Metallica Member

The drummer for heavy metal band Metallica says he has a constant ringing in his ears. Lar Ulrich has been dealing with the effects of listening to loud music. Because he suffered from the condition early in his career, Ulrich has used ear protection for a while now.

Scientists believe when hair cells are damaged the brain compensates by generating the perception of a buzzing or ringing in the ears know as tinnitus. Like a radio station out of range, the brain tries harder to pick up a signal and the result is only loud static. The phantom auditory sensation is like a missing arm or leg. We still can experience pain in even in a limb that has been amputated. Other causes of tinnitus include head and neck trauma, advancing age, certain types of tumors, wax buildup and some medications including certain antibiotics, according to the American Tinnitus Association. More than 50 million Americans experience some degree of tinnitus.

Hair Cells & Tnnitus

Scientists believe when hair cells are damaged the brain compensates by generating the perception of a buzzing or ringing in the ears know as tinnitus. Like a radio station out of range, the brain tries harder to pick up a signal and the result is only loud static. The phantom auditory sensation is like a missing arm or leg. We still can experience pain in even in a limb that has been amputated. Other causes of tinnitus include head and neck trauma, advancing age, certain types of tumors, wax buildup and some medications including certain antibiotics, according to the American Tinnitus Association. More than 50 million Americans experience some degree of tinnitus.

Hearing Aids & Ringing in the Ears

Hearing aids might be a solution for people who suffer from tinnitus (a constant ringing in the ears). That’s according to a recent survey conducted by Better Hearing Institute. The non-profit educational organization surveyed more than 200 health professionals who specialize in hearing. Sixty-percent of their patients report relief from tinnitus when they use hearing aids. Twenty-percent described it as “major” relief.

Tennitus Survey

A survey of annoyance levels for tinnitus sufferers. Tennitus is a a ringing, buzzing or whistling sound in one or both ears occurring without outside stimulus.

How Annoying is it?

• 39.2% - mildly distressed 23.9% - severely distressed
• 12.8% - most severely distressed

How Loud is it?

• 60% - medium degree of tinnitus loudness
• 32% - strong degree of tinnitus loudness
• 8% - rated their condition as weak

Source: Archives of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery