Almost everyone at one time or another has experienced
brief periods of mild ring or other sound in the ear. Some people have more
annoying and constant types of tinnitus. One third of all adults report
experiencing tinnitus at some time in their lives. Ten percent to 15% of adults
have prolonged tinnitus requiring medical evaluation (1). Prevalence estimates
of individuals with tinnitus vary widely, from 7.9 million (2) to more than 37
million (3). More than 360,000 Canadians have tinnitus in an annoying
form. About 150,000 find that these noises seriously impair the quality of
their lives. Millions around the world! Probably 18% of Australians
have tinnitus at some time of their lives and approximately '50 million
Americans have tinnitus in some form'. Countries with self-help groups include
USA, UK, Germany, Canada, New Zealand and, of course, Australia. Severe
tinnitus is recognized as a very major affliction, but most people have
tinnitus to a milder degree. Given time, commitment and up-to-date professional
help, tinnitus can reduce for many people. Tinnitus does not discriminate: people of all ages
experience tinnitus. However, tinnitus is not a common complaint from children.
Children with tinnitus are less likely than adults to report their experience,
in part because children with tinnitus are statistically more likely to have
been born with hearing loss. They may not notice or be bothered by their
tinnitus because they have experienced it their entire lives. Children, like people of all ages, can be at risk for
tinnitus if they are exposed to loud noises. Recreational events like fairs or
car races or sports games can all include high-decibels activities that can
damage kids' ears.