Tinnitus Demographics and Populations
The latest data available shows us that some 45 million adults in the United States suffer from tinnitus. This makes it one of the most common health conditions, affecting 1 in 5. Of those 45 million, 20 million are estimated to struggle moderately with their tinnitus on a daily basis. Another 2 million are estimated to be struggling with debilitating tinnitus. Needless to say it is a serious health condition and extremely common.
That being known there are certain populations within in the United States who are more likely to suffer from tinnitus than others. In most cases this is due to environmental circumstances, such as working in a noisy environment. The below are considered to be high risk groups for tinnitus:
Senior Citizens
Senior citizens are one of the highest risk groups for suffering from tinnitus. This is typically attributed to the fact that hearing loss is found at much higher rates in the senior population. In most cases tinnitus is attributable to hearing loss, thus the higher likelihood of tinnitus in senior citizens.
Military
Active military personnel and veterans are at a particularly high risk for tinnitus. This is due to nature of the work they perform, often involving heavy machinery, weapons, and explosives. Because of this noise exposure this group is also at a higher risk for hearing loss as well as tinnitus.
Loud Workplace Workforce
Those who work in loud workplaces are at a higher risk for having tinnitus. This includes construction, manufacturing, agriculture, transportation, mining, and other workplaces with heavy machinery or consistent loud noise.
Musicians
Music lovers typically listen to their music at high volumes. Over time this can do damage to the sense of hearing and ultimately result in tinnitus. This group as well is more likely to wear ear buds and listen to music at damaging volumes.
Hunting and Motorsports
Consistent firing of firearms without ear protection, or being around loud engines without wearing ear protection are unfortunately commonplace in this population. Those that participate in these sports are therefore more likely to damage their hearing and suffer from tinnitus.
Behavioral Health Problems
People who may already suffer with depression, anxiety, sleep disorder, or other psychological conditions may be at a greater risk for suffering from tinnitus as the symptoms tend to exacerbate each other.
Why Should You See Dr. Wikoff?
Dr. Wikoff has been successfully diagnosing and treating tinnitus for 10 years. She has dedicated her life to the study and care of hearing. She holds an undergraduate degree in Speech and Hearing Science from the University of Maryland. She also received her Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) degree from Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine’s Program in Audiology and Communication Sciences. Additionally Dr. Wikoff is on the board of directors at the American Tinnitus Association. She has attended multiple courses and workshops specifically on tinnitus, including the International Tinnitus Research Initiative in Valencia, Spain. She is a trained in Neuromonics, received the American Academy of Audiology Scholar Award 2014 - 2015, and she is a member of the Tinnitus Practitioners Association.
If you are in the metro-Atlanta area and are suffering from tinnitus, don't wait any longer to call Peachtree Hearing and see Dr. Wikoff.
