What is Tinnitus?
The Journal of Clinical Neurology provides the following definition:
Tinnitus is defined as a phantom auditory perception-it is a perception of sound without corresponding acoustic or mechanical correlates in the cochlea.
In other words, tinnitus is hearing a sound without the standard mechanisms of sound travelling through your ear canal and into your inner ear for processing.
A few different theories attempt to explain the mechanisms underlying tinnitus. For example, one theory suggests damage to the ear’s auditory nerve causes tinnitus. Another theory suggests that tinnitus results from changes in the brain’s neurons. To date, there is no conclusive evidence to support either view.
Tinnitus is not a disease; it’s an underlying condition caused by an injury or illness.
Tinnitus may also be a symptom of damage to your hearing, such as age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) or even a physical injury.
The exact origin of sound perceived from tinnitus remains unknown, and there is no definitive cure as of now. However, treatments are available, and numerous known causes, triggers, and contributing factors exist.
With normal hearing, you hear authentic sounds — birdsong, conversation, car horns — or silence. In contrast, if you live with tinnitus, the persistent ringing in your ears disrupts normal hearing, making it harder to hear everyday sounds and experience silence.
How Common is Tinnitus in NZ?
Tinnitus, the perception of ringing or noise in the ears, affects a significant portion of New Zealand’s population. According to a recent study, approximately 6.0% of individuals aged 14 years and older experience some form of tinnitus. Notably, this condition appears to be more prevalent among males, with a rate of 6.5%, compared to females, who experience it at a rate of 5.5%.
The data also reveals intriguing age-related trends. Among young adults aged 14 to 24, males are 55% more likely than females to report tinnitus. In contrast, among adults aged 50 to 64 years, males are still more likely to experience tinnitus, but the difference narrows to 32%. Tinnitus prevalence consistently rises with age, peaking at a significant 13.5% among older adults 65 years and above. This demographic, those aged 65 and older, are three times more likely to report tinnitus compared to those under 65.
Furthermore, tinnitus prevalence varies across ethnic groups. Those identifying as European have the highest prevalence, standing at 7.05%, while individuals identifying as Asian experience it at a notably lower rate of 1.00%.
Have You Experienced Tinnitus?
Can you recall ever walking out of a loud music venue or hearing a loud noise go off close by, like a gunshot? You might remember your ears were ringing or buzzing immediately afterwards. You may have sensed the ringing or buzzing for a few hours, especially if it was quiet.
The ringing, humming, buzzing, or other sound you perceive is temporary tinnitus. Most people have experienced temporary tinnitus due to exposure to loud noises.
Although you can hear tinnitus, it’s most often perceived in your brain and not generated by an acoustic source unless it’s a rare case of objective tinnitus whereby the sound has a physical explanation. Less than 1% of reported tinnitus cases in the USA are objective tinnitus.
Associated Symptoms
Tinnitus can present with various associated symptoms that can significantly impact daily life. The most common symptoms include:
Trouble concentrating: The persistent noise of tinnitus can make it difficult to focus on tasks.
Difficulty sleeping: Many individuals with tinnitus struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep due to the constant noise.
Difficulty understanding speech: Tinnitus can interfere with the ability to hear and comprehend speech, particularly in noisy environments.
Tinnitus is not just a noise you hear – it can also affect your emotional and physical well-being. It activates the limbic and autonomic nervous systems. The limbic system governs our emotions, while the autonomic nervous system controls our automatic functions like breathing and heart rate.
Many patients with tinnitus experience sleep disturbances due to worry and heightened neuronal activity in the auditory pathways, which constantly scan the sound environment during sleep.
Factors That Can Worsen Tinnitus Symptoms
Certain factors can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms, making them more pronounced:
- Exposure to loud noises
- Being in a quiet place
- Feeling stressed
- Lack of sleep
- Fatigue
Tinnitus Can Vary in Sound and Intensity
Tinnitus is a highly subjective experience, with sounds that vary widely among individuals.
The sound you perceive because of subjective tinnitus is unique to you. People commonly report hearing:
Ringing: Often described as a high-pitched sound, similar to the tone heard after exposure to loud noises.
Humming: A continuous low-frequency sound reminiscent of an engine running.
Buzzing: A fluctuating or steady noise that can be distracting and persistent.
Hissing: A sound similar to static or white noise, sometimes varying in intensity.
Roaring: A deeper, more turbulent sound, often compared to waves crashing.
Clicking: Rhythmic, pulsating noises, sometimes in sync with one’s heartbeat.
These auditory sensations can be quiet or loud, constant or intermittent, and affect one or both ears. The intensity of tinnitus can fluctuate, often influenced by factors such as stress, noise exposure, and overall health. This variability makes it crucial for individuals to find personalised coping strategies and treatments.
These personal descriptions illustrate the diverse experiences of those living with tinnitus and highlight the importance of finding individualised approaches to manage this condition.
Personal Anecdotes from Celebrities with Tinnitus
William Shatner: Best known for his role as Captain Kirk in “Star Trek,” Shatner experienced tinnitus after being exposed to a loud blast during filming. He described the initial experience as incredibly distressing, leading him to work closely with the American Tinnitus Association to find practical management tools. Today, he considers himself habituated to the sound, emphasising the importance of a personalised approach to managing tinnitus.
Barbra Streisand: The renowned singer and actress has had tinnitus since she was nine. She first disclosed her condition in a 1985 interview, where she described experiencing a sudden ringing in her ears while in a school classroom. Initially hesitant to seek medical help, she eventually consulted an audiologist and learned to manage her tinnitus effectively. She continued her successful career despite the constant buzzing in her ears.
Eric Clapton: The legendary guitarist attributes his tinnitus to years of exposure to loud music throughout his career. Clapton has described the relentless ringing in his ears as a significant challenge, affecting his personal life and ability to perform. He uses in-ear monitors during performances to control the volume and prevent further hearing damage. He actively encourages others in the music industry to take similar precautions to protect their hearing (Hearing Tracker) (Starts at 60).
Phil Collins: The Genesis drummer and singer developed severe tinnitus, which forced him to retire from drumming. His condition, likely caused by years of exposure to loud music, underscores the profound impact of tinnitus on musicians’ careers. Despite this, Collins continues contributing to music as a vocalist and songwriter.
