Tinnitus Overview

According to the American Tinnitus Association (ATA) it is estimated that approximately 50 million persons in the U.S. have intermittent or permanent tinnitus. Of these, approximately 10-12 million have severe and chronic tinnitus. The ATA reports that of these some two million persons are completely disabled by the condition. Severe tinnitus in some drastic cases has led to suicide.

For the general population, tinnitus is also associated with listening to music players with earbuds (i.e. i-pods) at elevated volume levels for extended periods of time, noise exposure, excessive use of aspirin, use certain antibiotics, and disease. An increased incidence of tinnitus is also observed in the elderly.

Whether we realize it or not, the incidence of tinnitus is increasing while at the same time tinnitus remains a largely unaddressed problem. Since brain pathways associated with hearing have common pathways as those affecting emotions, the potential for serious debilitation to many in our society is compounded.

The problem is world-wide and non-profit and for-profit tinnitus associations are active in many countries.