Category: Tinnitus

On August 16th, the FDA announced rules for over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, promising sweeping changes for hearing healthcare and purportedly creating a new class of more affordable and accessible types of hearing aids. Now, retailers can sell OTC hearing aids directly to consumers with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss without seeing an audiologist.

Do you ever hear a slight buzzing, ringing, roaring, or clicking in your ears that simply won’t go away? If so, you may be one of the millions of people around the world who live with tinnitus. This auditory issue, which affects roughly 15 percent of the United States population, can lead to ear pain, stress, and can make your daily activities a struggle.

Tinnitus affects almost 50 million Americans every year. Because it is such a common hearing condition, it’s not surprising to learn that it has many different potential causes. From exposure to loud noises to aging, there are many different reasons you might be experiencing tinnitus.

Tinnitus is unique to every individual. Even though two people may describe their tinnitus similarly, such as a high-pitched ringing, they may still perceive this sound very differently.

Millions of people experience tinnitus every year. The persistent noise from tinnitus can make even simple daily tasks a challenge. Some people experiencing tinnitus report that they’re having trouble concentrating because their tinnitus is such a distraction. Others emphasize the negative effects that tinnitus has had on their personal relationships.

Tinnitus is a very common hearing symptom that affects about 20 percent of the population. Left untreated, tinnitus can create an array of problems, including sleeping difficulties, interrupted thoughts, negative moods, and challenges holding a conversation.