Tinnitus

SUBJECT: TINNITUS
ORIGIN: Moldex® Technical Services Department
DATE: June 23, 2003
REVIEWED/UPDATED: March 2010  

Overview

Tinnitus is a medical term which is often referred to as “ringing in the ears.” It is a condition where people hear hissing, roaring, whistling, chirping, or clicking in the ears when there is no external source of these sounds. The noise can come and go, last for weeks at time and can drive some people to the point of desperation.

Over 50 million Americans experience tinnitus to some degree, and of these, 12 million have it severe enough to seek medical attention.

The exact physiological cause of tinnitus is not known, but several likely sources (which are known to trigger or worsen tinnitus) include noise-induced hearing loss, wax buildup in the ear canal, certain medications, ear or sinus infections, and head/neck trauma. Of these factors, exposure to loud noises is the most probable cause since up to 90 percent of all tinnitus patients have some level of noise-induced hearing loss.

Moldex® Solution

Use of Hearing Protection Devices is essential to the protection of one’s hearing. Recommend SparkPlugs®, Pura-Fit®, Jazz Band®, Earmuffs or Rockets® where hearing protection is required.

Common Noisy Environments

Carpentry, Foundries, Paving, Iron Working, Construction, Steel Mills, Machine Shops, Airports, Firearms and Emergency Response and Rescue

Reference And Resources

Bureau of National Affairs Occupational Health and Safety Reporter

American Tinnitus Association: https://medlineplus.gov/tinnitus.html

https://www.ata.org/managing-your-tinnitus/treatment-options

https://www.entnet.org//content/tinnitus

Moldex® Hearing Protection: http://stage.moldex.com/hearing-protection.php

WARNING: The information contained in this Tech Brief is dated and was accurate to the best of Moldex’s knowledge, on the date above. It is not meant to be comprehensive, nor is it intended to be used in place of the warning/use instructions that accompany Moldex respirators. Outside of the USA, check with all applicable and local government regulations.

©2003-2010 Moldex-Metric, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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