You Are Not Alone – Tinnitus is More Common Than You Think.

MindEar connects you to a community that includes other people suffering from tinnitus and experts who can help guide you throughout your tinnitus journey.

Tinnitus affects many people around the world. According to the American Tinnitus Association, approximately 10-15% of the general population experiences some form of tinnitus. Tinnitus can affect all ages; however, the prevalence increases with age. In fact, about 40% of those who report they struggle with tinnitus are over the age of 45.

Additional facts about tinnitus:

• The prevalence of tinnitus does not differ significantly between men and women
• The prevalence of severe tinnitus is 2.3%
• The prevalence of chronic tinnitus is about 10%
• Tinnitus is the #1 service connection in the Veterans Affairs
• Tinnitus can be present in children, although the prevalence is debated

Tinnitus can also be more common in certain populations, such as those who work in loud environments and are exposed to high levels of noise, or those who participate in noisy activities, such as hunting or woodworking. Tinnitus is also common in people with hearing loss, as hearing loss and tinnitus often accompany each other, due to damage in the auditory system. In some cases, tinnitus may be a side effect of certain medications, or even diet.

Tinnitus, in some form or another, is heard by most people at some point in their lives, even those with normal hearing. It can be a lingering effect of loud noise exposure, such as a music concert, disappearing after a few hours. It can also happen spontaneously without any warning or reason, and then disappear as rapidly as it began. Many professionals believe this is a function of the normal hearing system and shouldn’t be alarming, although proper precautions, such as hearing protection, should be used when exposed to loud sounds, especially over a prolonged period of time.

However, if tinnitus is persistent, or if you experience any dizziness or imbalance, you should contact a hearing care professional. It’s important to remember that you are not alone, as many people struggle with tinnitus and seek help. Many people learn how to manage their tinnitus and find relief by understanding what tinnitus is and using a variety of management techniques and tools to help them.