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Noise levels in society have increased significantly, particularly in nightclubs and at live music events. Anyone who is attending concerts works in a nightclub environment is probably familiar with the ringing noise that can sometimes last for days. Hopefully it goes away. If not, you may have contracted tinnitus which is well on its way to become a large-scale public health issue. A constant ringing in your ears may have a detrimental effect on your health and life as a whole. The number of young people getting tinnitus is on the rise and current estimates show that approximately 10% of the people in western world suffers from tinnitus.  

What are the causes of tinnitus?

One of the most common reasons for tinnitus is exposure to loud sounds, but one may also get it from have tense jaw or neck muscles and certain drugs may also be a contributing factor. The exact mechanisms of tinnitus are still unknown. One theory claims that damaged hair cells are sending false signals to the brain and that the brain interprets these signals as sound although there is in fact no sound coming from outside the ear. Tinnitus can be roughly classified into three categories: 

Tinnitus may be grouped into:

Hearing-related tinnitus; which is related to damages to the auditory system. 

Somatic; related to other physical conditions.

Lifestyle-related; this can be traced to e.g. unhealthy diet, lack of physical exercise, stress, depression etc.

What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus is latin, tinnere, and means to ring or sound. 

What are tinnitus symptoms?

Tinnitus can be likened to the buzzing of mosquitoes during a summer night. You can not see it, touch it or make it go away, all you can do is try and learn to live with it. The sound can also be compared to the TV test signal. Normally the buzz is high frequency, often squeaky. The degree to which one may have symptoms varies, but with the common characteristic that it does not go away. 

I think I may have tinnitus. What can I do?

If you've been exposed to very loud noise and have a constant ringing in your ears, try to rest your ears and avoid any loud sounds for a couple of days. In most cases, the ringing will go away. If the symptoms remain for longer than a couple of weeks, consult with your doctor.

Have you been diagnosed with chronic tinnitus?

There are a number of ways to reduce the pain caused by chronic tinnitus; a first step is to consult with your doctor. Our brain has the ability to disregard irrelevant noise and through relaxation techniques it is possible to learn how to stop listening to the tinnitus ring. Gradually one may get so used to the noise being there that one doesn't actually notice or "hear" it anymore.

What other factors can cause tinnitus?

Loud sounds is the most common reason for tinnitus but there are other factors that may be involved:

Stress: Stress can exacerbate a tinnitus condition

Coffein: Coffein may contribute to increased tinnitus.

Alcohol: Alcohol is desensitizing. When your hearing is desensitized you may without realizing it expose yourself to louder sounds or other risks that you normally wouldn't. The next day you may discover that your tinnitus has gotten worse.

Tense jaw, neck and shoulder muscles: Dentition problems can make the jawbone muscles get tense and consequently cause tinnitus. Tense neck and shoulder muscles may have a similar effect.

Neck injuries: A neck injury such as whiplash may cause tinnitus.

Tiredness: When you're tired you will get increased noise in your ears which may be difficult to reduce without proper sleep.

Do you have trouble sleeping?

Tinnitus is perhaps most noticeable when you are about to fall asleep. A radio or low-volume music playing in the background will make it less noticeable and you can relax easier.

How do people get tinnitus? 

Amplified sounds

The most common cause of tinnitus is exposure to loud volumes for a prolonged time. This may be concerts, discos, rave parties or simply your portable music player.

While the trend in industries concerned with loud environments is on the right track, it would seem that we are doing a good job of damaging ourselves in our free time nowadays, often by playing music too loud.

A bang

You may contract tinnitus at a single occasion. A loud bang such as the firing of a weapon or a New Year's cracker can damage your hearing. For instance, a band that practices in a non-proofed basement with concrete walls may experience sounds that ricochet at very high volumes.

Lower volumes for a prolonged period of time

It is incorrect to believe that low volumes cannot damage your hearing, as it is a matter of time. Your ears need rest, and if denied, they may suffer from overstrain just like other parts of the body. The National Board of Health and Welfare recommend 100 dB as an acceptable average volume at sound-intensive events and is based on a total exposure time of 5 hours/week.

How can I protect myself and others against tinnitus?

If you can: Lower the volume!

If you can't do that: Use your Killnoise earplugs!

What can be done about tinnitus?

Consult with your physician and if possible, get a referral to a specialist clinic. Currently there is no scientifically proven treatment, medication or operation that can remove tinnitus. There is however, a number of ways to adjust and learn how to live with tinnitus. There is also a number of alternative methods such as ear acupuncture, stretching of muscles and improved posture.