How Many People Have Tinnitus?

young people at rock concert; exposure to noise causes tinnitus

Tinnitus is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide.

According to various estimates, approximately 10-15% of the general population experiences tinnitus to some degree. In the U.S., more than about 50 million people are affected.

This percentage is higher in older adults and in individuals who have been exposed to loud noises. Tinnitus is also more prevalent in military personnel and veterans, who may have experienced noise-induced hearing loss from their service.

Tinnitus can be caused by exposure to loud noises, but the exact decibel level that leads to tinnitus varies depending on a number of factors such as the duration of exposure, the individual's age, and existing hearing health.

Loud and long noises are the worst

In general, exposure to loud noises (such as concerts, power tools, and firearms) above 85 decibels (dB) can cause hearing damage and increase the risk of developing tinnitus.

The risk of tinnitus increases with longer exposure time and with higher noise levels. For example, exposure to a 110 dB sound for 15 minutes can cause permanent hearing damage and increase the risk of tinnitus.

Here are more examples of loud noises that can potentially cause hearing damage and increase the risk of tinnitus:

Vacuum cleaner: typically 80-85 dB.
Traffic noise: can range from 70-85 dB, depending on the distance from the road and type of vehicle
Gas-powered lawn mowers: typically 90-95 dB.
Sirens: can reach up to 120 dB.
Power tools: can range from 80-110 dB, depending on the tool.
Personal music players set at high volumes: can reach up to 115 dB.

You can protect your hearing by avoiding loud noises, wearing hearing protection, and limiting your exposure time to loud sounds. If you work in a noisy environment, it's especially important to use proper hearing protection.

Try Quietum Plus
Try Eargasm Earplugs

Comments

Can Allergies Cause Tinnitus?

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Medications Can Worsen Tinnitus Symptoms

Some common medications can actually heighten the ringing and whistling noises in your head and ears. Tinnitus sufferers have found this out to their dismay, and warn others to be wary of large dosages (in excess of 600 mg) of Ibuprofen, for instance, and even to be careful when taking aspirin. In fact, there are people who insist that certain medications don't just make the condition worse, but can actually cause tinnitus. If you have tinnitus and are also taking antibiotics or other medications (even over-the-counter meds) for any medical condition -- running the gamut from arthritis to clinical depression (Prozac's frequently cited) -- let your doctor know. You should also monitor yourself with a daily record of medicines taken and tinnitus levels. You might be surprised to learn that some items known to worsen tinnitus include toothpastes (especially for sensitive gums), antacid tablets, Pepto Bismol, Kaopectate and Pepcid. Click here for a comprehensive list ...

Try Saline When Your Hearing Is Muffled After Loud Noise Exposure

If you've got temporary hearing loss or tinnitus after being at a loud concert or sports event, you may be able to fix it -- if you act fast. A 2021 Keck Medicine of USC study published in Science Daily has found that the nerve damage to the inner ear caused by loud noises is basically a build up of fluids. Treating that "fluid buildup with a readily available saline solution lessened nerve damage in the inner ear." A previous study by the same otolaryngologist showed that inner ear fluid level is not affected until noises reach 100 decibels, which is how loud a motorcycle is. "When researchers applied hypertonic saline, a salt-based solution used to treat nasal congestions in humans, into affected ears one hour after the noise exposure, both the immediate fluid buildup and the long-term nerve damage lessened, implying that the hearing loss could be at least partially prevented." The benefits of this knowledge are twofold: 1. If fluid buildup can be measured, ...

Tinnitus Help - Stop the Ringing in Your Ears

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