Experts: Tinnitus May Be an Early Warning Sign of Deafness

Experts from Pennsylvania State University have revealed that tinnitus is, in many cases, one of the early indicators of hearing loss that may eventually lead to deafness.

According to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 13% of adults experience hearing difficulties, while the rate rises to 27% among people over the age of 65.

The data indicate that tinnitus is associated with damage to the hair cells inside the cochlea of the ear, which are responsible for converting sound waves into nerve signals that are transmitted to the brain.

Audiologist Jackie Price warned that exposure to loud noises exceeding 85 decibels can increase the risk of hearing damage, as is often the case at noisy concerts, construction sites, or when using certain types of equipment.