There's a good chance that if you're a musician reading this article your will be to be in the estimated 60 percent of people who play music live that report having tinnitus, whether sometimes or ongoing.

Let me describe what exactly tinnitus is for those who are uncertain about it, or maybe that are just starting to play with a band, whether rehearsing or live at clubs etc.

Occasionally its like a ringing noise or roaring water, Tinnitus is when you hear a ringing noise in your ears, high pitched tones or maybe a whooshing sound. Occasionally other people may hear a scratching or screeching type of sound.

From mildly bothersome to something so harsh and frequent that it can cause serious distress and frustration and in the case of us musicians prevent us from enjoying and performing the music we love, tinnitus can develop at a range of various levels.

There are two main types of tinnitus, one is called Objective tinnitus. This category is mostly caused by blood vessel or bone abnormalities in or near the ear.

Sounds that not solely the tinnitus sufferer can hear, but also say a doctor, if they were listening near enough are caused by these structural problems. The noises might really be audible as they emanate from the tinnitus sufferers body.

For most musicians nevertheless the type that will affect them is named Subjective tinnitus. This type of tinnitus is phantom noises that your ear hears that doesn't come about because of noises from your body. Exposure to loud music is the most usual reason although it can be caused by a number of reasons.

As musicians and music fans perhaps the first experience you may have of tinnitus is a fleeting kind. You go to see a band, the music is very loud, afterwards and possibly even for a day or two afterwards you can hear a ringing in your ears.

That's tinnitus, and you may get accustomed to this and accept it as part of a loud concert, but imagine if you had to live with that sound all the time, and for those of you that do, you understand how debilitating, frustrating and stressful it can be.

Musicians are so susceptible to this ailment because often we spend a big part of our day playing to loud music.

Firstly you might play your guitar or bass through an amp(turned to eleven! ) or perhaps rehearse with your band mates a few nights a week, most often in a tiny garage at gig volume or play away on your drum kit.

On stage in front of thousands if you've made it that far or gigs in clubs and bars. There is noise from the amplifiers,instruments,p. a, pyrotechnics, feedback problems and loud bangs, crowd noise and ear protection is an afterthought or never thought of at all.

In all situations whether you have tinnitus now, or not, start by using ear protection at practice and concerts. Visit your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment options if you think it may be an recurring issue for you.

Unfortunately, the bad news is that there is no complete tablet to cure tinnitus, nevertheless, the good news is that there are options you can use, where if you take some time, and apply them, can help you get respite from the symptoms of ringing ears