EITHER WAY — IT IS ANNOYING

WHAT IS TINNITUS? IS TINNITUS RELATED TO AGE?

Tinnitus is the perception of sound,

or “ringing,” in one or both ears ! % 10% when no other sound is present. It 8% can be intermittent or constant— # with single or multiple tones—and 6% its perceived volume can range from @ YES subtle to shattering. 4%

Prevalence of Prevalence 2% chronic tinnitus chronic

20-24 25-29 30-3435-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-69 70-74 75-79 80-84 85-89

Source: 1994–1995 National Health Interview Study Disability Supplement. IS TINNITUS A COMMON PROBLEM? Age in years

HOW CAN YOU PREVENT TINNITUS?

You can be exposed to damaging noise, a leading cause of tinnitus, from many sources in 26} day-to-day or recreational activites, such as: Self-reported tinnitus in people of all BILLION AFFECTED WORLDWIDE ages indicates that tinnitus affects up to ¹∕³ of the general population.

WHAT DOES TINNITUS SOUND LIKE? Long fl ights Factories Loud music Firearms

Avoid loud noise whenever possible—if you must shout to be heard, then you should avoid the situation. You can also:

Wear hearing Turn down Take breaks from protection. the volume. loud noises.

Use earplugs and earmuffs Keep personal listening Move away from loud when noise exposure is devices set to no more than sounds if you don’t have HOW CAN TINNITUS MAKE YOU FEEL? particularly high. half volume. hearing protection.

INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING SYMPTOMS OF TINNITUS REPORT FEELING: WHAT CAN YOU DO IF YOU HAVE TINNITUS?

Your hearing should be tested by an audiologist certifi ed by ASHA to see if hearing loss is present. Since tinnitus can be associated with a number of hearing-related conditions, the hearing (audiologic) evaluation can help provide information about the cause and treatment options for you. Withdrawn Unfocused Nervous Helpless Stressed Angry For more information, scan the QR code or visit: Scared Irritable Tense www.asha.org/public/hearing/Tinnitus/ Sad Anxious Fatigued Depressed

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