Either way it is annoying

EITHER WAY — IT IS ANNOYING

Tinnitus is the perception of sound, 

or “ringing,” in one or both ears 

when no other sound is present. It 

can be intermittent or constant—

with single or multiple tones—and 

its perceived volume can range from 

subtle to shattering.

Self-reported tinnitus in people of all 

ages indicates that tinnitus affects up 

to ¹∕³ of the general population. 

You can be exposed to damaging noise, a leading cause of tinnitus, from many sources in 

day-to-day or recreational activites, such as:

10114

Your hearing should be tested by an audiologist certifi ed by ASHA 

to see if hearing loss is present. Since tinnitus can be associated with 

a number of hearing-related conditions, the hearing (audiologic) 

evaluation can help provide information about the cause and 

treatment options for you. 

Avoid loud noise whenever possible—if you must shout to be heard, then you should 

avoid the situation. 

You can also:

INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING SYMPTOMS OF TINNITUS REPORT FEELING: 

Withdrawn

Helpless

Scared

Sad

Unfocused

Stressed

Irritable

Anxious

Depressed

Nervous

Angry

Tense

Fatigued

 WHAT IS TINNITUS?

 IS TINNITUS A COMMON PROBLEM?

 WHAT DOES TINNITUS SOUND LIKE?

 HOW CAN TINNITUS MAKE YOU FEEL?

IS TINNITUS RELATED TO AGE?

HOW CAN YOU PREVENT TINNITUS?

WHAT CAN YOU DO IF YOU HAVE TINNITUS?

!

#

%

@

2 6

BILLION AFFECTED WORLDWIDE

}

20-24

25-29

30-34

40-44

50-54

60-64

70-74

80-84

35-39

45-49

55-59

65-69

75-79

85-89

4%

6%

8%

10%

2%

Long fl ights

Wear hearing 

protection.

Use earplugs and earmuffs 

when noise exposure is 

particularly high.

Turn down

the volume.

Keep personal listening 

devices set to no more than 

half volume.

Take breaks from 

loud noises.

Move away from loud 

sounds if you don’t have 

hearing protection. 

Factories

Loud music

Firearms

Source: 1994–1995 National Health Interview Study Disability Supplement.

Age in years

Pr

evalence of

chr

onic tinnitus

YES

For more information, scan the QR code or visit: 

www.asha.org/public/hearing/Tinnitus/