The Journal of Noise & Health (February 2008) lists several causes of ear tinnitus and hearing loss among college students.  Some of these are not well known.

One cause of ear tinnitus is occupational noise exposure. In the USA, the most common summer job among males under age 18 is construction.  Many are not aware of the dangers of loud noise from electric drills and saws, and do not wear hearing protective devices (HPDs).

A second method of exposure to loud noise is from personal listening devices, such as iPods and car sound systems.  Of course,  music concerts and nightclubs are also responsible for causing ear tinnitus among this population.

Decibel levels (dBA) are measures of sound intensity. Personal stereo systems can generate noise levels 90 to 120 dBA. Sound levels from cars can be as high as 154 dBA. Sound levels in nightclubs can exceed 106 dBA, which unquestionably would cause tinnitus of the ear.

Rock concerts are able to boast sound levels of 110 to 115 dBA. Heavy metal concerts may reach as high as 125 dBA.

Ironically, health clubs are no safe haven for people trying to avoid ear tinnitus. The noise levels of music at American health clubs can reach as much as 106 dBA. Who would have ever thought that health clubs could be dangerous to your health?

We are the manufacturers of Tinnitus DX, a homeopathic supplement for tinnitus.