For many long-time sufferers, tinnitus has been an unbearable bane on their lives. But there is now a new form of relief.
MICHAEL had recently aced his college exams and is set to enter a top foreign university. He embarked on all-out “celebration” binge, which included a trip to the Sepang GP circuit to witness the recent F1 race and plenty of clubbing at his favourite nightspots.
At the tracks, Michael was urged by his friends to have a full-on F1 experience by removing his protective earplugs to feel the full roar of the race cars. As Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton battled it out, Michael removed his earplugs and took in the ultra-loud F1 cars for a full half hour.
Later, as he was leaving the circuit, Michael complained to his friends that his head was hurting and there was a loud ringing sound in his ears. His friends told him not too worry as it would probably subside shortly as they were headed out to the city nightspots to take in some of the F1 parties. Michael soldiered on and he partied away to thunderous dance music way into the wee hours of the morning.
However the next day, Michael woke up to the same ringing sound in his ears, only louder. As the days wore on and the ringing sound remained, Michael began to suffer from lack of sleep as well as headaches.
He finally visited his neighbourhood GP who told him it was probably tinnitus, and referred him to a specialist.
Here is what consultant ear, nose and throat surgeon Dr Long Chin Wan has to say about tinnitus.
What is tinnitus?
Dr Long: In the simplest terms, it is the perception of sound or noise in the ear where there is no external cause. It can manifest itself in many ways but most commonly it is a sharp ringing tone. However, there are patients who complain of low pitch tone as well. Some even suffer from constant static noise, but this is less common.
What are the causes and who is most susceptible?
It is most common in patients who have experienced hearing loss. It can also be due to excessive ear wax. We have had patients whose hearing returned to normal once the wax was removed. Other causes include infections or damage to the eardrum.
It is most common in older people as your hearing deteriorates as you get older. Of course, those who are regularly exposed to loud noise are more susceptible to tinnitus, such as factory workers or members of the armed forces.
Many young people these days also suffer from tinnitus due to the over use of their ipods at unsafe levels.
In Michael’s case, it is due to his recent F1 escapade as well as the numerous hours spent in loud nightclubs. This is more commonly known as “disco tinnitus”.
Do not torment yourself with tinnitus ... seek illness treatment immediately from here
What constitutes acceptable levels of noise?
Generally, we consider exposure to 90 decibels over eight hours as the limit. Bear in mind 90 decibels is not very loud to begin with, a normal conversation will read around 60 decibels and even a whisper is about 40 decibels.
Of course, people who are suddenly exposed to one very loud noise like a gun going off or an explosion may also suffer from tinnitus.
The nightclubs you frequent usually blast their music at over 120 decibels.
How many Malaysians suffer from tinnitus?
We haven’t got an exact figure as we have not done any studies, but in the US, it is estimated that over 50 million people are affected. I estimate that in Malaysia, as many as half a million to a million people suffer from tinnitus.
What are the typical symptoms of tinnitus?
In the beginning, patients will be very anxious about the condition. This in turn leads to loss of sleep as well as loss of concentration. Some will experience psychological problems such as mood wings and in extreme cases, depression and even suicidal feelings.
Do not torment yourself with tinnitus ... seek illness treatment immediately from here
What is the latest treatment available?
The latest is known as tinnitus phase-out treatment and has been available commercially in the US and Europe since last year and we have just started providing it a few months ago.
Prior to this treatment being available, patients would have had to rely on medication such as ginkgo or anti-depressants such as valium for some measure of relief. At the moment, there is no cure for tinnitus but this tinnitus phase-out treatment is the next best option.
How does it work?
Tinnitus phase-out treatment is based on the principle of sound cancellation. Sound is measured in waves and we try to match the noise the patient is experiencing. Once we have matched that sound or replicated it as closely as possible, with the help of this new machine we reverse the sound waves 180 degrees.
The patient will listen to the reverse sound waves through a pair of headphones for about 30min a day. You should experience relief almost immediately and while this is not a cure, the ringing sensation should stop for some time and might even go away for prolonged periods.
But every time it comes back, you just have to stick on the headphones and turn on the machine for relief from your tinnitus. It is a very convenient treatment and we recommend it to be used three times a week. Plus the machine is small so it is very portable.
How much does it cost?
There’s a trial period where we first match the sound the patient is experiencing. We will make sure the reverse sound waves are effective in providing relief for the patient’s tinnitus as this machine will not work for those who suffer from multiple types of noise.
It is only effective if the patient is suffering from a single-tone noise and we are able to match it. If it does work, the machine is available at around RM3,500.
Maximum noise level range in dBA
Firearms (hunting / target shooting): 120-over 130 dBA
Toy cap guns: 90-over 130
Subway (including screech noise): 80-120
Rock music concerts: 90-120
Motor boat: 65-120
Personal Stereos: 95-115
Chain saw: 105-115
Power tools: 65-over110
Motor cycles: 80-over110
Diesel locomotive (at 50 feet): over 85-105
Lawn mowers: 80-95
Truck passing (at 50 feet): 70-100
Garbage disposal: 65-over 90
Car (at 50 feet): 60-90
Household appliances: below 50-over 80
Do not torment yourself with tinnitus ... seek illness treatment immediately from here
