(InvestigateTV) — Imagine a sound that never stops. A constant ringing, hissing, or buzzing in your ears that follows you everywhere, making true silence an impossible dream.
This is the reality for more than 50 million American adults who suffer from tinnitus. For 5 million of them, the condition is chronic and debilitating.
“It sounds like when you take air out of a tire, it’s like a hissing type of noise,” says Ken Siebert, who has lived with the condition for 30 years.
Tinnitus is the perception of sound when no external noise is present. Its causes can be difficult to pinpoint, ranging from wax buildup and hearing loss to TMJ, blood pressure issues, or, in rare cases, a tumor. For many, like Ken, there is no obvious explanation.
The impact on mental health can be severe. A 2023 study found that those with tinnitus have higher rates of depression and suicidal ideation. “I hate to say it, but sometimes you almost get suicidal with it,” Ken admits. “It just drives you nuts.”
While there is no cure, there are ways to manage the condition. Dr. Gotham Gosa, an audiologist, works with patients to find solutions. Hearing aids can help by amplifying external sounds, which can mask the internal noise. Cognitive behavioral therapy can also be effective in helping patients cope with the psychological burden.
For Ken, a combination of hearing aids and other treatments has helped him live a more wonderful life, but the sound is always there, a constant companion in the background. His story is a powerful reminder of the invisible battles millions are fighting every day, and the importance of seeking help for a condition that is far more than just a noise.