More than 50 million Americans experience tinnitus, a persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears with no clear cause. While untreatable, hearing aids and therapy can improve quality of life.
Tinnitus is the perception of sound without an external source, affecting over 50 million U.S. adults. For five million, it is a chronic, disabling condition.
Common descriptions include a constant ringing, hissing, or buzzing sound that disrupts daily life. Ken Siebert, who has lived with tinnitus for 30 years, compares it to “the hissing noise when you let air out of a tire.”
Causes vary widely, from earwax buildup and hearing loss to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders or blood pressure problems. In some cases, no definitive cause is identified. This uncertainty can add to the distress experienced by sufferers.
Tinnitus often takes a toll on mental health. A 2023 study revealed higher rates of depression and suicidal thoughts among those affected. Ken shares, “Sometimes you almost get suicidal with it. It just drives you nuts.”
Though there is no cure, management strategies can ease symptoms. Audiologist Dr. Gotham Gosa emphasizes the benefits of hearing aids, which amplify external sounds to mask tinnitus. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) also helps patients cope with the emotional impact.
For Ken, using hearing aids alongside other therapies has greatly improved his quality of life, though the ringing persists. His experience highlights the hidden struggle of millions and underscores the importance of seeking treatment for tinnitus.
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