New study reveals that one in four Australians experience tinnitus — here’s everything you need to know
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Have you ever experienced hearing a tingling sound in your ears despite being in a quiet room?
While it may seem easy to shrug off and ignore, it could be a sign of something much more serious.
A new study published by Curtin University has revealed that an estimate of one in four Australians suffer from tinnitus — an irksome condition characterised by a ringing, buzzing, or clicking sound that sufferers hear in their ears.
One in four Aussies suffers from tinnitus. Credit: Martin Barraud/Getty Images.
The disease is said to be the leading cause for sufferers to feel disturbed during their sleep, leaving them feeling anxious or depressed.
The study followed 5000 Australian workers and used certain factors to measure the prevalence of tinnitus among the population.
It was reported that men are two times more susceptible to contracting the disease compared to women.
Age also plays a factor, with data revealing that the likelihood of constant tinnitus increases with age.
However, the study pointed out that the major contributor that triggers this disease is the individual's occupation.
It was stated that those who are working behind the wheel — drivers of taxis, buses, trains, forklifts, delivery trucks, and other automotive machines — are the most susceptible to suffering from this disease, with about 42 per cent of the participants claiming that they work in the automotive industry and are suffering from the disease.
Additionally, 36 per cent disclosed that they are employed as drivers.
It is no surprise that individuals working in noisy environments are more susceptible to contracting this disease compared to those who work in a more quiet environment. Credit: AAP.
The study suggests that workplace health and safety interventions should be prioritised to prevent the workers from developing this condition.
Curtin University professor and one of the co-authors of the study, Prof Lin Fritschi, said: “The prevalence of tinnitus was high in occupations most exposed to hazardous noise levels, such as farming, construction work, automotive industries and other trades.”
“However as drivers are not usually exposed to the same levels of loud noise as some other workers, it is interesting that this workforce has a high prevalence of tinnitus."
“One theory is that other workplace exposures, such as carbon monoxide in vehicle exhaust, may be contributing to the risk.”
The researcher also suggested that substances found in the workplace should also be examined for their contribution to the development of the disease in workers.
The report was released to support the campaign on raising awareness of the symptoms of tinnitus during the Tinnitus Awareness Week.
If you’re intrigued and want to hear what tinnitus sounds like, check out the video at the link below!
Credit: YouTube/ Hearing Healthcare Centre
While it may seem easy to shrug off and ignore, it could be a sign of something much more serious.
A new study published by Curtin University has revealed that an estimate of one in four Australians suffer from tinnitus — an irksome condition characterised by a ringing, buzzing, or clicking sound that sufferers hear in their ears.
One in four Aussies suffers from tinnitus. Credit: Martin Barraud/Getty Images.
The disease is said to be the leading cause for sufferers to feel disturbed during their sleep, leaving them feeling anxious or depressed.
The study followed 5000 Australian workers and used certain factors to measure the prevalence of tinnitus among the population.
It was reported that men are two times more susceptible to contracting the disease compared to women.
Age also plays a factor, with data revealing that the likelihood of constant tinnitus increases with age.
However, the study pointed out that the major contributor that triggers this disease is the individual's occupation.
It was stated that those who are working behind the wheel — drivers of taxis, buses, trains, forklifts, delivery trucks, and other automotive machines — are the most susceptible to suffering from this disease, with about 42 per cent of the participants claiming that they work in the automotive industry and are suffering from the disease.
Additionally, 36 per cent disclosed that they are employed as drivers.
It is no surprise that individuals working in noisy environments are more susceptible to contracting this disease compared to those who work in a more quiet environment. Credit: AAP.
The study suggests that workplace health and safety interventions should be prioritised to prevent the workers from developing this condition.
Curtin University professor and one of the co-authors of the study, Prof Lin Fritschi, said: “The prevalence of tinnitus was high in occupations most exposed to hazardous noise levels, such as farming, construction work, automotive industries and other trades.”
“However as drivers are not usually exposed to the same levels of loud noise as some other workers, it is interesting that this workforce has a high prevalence of tinnitus."
“One theory is that other workplace exposures, such as carbon monoxide in vehicle exhaust, may be contributing to the risk.”
The researcher also suggested that substances found in the workplace should also be examined for their contribution to the development of the disease in workers.
The report was released to support the campaign on raising awareness of the symptoms of tinnitus during the Tinnitus Awareness Week.
If you’re intrigued and want to hear what tinnitus sounds like, check out the video at the link below!
Credit: YouTube/ Hearing Healthcare Centre
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