Studies Show that Hearing Loss Can Worsen Tinnitus

Do you find that you can’t escape the ring of your ears when you search for peace and quiet? This is most likely the sound of tinnitus and while for many it is not a big deal, when symptoms persist it can cause chronic stress and even interfere with sleep. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that nearly 50 million people in the U.S., nearly 15% of the population, suffer from tinnitus. However, a smaller portion, approximately 20 million people struggle with burdensome chronic tinnitus, while 2 million are afflicted with tinnitus so extreme that they find themselves debilitated by the buzz. Currently about 90% of those with hearing loss also suffer from tinnitus, making the two conditions very related.

What is Tinnitus?

This condition is the perception of sound when no actual external noise is present. It commonly manifests as ringing in the ears, but tinnitus can take on many forms. For instance, people perceive tinnitus as a buzzing, hissing, whistling, swooshing, or clicking. In some isolated cases, tinnitus patients report hearing music. While experts can not completely confirm what happens to our brain that creates these phantom sounds, they suspect it is linked to exposure to loud noise, and damage to the inner ear.

Tinnitus and hearing loss

Tinnitus usually is often congruent with the pattern of hearing loss. Hearing loss shows up differently for everyone. If you have the loss of high-frequency tones and pitches, then tinnitus often is perceived as a high-pitched static sound. If you have unilateral hearing loss (hearing loss in one ear) then tinnitus will most often present in that ear. It is suspected that this is because tinnitus occurs when the tiny hair-like cells of the inner ear become damaged. These cells are responsible for sending audio information from the inner ear to the brain and loud noises can easily damage them, causing permanent hearing damage. It doesn’t happen all at once and at first only certain aspects of hearing are not perceived. It is theorized that damage to the hair cells can also cause false signals or feedback to be sent to the brain which is perceived as the symptoms of tinnitus.

Studies on Tinnitus 

Research from 2019 explored a model of perception that involves “predictive coding.”  The concept revolves around the idea that without conscious awareness, our brain tends to code certain stimuli and make predictions about whether it will happen again.  In most cases, the brain can dismiss electrical firings in the auditory system that aren’t connected to actual sounds. The study found that those who suffer from tinnitus, first identify the spontaneous firings as a sound, and the brain predicts that it will continue, causing the mistake to happen repeatedly.

Noise-induced Hearing loss and Tinnitus

Have you ever been to a loud firework show, concert, or sporting event, only to walk away with a ringing in your ears? In most cases this sensation disappears the next day, but it also denotes a hearing loss, even if we are not aware of it immediately. A study of amateur rock musicians confirmed the presence of temporary hearing loss and tinnitus in both ears immediately after band practice. Many times this tinnitus and hearing loss will resurface years later, when your auditory system starts presenting a lifetime of noise exposure.

Protect your Hearing to Prevent Tinnitus

Understanding that loud noise can cause hearing loss and chronic hearing loss needs to be taken seriously. It is something you need to consider, no matter what your age. It is hard to convince young people to protect their hearing and avoid loud noises. You can tell them that their favorite song or video game will cause hearing damage years later if they don’t turn it down. However, the ambivalence of youth is affecting a younger generation with hearing loss. Wear hearing protection when you feel you are being exposed to loud sound. It can make a huge difference right now and protect your hearing in the future.

Tinnitus can be a sign of hearing loss

If you have tinnitus, this means that there is a pretty good chance that you also have hearing loss. While there is no cure for hearing loss, hearing aids not only amplify the sounds you struggle with but can relieve stress and even minimize the presence of tinnitus. Take action! Schedule a hearing exam today. We can help you find the best solution for your tinnitus and your hearing loss.