Tinnitus is one of the most common yet misunderstood hearing conditions, affecting millions of Australians. Despite its prevalence, many people suffer in silence, feeling unseen, unheard, and ignored. Tinnitus Awareness Week aims to change that by shining a light on this invisible condition and ensuring that no one has to face tinnitus alone.
What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the perception of sound that has no external source. It can manifest as ringing, buzzing, hissing, or humming, varying in intensity and duration. While many people can experience mild, temporary tinnitus from time to time, others endure persistent and distressing symptoms that interfere with daily life.
In Australia, approximately one in three people will experience tinnitus at some point, and one in six live with it constantly (Tinnitus Awareness Australia). For around 500,000 Australians (or 2% of the population), tinnitus is severely distressing, impacting their sleep, concentration, and emotional wellbeing.
What Causes Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is often linked to hearing loss, particularly age-related hearing decline (presbycusis) or noise-induced hearing damage. Prolonged exposure to loud environments, such as concerts, industrial workplaces, or even personal audio devices played at high volumes, can damage the inner ear, leading to both hearing loss and tinnitus. Research from the Hearing Health Foundation shows that 90% of people with tinnitus also have a measurable hearing loss.
Other potential causes include:
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Ear infections or blockages
Excess ear wax, infections, or middle ear conditions like otosclerosis can trigger tinnitus. -
Medications
Some medications, such as high doses of aspirin, certain antibiotics, or diuretics, can cause or exacerbate tinnitus. -
Stress and anxiety
Emotional stress can amplify tinnitus symptoms, creating a difficult cycle of worsening perception. -
Medical conditions
High blood pressure, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and head or neck injuries can also cause tinnitus or increase its prominence.
Despite these known causes, many people with tinnitus never receive a clear explanation for why it occurs—further reinforcing feelings of being ignored by the medical community.
What Are the Impacts of Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is more than just a sound in the ears; it has real and profound effects on daily life. For some, the constant noise disrupts concentration, making it difficult to focus at work or enjoy quiet moments. Others struggle with insomnia, as the ringing seems louder at night when the world is silent.
Emotionally, tinnitus can lead to anxiety, stress, and even depression. The persistent noise can create frustration and isolation, especially when others don’t understand how disruptive it can be. Social withdrawal is common, as people may avoid loud environments (which can aggravate tinnitus symptoms), or they may struggle to follow conversations.
For the 500,000 Australians who experience severe tinnitus distress, the condition can be life-altering, making everyday tasks feel overwhelming. Yet, because tinnitus is invisible, many people feel dismissed or misunderstood when they seek help.
How Can I Manage Tinnitus?
Although there is no universal cure for tinnitus, management strategies can significantly improve quality of life:
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Protect your ears
Limiting exposure to loud sounds and using ear protection in noisy environments can prevent damage occurring or reduce the chances of existing damage becoming worse. -
Seek professional support
An audiologist can assess your hearing, recommend strategies like sound therapy or hearing devices, and guide you through a tinnitus rehabilitation plan, as well as suggest follow-up support with other health professionals. -
Use sound therapy
White noise machines, nature sounds, hearing aids, or even free smartphone apps with tinnitus masking features can help make tinnitus less noticeable. -
Practice stress reduction
Mindfulness, meditation, and breathing exercises can lower stress levels, which may reduce tinnitus perception.
Most importantly, know that you are not alone. Many organisations offer resources, support networks, and advocacy to ensure people with tinnitus feel heard.
Ending the Silence on Tinnitus
For too long, tinnitus has been unseen, unheard, and ignored. It’s time to change that. By raising awareness, breaking the stigma, and advocating for better support, we can ensure that no one feels alone in their tinnitus journey.
For comprehensive support services that can guide you or a loved one in navigating life with tinnitus, visit tinnitusawareness.org.au