{"id":1323,"date":"2022-05-12T15:04:29","date_gmt":"2022-05-12T22:04:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mthoodent.com\/?p=1323"},"modified":"2022-05-12T15:04:29","modified_gmt":"2022-05-12T22:04:29","slug":"why-do-so-many-veterans-get-tinnitus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mthoodent.com\/why-do-so-many-veterans-get-tinnitus\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Do So Many Veterans Get Tinnitus?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Tinnitus<\/a> is a ringing, buzzing, whistling, or other noise in the ear. It is a common condition in the US, and especially common among veterans. Let\u2019s examine some of the reasons why that is and what you can do to find relief if you suffer from tinnitus symptoms.<\/p>\n

Tinnitus and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder \"US<\/h2>\n

Some people have mild symptoms of tinnitus that come and go and don\u2019t cause too much distress. However, for others, the condition can be debilitating and decrease their quality of life, including worsening their mental health. There is also some evidence that mental health issues can exacerbate tinnitus.<\/p>\n

One study found that veterans who had post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and\/or anxiety were more likely to report moderate to severe cases of tinnitus<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u00a0Traumatic Brain Injury Can Cause Ringing in Ears<\/h2>\n

Another risk factor for tinnitus is suffering a traumatic brain injury (TBI). A 2019 study found that even a mild TBI is associated with up to a 75.7% incidence of tinnitus<\/a>. Veterans who spent time in combat may be especially prone to a blast TBI, where injury to their brain is caused by either the sheer force of an explosion or a secondary injury resulting from fragments flying in the air from the blast.<\/p>\n

\u00a0Tinnitus Commonly Seen with Hearing Loss<\/h2>\n

Lastly, tinnitus is regularly seen in those with hearing loss<\/a>. Veterans may be more at risk for hearing loss because of exposure to loud noises in the form of gunshots and explosions that can damage the eardrum or cause permanent damage to the hair cells of the inner ear.<\/p>\n

\u00a0How to Manage Tinnitus Symptoms<\/h2>\n

While there is no cure for tinnitus, there are many ways to help manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.<\/p>\n

Because mental health and tinnitus appear to be closely intertwined, treating one may help the other. Some options for improving mental health include:<\/p>\n