The AudioNotch Tinnitus Treatment Blog

What are Symptoms of Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is an unusual health condition that physicians do not completely understand. In addition to affecting ordinary everyday people, there are famous people tinnitus sufferers attempting to cope with the strange symptoms. Patients visiting physicians or audiologists describe hearing these sounds in their ear canal:

• Roaring
• Clicking
• Whistling
• Hissing
• Whining

Actor Lou Ferrigno Has Tinnitus

Studies have shown that a significant number of individuals with this condition have some hearing loss that leads to changes in the inner ear. Lou Ferrigno began his career as a bodybuilder before becoming an actor appearing in television programs and movies. He was diagnosed as a toddler with a 75 percent loss of hearing due to frequent ear infections as an infant. Despite wearing high quality hearing aids to improve his daily life, Ferrigno has dealt with the symptoms of tinnitus. With quality care from hearing specialists, Ferrigno is able to cope with the strange noises in his ears while continuing to perform.

Musicians with Tinnitus

Several tinnitus experts believe listening to loud music frequently can lead to the strange noises famous people tinnitus patients hear due to constant changes of air pressure in the ear canal. Chris Martin of Coldplay and Lars Ulrich of Metallica are long-term members of musical bands that are onstage near loud sounds for several hours a day. Ulrich plays percussion instruments such as cymbals and drums while Martin focuses on keyboard and string instruments such as guitars. Both musicians are exposed to a high noise volume that has led to having tinnitus symptoms that make daily living a challenge.

Contact Sports can lead to Tinnitus

Athletes participating in contact sports such as football are at high risk of developing tinnitus due to head injuries. Constant blows to the head, shoulder or neck can change the structure of the ear canal and nerve endings. The result is that current or former athletes are diagnosed frequently with tinnitus symptoms. Famous people tinnitus victims include former professional football players Jim McMahon and Tony Dorsett due to head concussions received during games and practices. Despite wearing protective headgear and padding, both amateur and professional athletes are susceptible to having tinnitus.

Living with Tinnitus

Dealing with the symptoms of tinnitus is often difficult for individuals, especially when they hear extremely loud noises round-the-clock. The sounds heard can make it difficult to drive a vehicle, work a job or enjoy leisure time. Some individuals hear the sounds periodically while others have a chronic condition with noises heard during the day and night. In addition to developing from loud music, ear infections or head injuries, tinnitus is often caused by neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, wax buildup and foreign objects in the ear. Physicians can treat infections or remove debris from the ear canal but are unable to solve all tinnitus problems. This has led to management techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy to help individuals cope with the challenges of tinnitus.