Noisy jobs risk ringing ears, just like rocking out

Scimex: If you're one of those nutters who sticks their heads right next to (or even into) the speakers at a rave or rock concert, you probably know you're risking tinnitus - ringing in the ears. But, even if you're not, excessive noise at work could lead to the same problem, according to UK and US researchers. They surveyed around 5,000 people aged between 17 and 75 and found an increased risk of developing tinnitus is independently linked to listening to loud music a lot, being exposed to loud workplace noise, being older, and having hearing problems. However, they say it's unlikely tinnitus leads to hearing problems, as three quarters of those with tinnitus didn't report problems with their hearing.

UC audiologist studying ringing in people's ears

University of Canterbury. New Zealand: A University of Canterbury clinical audiologist is investigating treatments and training approaches to help improve management of hearing loss and tinnitus, which is a ringing in people’s ears. Dr Kim Wise has just has recently joined the University’s Department of Communication Disorders as a lecturer and says that clinically, one of the most pressing issues is meeting the need of New Zealanders requiring hearing and tinnitus consultation, management and support.  Internationally, about 10 to 15 percent of adults face chronic tinnitus—the perception of noise or sounds in the ears or head often described as ringing, buzzing or hissing without an external cause.

Funding from charity for new treatments to silence tinnitus

Newcastle University. UK: Today, to mark Tinnitus Awareness Week, UK charity Action on Hearing Loss announces a major investment to fund a new study at Newcastle University, which aims to accelerate the development of future tinnitus treatments. Six million people in the UK are affected by tinnitus every day – ranging from a light buzzing to a constant roar in the ears and head – with 600,000 seriously affected by the condition, which can have a detrimental effect on quality of life including bouts of anxiety, difficulties socialising and problems sleeping or being able to concentrate at work.