NIGHT clubs, pubs and live music are all back on the cards following months of closures due to Covid-19.
The annoying hum that loud music and chatter leaves in our ears is something we all know. But what happens when it doesn’t stop?
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A ringing, hissing or buzzing in the ear is known as tinnitus and around 10 per cent of adults in the UK are thought to suffer with the condition.
The Hum, a lesser-known condition, is also a common one.
A person experiences a low-frequency sound called The Hum.
It is thought around 4 per cent of the world’s population experience The Hum.
Gordon Harrison, Specsavers chief audiologist, explains more about the phenomenon, and what can be done to help.
What causes The Hum?
Gordon states that the Hum is an intriguing question. However, it cannot be answered with one answer.
Although there may be some background electrical hums from older TVs or fridges, these hums are typically only noticeable when they are within close proximity to the device.
“Most people will habituate to them as they are generally not interesting and not threatening.”
He explained that people can hear a different sound if they are placed in an anechoic room (a chamber designed to absorb all electromagnetic waves and sounds) and experience a hum.
Gordon added: “The ears can generate sounds of their own, known as otoacoustic emission, that can be measured – although you would not expect people to hear these sounds in normal life.”
Another response, Gordon says, is that some people actually tune in to specific sounds.
He explained that this is often due to the fight or flight reflex. Once a sound is heard, an explanation is sought.
“If this does not happen, in some instances the person will get more anxious or concerned ad the body’s endorphin response can increase stress levels.”
How to help The Hum
While it might seem obvious – if you are experiencing any issues with your ears which affect how well you can hear then you should go and get a hearing assessment.
Your specific needs can be discussed with an audiologist, or you can speak to your GP.
You can also speak with your GP if you choose to consult an audiologist after your hearing test. They will give you specific advice that meets your needs.
Gordon added: “Similar to tinnitus, people who hear ‘the hum’ can find that sound therapy such as using background noise can help to reduce the perceived affect.
“Relaxation techniques and CBT can also be beneficial too.”
CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), which is a type if talking therapy, helps people to manage their problems and change the way they think.
CBT is based on the idea that thoughts, feelings and actions all interact – so negative thoughts can trap people in a vicious circle.
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