Tinnitus and Hearing Loss are Two Sides of the Same Coin

Tinnitus is the constant feeling of ringing or buzzing in the ears in the absence of any present auditory stimuli in your surroundings. This condition affects around 20% of people in the United States and is significantly higher (60%) for veteran soldiers who have faced combat. The Hearing Health Foundation states that a vast majority (90%) of people who have tinnitus also have some form of hearing loss.

There are similarities between the conditions that contribute towards tinnitus and hearing impairment. Causes can include excessively loud noises, some form of physical trauma, hereditary predisposition, viral infections, age, and some forms of antibiotic medication that cause damage to the hair follicles within the inner ear.

Obtaining appropriate treatment for your tinnitus is very important since it can deteriorate into permanent hearing damage. Since the delicate hair follicles inside the inner ear can never regenerate, hearing loss is a permanent condition. Tinnitus and hearing loss are both related to several other health conditions that can be severe, such as cardiovascular disease and hypertension. Furthermore, suffering from tinnitus or hearing loss can lead to a loss of equilibrium which makes you prone to suffering from falls or accidents. Tinnitus and hearing loss not only affect your physical health adversely, they also affect you on a mental level. Those with tinnitus or hearing loss have been found to have higher rates of depression, anxiety, and lack of restful sleep.

Take your hearing into your own hands and make sure you get your hearing tested as soon as you suspect that you might be experiencing tinnitus. Early treatment is essential to minimize any possible damage and help you get back on track to leading a happy and healthy life.