Study: More than 740 million people in the world hear a ringing in their ears

Tinnitus – a persistent buzzing in the ears affects more than 740 million people worldwide and for at least 120 million of them, mostly over 65 years of age, it is a serious problem. This is the assessment of a new international scientific study, the most comprehensive to date, according to which the annoying hum in question is very widespread (about as much as migraine and headaches), therefore it needs more attention from scientists.

The researchers, who made the relevant publication (a systematic review and meta-analysis of all research from the period 1972-2021) in the American neurology journal "JAMA Neurology", estimate that 14,4% of adults on Earth experience some form of tinnitus, with 2,3% experiencing a serious problem, causing them anxiety, depression, insomnia, etc.

Tinnitus does not differ significantly between men (14%) and women (13%), while it gradually increases with age, occurring in approximately 10% of young adults (18-44 years), 14% of middle-aged (45 -64 years old) and in 24% of the elderly (over 65 years old). Chronic tinnitus is estimated to occur in about 10%, but only 3,4% have been diagnosed.

The researchers reported that tinnitus can occur after infection with the coronavirus, as well as after vaccination against Covid-19 (mainly with Johnson and Johnson single dose).

Link to the scientific publication:

Source: RES-EAP