The road that leads to tinnitus noise triggers

Tinnitus is a symptom, not a disease. And while often the source of that persistent clicking, buzzing, whooshing or whistling sound can be traced to hearing loss or damage, that’s just one in a very long list of possible causes.

In fact, the American Tinnitus Association cites roughly 200 different health conditions that can generate tinnitus as a symptom.

Here are just a few:

  • Ear canal blockage (such as a buildup of earwax or other debris)

Certain over-the-counter and prescription medications have been linked to tinnitus as well. But new research is begging the question…

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Could traffic noise be another source?

Tinnitus isn’t always triggered by a health issue. Exposure to loud noises can definitely set off a bout of tinnitus. And if the noises are continuous, the tinnitus they cause could linger as well.

Take traffic noise, for instance. One study involving data from 3.5 million Danish people found the more traffic noise they were exposed to in their homes, the higher their odds of developing tinnitus.

According to the data, with every 10-decibel increase in traffic noise in an individual’s home, their risk of developing tinnitus increases by 6 percent. Just to get a general idea, 70 to 80 decibels is the average noise level from a busy urban street. Heavy truck or motorcycle traffic can ramp that up to 85 to 95 decibels. A quiet neighborhood would be closer to 45 to 55 decibels.

Researchers from the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) believe that living near a busy road may increase your stress levels and disturb your sleep — both of which are factors in raising the risk of tinnitus.

This study marks the first time researchers have found a link between residential traffic noise exposure and effects on hearing — although a previous SDU study in 2021 found a link between traffic noise and dementia.

“It is alarming that noise seems to increase the risk of tinnitus, cardiovascular diseases and dementia, among other diseases,” says SDU professor Dr. Jesper Hvass Schmidt.

The researchers note that more studies are needed to confirm that traffic noise causes tinnitus and explore how this happens.

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Protecting yourself from noise pollution

According to the researchers, nighttime noise can be even worse for health.

“It affects our sleep, which is so important for restoring both our physical and mental health,” says Manuella Lech Cantuaria, PhD., SDU Assistant Professor. “Therefore, it is worth considering whether you can do something to improve your sleep if you live next to a busy road.”

One of the best things you can do is sleep in a bedroom that is on the side of the house not facing a road. Installing soundproof windows in your home also helps. However, not everyone has these options.

If you live in an apartment or condo, try lining the wall facing the street with bookshelves and books, or place a wardrobe, clothing rack or linen storage unit there. All of these obstacles will help absorb some of the street noise.

And there are some steps you can take to both help reduce the misery it causes and reduce your risk of developing tinnitus in the first place…

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Sources:

Researchers find a link between traffic noise and tinnitus — University of Southern Denmark

Transportation Noise and Risk of Tinnitus: A Nationwide Cohort Study from Denmark — Environmental Health Perspectives

Why Are My Ears Ringing? — American Tinnitus Association

Tips for Dealing with Noise from the Street — Apartment Therapy

Colorado Department of Transportation — Noise FAQs

Carolyn Gretton

By Carolyn Gretton

Carolyn Gretton is a freelance writer based in New Haven, CT who specializes in all aspects of health and wellness and is passionate about discovering the latest health breakthroughs and sharing them with others. She has worked with a wide range of companies in the alternative health space and has written for online and print publications like Dow Jones Newswires and the Philadelphia Inquirer.

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