This whole week attention to tinnitus

A high pitched beep, a low hum, sometimes even a ticking sound, these are some examples of tinnitus, better known as ringing in the ears. About 15% of the Dutch people suffer from this and to draw more attention to this problem, the week from 6 to 12 February will be devoted to this chronic condition.

You probably recognize it. You went out for a night and the next day you have a very light ringing in your ear. With a bit of luck you will get rid of it during the day, but with tinnitus that sound does not disappear and can increase in intensity in some cases of stress or fatigue. “At the moment there is no cure,” says psychologist Arno Lieftink. He gives audiology training at Erasmus MC and specializes in tinnitus, among other things. And contrary to what some people think, it is not sound in your ear. “It is a neurological problem, caused by restless behavior in the brain. The only thing we can do now is make sure people learn to deal with it.”

Listening to loud music with earplugs or headphones for a long time can cause hearing damage and tinnitus, but that is certainly not the only way. “It can sometimes also be a side effect of medicines for chronic pain,” says Lieftink. Or in the case of Luke Thomas, probably due to a virus. He has had a ringing in his ear for five years. “The exact cause cannot be determined, because it is no longer measurable and my hearing has been tested and that is just fine.” In order to better deal with the complaints, Luke has started meditating. “I like that, it calms the beep.” Although there is no cure for this problem yet, Luke is hopeful. “I read several studies on this subject, I am a member of several Facebook groups and I also like the media attention for this week of tinnitus, because that can lead to more research.”