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/taw