Tinnitus Causes and How to Stop It Progressing
Tinnitus is a condition where individuals hear noises such as ringing, buzzing, whooshing, throbbing, or hissing that are not caused by external sounds. These "phantom noises" can vary in intensity and can occur in one or both ears. In some cases, people may even hear music or singing, which can become quite debilitating due to the lack of an "off switch."
Prevalence and Impact
Tinnitus can be temporary, such as after attending a loud music concert, but for many, it becomes a lifelong condition. According to the British Society of Audiology, 1 in 8 people in the UK suffer from tinnitus. This condition can significantly impact one's ability to concentrate, hear external noises, and may lead to psychological distress.
Causes of Tinnitus
Several factors can cause tinnitus, including:
- Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL):** Repeated exposure to loud noises can damage the delicate hairs in the inner ear, leading to tinnitus. Up to 90% of people with tinnitus have some level of NIHL. Noise levels over 85dB can cause NIHL, making it crucial for those in noisy environments, such as construction workers or musicians, to take protective measures.
- Age-Induced Hearing Loss:** Natural aging can lead to hearing loss and tinnitus.
- Ear Infections:** Regular swimmers, surfers, and water sports enthusiasts are at risk of ear infections, which can cause tinnitus.
- Perforated Eardrum:** This can result from infections, changes in air pressure (e.g., when flying), or exposure to loud noises.
Preventing Tinnitus Progression
While there is currently no cure for tinnitus, taking proactive measures can help prevent it from worsening:
- Use Hearing Protection:** Custom-fit earplugs, like those offered by Snugs, provide maximum protection and comfort. They are molded to the exact shape of your ears and made from medical-grade soft silicone.
- SnugsShield (Work): Ideal for industrial environments and DIY projects, these earplugs reduce noise levels to safer levels.
- SnugsShield (Music): Perfect for music concerts, these earplugs allow you to enjoy the experience without aggravating tinnitus.
- SnugsShield (Shoot): Designed for shooting ranges, these earplugs protect against loud gunshot noises.
- SnugsPro/SnugsGo: Custom-fit tips for earphones provide passive noise isolation, allowing you to listen at lower, safer volumes.
- SnugsAqua (Protect): These earplugs prevent water from entering the ears, reducing the risk of ear infections for swimmers and water sports enthusiasts.
Taking Action
If you suffer from tinnitus, using hearing protection can help prevent further damage and manage the condition. For those without tinnitus, using ear protection can reduce the risk of developing it in the future. For personalized advice and to purchase custom-fit earplugs, contact the Snugs team. Protect your ears and hearing with Snugs' range of products designed to help manage and prevent tinnitus.
By understanding the causes of tinnitus and taking preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of this condition and stop it from progre
Learn more about the Snugs range.
Sources:
https://www.tinnitus.org.uk/fa
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tinnitus/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tinnitus/symptoms-causes/syc-20350156
https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/understanding-tinnitus-basics
