Tinnitus

Tinnitus is the perception of sound within the human ear in the absence of corresponding external sound. It is usually described as a constant ringing, buzzing or whistling noise in your ear. The noise can vary in volume and intensity.

Tinnitus is very common and is constantly increasing. More than 10 % of the people in the Western world suffer from some kind of tinnitus. Recent studies, made by Kajsa-Mia Holgers at Sahlgrenska Universitetssjukhuset in Gothenburg, show that the number of seven year olds suffering from temporary or permanent tinnitus has increased heavily, from 12% to 60 %, between the year 1999 and 2005. At earlier times, the industry was to be blamed for harming people's hearing due to heavy loud noises. Nowadays, the everyday noises are considered to be the major villain.In the danger zone for tinnitus are musicians, militaries and huntsmen, but also teachers, hospital staff, construction workers and people visiting concerts and nightclubs will risk getting damaged hearing. The need for protection is therefore essential and best way is to wear earplugs.

New studies show that kids and young people is troubled by tinnitus is much higher degree than before,see article in ecommerce times. The main reason for the increased number of tinnitus reports believes to be a result from high volume when listening to music. Sound levels from concerts, nightclubs and gyms are often very high and therefore harmful which can result in tinnitus.

Since ancient times tinnitus has been around, but only in the recent 21st century it has been discovered that tinnitus is not a disease, but a symptom resulting from a range of underlying causes. The most common cause for tinnitus is exposure to high-intensity sound, especially over a long period of time. Until this day, no one can say for sure why people suffering from tinnitus hear noises inside their head, noises that actually do not exist.

The following symptoms due to tinnitus are: problems with concentrating, sleeping disorders, stress, pain and depression. These conditions can themselves have direct negative effects to the tinnitus symptom.

The only way to protect your self from tinnitus is to use ear protection or ear plugs öronproppar when spending time in high volume environments.