Tinnitus – what is it and how can you prevent it?

<p>Tinnitus affects 10–15 per cent of the population, and for many people, the condition affects their sleep, concentration and quality of life. For 1 per cent, the symptoms are so severe that they restrict their daily lives.<br />
But what exactly is this constant ringing in the ears that so many people experience today?</p>
<p>A common cause of tinnitus is age-related hearing loss, that is, the deterioration in hearing that can occur as we get older. Another very common cause is noise-induced hearing loss. Noise-induced hearing loss occurs when the ears are exposed to high noise levels over a prolonged period or to sudden loud noises, such as those from concerts, machinery or loud music through headphones. Noise-induced hearing loss occurs when the hair cells in the inner ear are damaged by high noise levels over a prolonged period or by a sudden, loud noise.</p>
<p>The hair cells are located in the cochlea, and when they are damaged or lost, hearing is permanently impaired because the body cannot regenerate them. This type of hearing loss usually affects both ears and typically impairs the ability to perceive sounds and speech in the frequency range between 3,000 and 6,000 Hz.</p>
<p>The risk of noise-induced hearing loss is higher in occupations with high noise levels, such as among nursery teachers, factory workers, military personnel, musicians and construction workers. Leisure activities can also affect hearing. Attending concerts frequently or listening to music through headphones at high volumes for prolonged periods can increase the risk of both hearing loss and tinnitus.</p>
<h3>What does tinnitus sound like?</h3>
<p>The sound of tinnitus varies from person to person. Some people experience a whistling or screeching sound, whilst others describe tinnitus as a hissing, roaring, humming or metallic sound.<br />
The intensity of the sound can also vary – from a faint background sound in quiet environments to an intense sound that drowns out the surroundings.</p>
<h3>Listening habits among young people</h3>
<p>Perhaps you turn up the volume on your headphones a little extra when your favourite song comes on, or maybe you got the best spot right at the front of the concert at the weekend? Many young people aged between 12 and 34 expose their ears daily to noise levels that can damage their hearing and increase the risk of tinnitus.<br />
A common cause is prolonged use of headphones at high volumes, often combined with many hours of listening every day. The problem is that the sound isn’t always perceived as dangerous at the time. But when the ears are exposed to high sound levels over a long period, the strain on your hearing increases, which can lead to both noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus.</p>
<p>Listening to music, podcasts or videos through headphones at high volume for extended periods can therefore affect hearing more than many people realise – particularly among young adults and teenagers.</p>
<h3>Prevent the problem and protect your hearing</h3>
<p>A simple way to reduce the risk of tinnitus and hearing damage is to wear earplugs in environments with high noise levels. Whether you go to concerts, work in noisy environments or frequently use loud tools, the right hearing protection can make a big difference to your hearing in the long term.<br />
By using earplugs regularly, you can reduce the risk of noise-induced hearing loss whilst also protecting yourself against future problems with tinnitus.</p>
<p>It’s a small investment that can make a big difference to your hearing health – both today and in the future.</p>