AIHHP are proud to be a sponsor of Tinnitus Week 2023

AIHHP are proud to be a sponsor of Tinnitus Week 2023 and to support the “Plug ’em” campaign for the increased use of hearing protection.

Please find below some advice on How Reducing Exposure to Noise Can Help to Prevent Tinnitus…

Tinnitus is a common condition characterised by ringing, buzzing, or other ear sounds without an external source. It affects millions of people worldwide, including one in seven adults in the UK, and can significantly impact your quality of life. Tinnitus Week 2023 commences on Monday 6th, February organised by Tinnitus UK, and its “Plug ’em” campaign will focus on wearing earplugs to help reduce the chance of developing tinnitus.

Loud Noise and Tinnitus

Several factors can contribute to the appearance of tinnitus, but exposure to loud noise is a significant risk factor. When sound levels are high enough, they can damage hair cells in the inner ear that transmit sound signals to the brain. Over time, this damage can cause hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Benefits of Wearing Earplugs

To help prevent tinnitus, it is vital to reduce your exposure to loud noises. You can achieve this by wearing earplugs in noisy environments, such as concerts, sporting events, and construction sites. Earplugs can reduce the amount of sound reaching the inner ear, protecting your hearing and reducing the risk of developing the condition.

For prolonged exposure to low-level workplace noise, disposable foam earplugs can help mitigate the risk of hearing damage and tinnitus. However, they can make it challenging to communicate. At the top end of the range, electronic hearing protectors combine earmuffs and noise-cancelling headphones, allowing you to hear ambient sound and conversations. These are a common sight on gun ranges or organised shooting events.

Your audiologist can advise on the best earplugs for your work, leisure and sporting activities.

Changing your View on Hearing Protection

For the younger generation, using earbuds and headphones is a significant part of their daily lives, and research showed that they chose volumes of up to 105 decibels when listening in this way. (Compare this to recommended listening levels of 75-80 decibels!) Our smartphones issue a warning after prolonged exposure, but perhaps the technology companies and health authorities should also urge “safe listening.”

There are, however, some encouraging signs as more young people are adopting specialist earplugs when attending concerts and festivals, and there are several noise monitoring apps available for noise-conscious smartphone users.

Other Steps to Reduce Noise Exposure

In addition to wearing earplugs, there are other measures you can take to reduce your exposure to noise, such as:

1. Avoiding loud noise whenever possible
2. Moving away from the source of the loud noise
3. Turning down the volume on your music or television
4. Wearing noise-cancelling headphones
5. Taking breaks from noise exposure during the day

In conclusion, reducing exposure to noise is an essential step in preventing tinnitus. If you already experience tinnitus, reducing noise exposure can also help to minimise its symptoms. Doing so will also help improve your quality of life. Try wearing earplugs and taking other measures to reduce noise exposure. This will protect your hearing and reduce your risk of developing this tinnitus.

If you need advice on hearing protection or tinnitus management, contact your nearest AIHHP Centre of Excellence for first-class advice.