Health
How to Manage Tinnitus and Protect Your Hearing as You Age
Hearing loss is a significant health concern, affecting nearly one in six individuals. Interestingly, women generally face a lower risk compared to men. This disparity becomes evident between the ages of 20 and 69, where men are nearly twice as likely to develop hearing loss related to everyday speech frequencies. The protective role of estrogen on the inner ear is believed to contribute to this difference, which may explain why many women experience hearing loss around menopause.
To safeguard your hearing, early detection is crucial. If you suspect any hearing issues, it’s advisable to seek professional evaluation promptly. Regular hearing checks are especially important for those working in noisy environments.
One indicator of potential hearing damage is the need to raise your voice in noisy settings or difficulty hearing others. Sounds above 85dB are considered harmful, with normal conversation at 60dB, a motorbike at 90dB, and a plane taking off at 120dB.
Listening to music or podcasts through headphones at high volumes is a common way people expose themselves to harmful noise levels. To prevent damage, consider using noise-cancelling headphones and keep the volume below 60% of the maximum. Limit headphone use to no more than an hour at a time. During loud events, avoid standing near loudspeakers, take a break every 15 minutes, and consider wearing earplugs that lower volume without muffling sound.
If your job involves exposure to loud noises, consult with your HR department or occupational health manager. Employers are responsible for minimizing noise exposure risks.
Maintaining overall health is also essential. Understanding your family history of hearing loss can provide insights, as some age-related hearing loss is genetic. Additionally, be cautious with medications that may affect hearing. “Drugs that can cause damage to the inner ear, which can cause hearing loss, balance problems or tinnitus, are called ototoxic.” Over 100 prescription and over-the-counter drugs are linked to hearing loss, including common ones like aspirin and anti-inflammatory painkillers, especially in large doses.
Tinnitus is another auditory issue affecting 10-15% of the population, significantly impacting 1-2% of individuals. It manifests as ringing, buzzing, humming, or even musical sounds, which may be intermittent or constant, and can occur in one or both ears. Tinnitus can worsen during perimenopause or menopause for some women.
The condition is complex and may be exacerbated by psychological factors such as stress, mood disorders, and depression. While the exact reasons for tinnitus during menopause are unclear, experts note that hormonal changes, particularly in estrogen levels, might play a role. Alterations in blood flow to the cochlea and changes in blood composition can impact auditory signals.
Existing hearing loss can also contribute to tinnitus, as can conditions like Ménière’s disease, diabetes, thyroid disorders, multiple sclerosis, and anxiety. Certain medications, including some chemotherapy drugs, antibiotics, NSAIDs, and aspirin, may also trigger tinnitus.
For those affected, finding the right hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can improve symptoms. Stress reduction techniques like deep breathing, yoga, and ensuring adequate sleep can also help.
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