Tinnitus is a ringing in the ears caused usually by an intense and sustained high noise level. In this case, it is caused by the over-stimulation of the tiny hair cells attached to the membrane in the cochlea. The ringing sensation can continue up to 24 hours after the noise has ceased. The most common cause of tinnitus is exposure to loud noise although it can also develop as a result of infection, stress and allergies. The condition can be temporary (acute) or permanent (chronic).
Tinnitus is often described by sufferers as a hum, whine, whistle or rushing noise that is generated in the inner ear. Many people have experienced the ringing sensation that we get after a pop concert and this is as close as it gets to understanding tinnitus. In the UK, well over 300,000 people are thought to suffer from clinical Tinnitus. This is a distressing condition which can deprive sufferers of sleep or concentration. Famous people with tinnitus include: Charles Darwin, Ozzy Osbourne, Phil Collins, Neil Young, Gerard Butler and Will.i.am.
One way of avoiding tinnitus in a work environment is by preventing or controlling exposure to excessive noise levels.
In the UK, The control of Noise at Work Regulations specify action levels at which the hearing of employees must be protected. One accurate way of identifying whether these levels are breached is by assessing noise levels regularly and recording the findings and reviewing any changes.
Possible Causes of Tinnitus
Tinnitus is difficult to pinpoint but it can be linked to:
- hearing loss
- exposure to loud noise
- emotional stress
- certain medication
- hear or head injuries; some diseases of the ear and ear infections
- how you are positioned (so that you hear it when you are lying down, sitting or turning your head)
a combination of any of the above.
What does Tinnitus sound like?
The experience of tinnitus varies from person to person but a sufferer may hear sounds such as buzzing, whistling, hissing, humming or whooshing. In addition, people affected may hear a single sound or two or more, and it is common for the sounds to change. If under stress, the tinnitus can also change in pitch or tone and become more intrusive.
Click here to hear a tinnitus simulation
Why not find out more about the subject?
Pulsar Instruments are running noise awareness courses for employers and safety professionals who want to further their understanding of key issues relating to noise in the workplace and how best to control it. This popular one day course includes a substantial section on the functioning of the ear and the short term and long term damage exposure to high noise levels can cause.
