Tinnitus is pretty common; we answer why this could be.
Tinnitus is a very common phenomenon. Over 11% of people have experienced it, with a smaller percentage having chronic tinnitus. Tinnitus is the tone, buzz, or hiss in the ear that is entirely personal; no one else can hear it except for you in almost all cases. The cause is generally a disruption in your hearing system, somewhere from your outer ear to the auditory nerve connecting to your brain. Why do so many people have tinnitus?
Common Reasons for Tinnitus
Loud Noise Exposure
Noise exposure damages people’s hearing over time. It could be a sudden loud sound like a gunshot, constant loud noise exposure at concerts and clubs, and moderate noises for an extensive period of time.
Ear Conditions
Ear conditions can affect your hearing health and cause intermittent or chronic tinnitus. It could be earwax buildup, swimmer’s ear, an ear infection, or a disease or other condition affecting the ear. Thankfully, earwax buildup and ear infections are treatable, and your hearing can be restored. For diseases, you can get treatment from an audiologist.
Medications
The list of medications that can affect your hearing health might be longer than you expect. Ototoxic medications are especially known for affecting hearing health. Alcohol, smoking, and vaping can also affect your ears, because your ears are very sensitive to your body’s well-being.
Physical Injury
Physical injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries or neck injuries, can also affect your auditory system. With rest and proper treatment, your tinnitus can improve as your body heals.
Why Do So Many People Have Tinnitus?
While 11% is by no means as bad as 25%, it is still significant enough to ask why so many people seem to have tinnitus. The statistics and common knowledge of tinnitus may say something about the prevalence of certain conditions and loud noise exposure. It could also show how certain habits make loud noise exposure normal, although detrimental to our sense of hearing.
Preventing and Treating Tinnitus
Preventing tinnitus begins by avoiding things that would hazard it, protecting your ears from loud noises, and understanding what your threshold is. If you have hearing loss or chronic tinnitus, it is best to see an audiologist to treat and manage it.
Trust the Experts at Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions
Need help with your hearing? Clarity Hearing can help. Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions is an independently owned and operated clinic that focuses on quality of care and personalized, friendly service to the surrounding areas of Ellicott City, Catonsville, and Columbia. Our Doctors of Audiology are highly trained with advanced degrees and take the time to provide the personalized care and attention that you need and deserve. We provide advanced hearing aid options that are personally calibrated with cutting-edge digital technology to fit your hearing loss, your unique ear anatomy, and your individual listening needs.