Tinnitus Facts And Figures

Did you know that?

• More than 50 million Americans have Tinnitus to some extent.

• 12 million have tinnitus that is severe enough tinnitus to seek medical attention.

• And 2 million of them cannot function fully on a day-to-day basis.

• Firefighters, emergency personnel, people serving in combat zones, and rock stars are high risk candidates for tinnitus.

• The primary cause of tinnitus is NOISE.

• There is no known cure for tinnitus.

• There are ways to find relief.

However, don't panic. Tinnitus is not a life-threatening disease or condition. It may be temporary for you. Even if it is continuous there are people and places that can offer advice and assistance both online and offline.

For instance, the American Tinnitus Association is committed to finding a cure. Their journal includes some data from the research they do and fund.

There are numerous forums online where people with tinnitus discuss the remedies they have tried and what has worked for them. It is easier for you to do a search on the topic than it is for me to list them all. Watch out for people trying to "sell" you a sure cure. Many different methods do provide relief but since tinnitus is so different for each individual it is difficult to predict what will really work for you.

A few things have become fairly common knowledge among people with tinnitus:

• Most physicians or ENT specialists will simply tell you to "learn to live with it".

• Reducing stress and the number and intensity of the variables in your life helps.

• Reduce your salt intake.

• Lower your cholesterol.

• Exercise regularly.

• Wear ear protection in noisy situations - even mowing the lawn.

• Work on developing a positive attitude.

• Find or create a good support network of friends or professionals or family.

You see, it is important for you to have at least one person in your life who BELIEVES in you and accepts your tinnitus as part of their awareness and consideration about what is important concerning you and your well-being.