Frequent, deafening noise must rank as one of the great downsides of modern civilization. Unsurprisingly, construction sites, rock concerts, and other disruptive sources of sound have contributed to a significant incidence of tinnitus (often identified as a mysterious ringing in the ears) in the U.S. population. Tinnitus can become either an annoyance or a debilitating condition, depending on its circumstances. For combat veterans, it is an unfortunately common and complicating disability.<\/p>\n
Statistics estimate that tinnitus, which strikes young and old alike, affects 10 percent to 15 percent of the U.S. population. But rates among combat veterans are much higher. A recent U.S. Army study concluded that 25 percent of all soldiers return from service in Iraq and Afghanistan with the compromised hearing that results in tinnitus. <\/p>\n
There are multiple causes of tinnitus, including noise-induced hearing loss, obstruction of the ear canal, damage to the inner ear and even tumors. Some theories posit (more…)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Frequent, deafening noise must rank as one of the great downsides of modern civilization. Unsurprisingly, construction sites, rock concerts, and other disruptive sources of sound have contributed to a significant incidence of tinnitus (often identified as a mysterious ringing in…<\/span><\/p>\n