Tinnitus Symptoms In Your Forties

The ringing of your eardrums, also known as tinnitus, may not seem like a big deal to some. But for many, it can disrupt their day-to-day activities and harm their quality of life. Luckily, there are several ways to treat the condition.

 In America, there are more people with hearing loss than you might expect in their 30s and 40s and even younger. Contrary to popular belief, tinnitus and hearing loss occur earlier than we think.

Nearly 48 million Americans suffer from hearing loss, and only a third of them are over 65. 

Younger people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s are often affected by tinnitus and noise-induced hearing loss, a condition caused by repeated exposure to loud sounds that permanently damages the cochlea hair cells.

How Tinnitus Occurs

You are more likely to develop hearing loss and tinnitus if you spend too much time in a loud environment without protecting your ears. Other less-known causes of tinnitus include:

• A significant amount of ear wax
• Certain Medications– aspirin, chemotherapy drugs, and antibiotics are common
• Biomechanical issue with your head or neck
• Meniere’s disease 
• Fluid build-up for hypertension or diabetes

It is generally considered that 85 decibels (dB) of sound is the safe level for the ear. However, the louder the sound, the shorter the time you can endure exposure before hearing damage occurs.

If your ears are subjected to 85 dB of noise, you may experience hearing loss after eight hours. But when your ears are exposed to 100 dB of sound, permanent damage can occur within 15 minutes.

During your working hours, you could be exposed to sounds that can cause your hearing to be compromised, such as those at a construction site, factory, or busy and crowded exercise facility, which are often over the safe 85 dB limit. 

Power tools, lawnmowers, and leaf blowers used for extended periods can also hurt your ears. Sound-induced damage to your hearing can be detected early by a soft, or occasionally not so soft, ringing in your ears.

Early Stages of Tinnitus or Hearing Loss

Many people are not aware of hearing loss in the early stages of hearing loss. Damage usually occurs so slowly; it is difficult to recognize it. When the brain tries to “fill in the blanks,” it diverts resources that would normally be used for other cognitive functions to hear.

Despite your unawareness, you may be suffering from hearing loss. Here are some warning signs to watch for in your 30s and 40s:

• Hearing loss first affects higher frequencies-usually the first sign of hearing loss
• Trouble hearing women’s and children’s voices-men’s voices will be easier to hear
• Tinnitus- ringing in the ears is an early indicator of hearing loss. 

What Can You Do?

An audiologist can perform a hearing evaluation if you notice these symptoms. Taking steps to prevent further damage is crucial; detecting the issue early and treating it as soon as possible minimizes the damage.

When listening to music on your phone or other devices, turn the volume down to about 60 percent. If you listen to music for long periods, give your ears a rest. Wear hearing protection anytime you will be exposed to loud noises.

Removing yourself from situations with louder audio may also be a wise choice.

If you or a loved one believe you may have tinnitus, it is crucial to seek help immediately. Something as simple as scheduling a hearing evaluation with your doctor could significantly impact your quality of hearing and overall state of well-being. If you are in the Las Vegas area, visit Hearing Associates of Las Vegas for all of your hearing needs.