Tinnitus simulator

trainingfor general care

**TINNITUS SIMULATION**

Tinnitus is a very common hearing disorder. It is estimated that between 10% and 20% of people over the age of 60 experience tinnitus either occasionally or permanently. The severity and impact of tinnitus vary greatly from one individual to another, ranging from a minor annoyance to a significant reduction in quality of life.

The primary risk factor for tinnitus is hearing loss. In younger individuals, tinnitus is often associated with noise-induced hearing damage caused by prolonged exposure to high sound levels, particularly during concerts or through the excessive use of headphones. In older adults, tinnitus is commonly linked to presbycusis, the gradual age-related decline in hearing ability.

Tinnitus is characterized by the perception of sounds without any external sound source. People affected may hear ringing, buzzing, humming, hissing, pulsating sounds, or other persistent noises that can interfere with concentration, sleep, communication, and social interactions.

There are two main categories of tinnitus. Objective tinnitus is caused by an internal physical phenomenon, such as audible blood flow within the body. Subjective tinnitus, by far the most common form, is generated by the auditory system itself and can only be heard by the affected individual.

To raise awareness of the challenges faced by people living with tinnitus, SIVIHA offers a headset equipped with an audio player that allows users to listen to various sounds reproducing the most common tinnitus perceptions. This immersive experience promotes understanding, empathy, and awareness of this invisible disability.