More than 50 million Americans have a hearing condition that has no

cure. And about 12 million out of that 50 million can't live normal,

day-to-day lives because of this condition.



Tinnitus (pronounced either tin-NIGHT-us or TIN-i-tus), is a

condition where there is noise in the ear or head without an

external source. These noises can differ from person to person and

range from ringing, roaring, chirping, hissing and clicking. It is a

subjective noise, meaning that only the person with tinnitus can

hear it.



National Tinnitus Awareness Week is May 21-27. Information on

tinnitus, its treatment and different ways to protect against it is

available through the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and Hard of

Hearing.



And although the exact physiological causes of tinnitus are not

known, exposure to loud noises is the most probable cause of

tinnitus. About 90 percent of people with tinnitus have some level

of noise-induced hearing loss. Ear plugs, ear muffs or avoiding

noisy events are a few good ways to prevent tinnitus.



There are things, however, that people with tinnitus can do to try

and reduce the noises. According to the American Tinnitus

Association, exposure to loud noises can exacerbate tinnitus. Ear

plugs, ear muffs or avoiding noisy events can reduce the effects of

tinnitus.

















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