Study Associates Traffic Related Noise and Risk of Tinnitus

This month, we thought it would be interesting to delve into the below study. Traffic noise is something that the majority of us encounter daily, and many of us are exposed to it from our own homes. 

The following study published in Environmental Health Perspectives investigates the association between traffic-related noise exposure and the risk of tinnitus. 

The study which compiles data from over 4 million people found a link between high levels of traffic-related noise and an increased risk of tinnitus, which is a condition characterised by ringing or buzzing in the ears. 

Out of the 4.1 million Danish citizens over the age of 30, 40,692 were diagnosed with tinnitus. The analysts modeled noise from railways and road traffic at the areas of Denmark most exposed and least exposed to noise between  1990 and 2017. 

In addition to collecting data on area-level and individual socioeconomic predictors, the researchers determined 1 year, 5 year and 10 year time-weighted average noise exposure. They then used this data in models to investigate whether or not a connection existed. 

“In our data,” Manuella Lech Cantuaria, PhD, of the Department of Clinical Research at University of Southern Denmark and lead author of the study stated, “we have found more than 40,000 cases of tinnitus and can see that for every ten decibels more noise in people’s home, the risk of developing tinnitus increases by six percent.”

The researchers discovered a connection between exposure to road traffic noise and the risk of tinnitus but they did not find any link between railway noise and tinnitus. The people with the most risk included “women, people without a hearing loss, people with high education and income, and those who had never been in a blue-collar job.”

Jesper Hvass Schmidt, PhD, the co-author of the study, declared: “There is a need for more focus on the importance of traffic noise for health. It is alarming that noise seems to increase the risk of tinnitus, cardiovascular diseases, and dementia, among other diseases.”

The study suggests that reducing exposure to traffic-related noise could potentially reduce the risk of tinnitus. This could be achieved through measures such as building noise barriers, regulating traffic flow, and improving public transportation.

The authors also note that individuals can try to make changes to reduce traffic noise in their homes. These include installing soundproof windows or sleeping in a room that faces away from the road but they also note that this isn’t possible for everyone. “It is therefore necessary that traffic noise is considered a health risk that must be taken into account in urban planning and political decisions.”

It's important to note that this study provides observational evidence of an association between traffic-related noise exposure and tinnitus risk, but it does not prove causation. Further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and to determine whether reducing noise exposure can actually prevent or reduce the severity of tinnitus.

Do you find that traffic noise impacts your tinnitus? We would love to hear from you. Let us know by email info@lios-group.com, or over on Twitter.