Tinnitus

Tinnitus is a condition commonly known as "ringing in the ears". The ringing sounds are brain-induced; that is, ringing is perceived in the absence of any external auditory stimulation. In addition to ringing sounds, roaring, hissing, clicking and other non-externally generated sounds are also classified as tinnitus. Chronic tinnitus can be caused by noise exposure, disease, excessive use of aspirin or other pain relievers, and use of certain antibiotics.

According to the American Tinnitus Association (ATA) it is estimated that approximately 50 million persons in the U.S. have intermittent or permanent tinnitus. Of these, approximately 10-12 million have severe and chronic tinnitus. The ATA reports that of these some two million persons are completely disabled by the condition. Severe tinnitus in some drastic cases has led to suicide.

Unfortunately, many armed forces personnel serving overseas are subjected to noise environments that can directly lead to tinnitus even when these persons use earplugs. For these individuals, tinnitus sometimes accompanies traumatic brain injury. Tinnitus is also associated with listening to music players (i.e. iPods) at elevated volume levels for extended periods of time. An increased incidence of tinnitus is also observed in the elderly.

While research is ongoing, there is currently no known cure for tinnitus. This being the case, can anything be done to help those with tinnitus cope with the condition?

Tinnitus retraining therapy, hypnosis, and psychotherapy have been useful to certain individuals. These regimes can take extended periods of time (over two years) to be effective - if they become effective at all. Tinnitus masking machines and specialized hearing aids have also been useful. Vitamins, herbal concoctions and homeopathic formulations have not been shown in controlled studies to be effective although many tinnitus-onset sufferers try them in attempts at obtaining relief.

Some tinnitus sufferers - especially those with mild cases - habituate to the ringing. For the vast majority of sufferers, however, habituation is not an option and the prescription "learn to live with it" is of little consolation to them.

Advantageously, many tinnitus sufferers experience tinnitus relief after having taken a shower or listened to running sink faucets. Being near large outdoor fountains, surf, natural waterfalls, etc. have also been reported to temporarily reduce tinnitus in some individuals. For some, the reduction in tinnitus can continue for minutes to hours to (more rarely) days. This effect is known as residual inhibition which can be defined as a short-term suppression of tinnitus after the sound stimulation is stopped.

Unfortunately, you can't take your shower or sink faucet into your living room, bedroom or work space; nor can you take Niagra Falls, the beach, or a large outdoor water fountain indoors.

Indoor water fountains have been designed almost totally for their visual effect. Auditory output of these fountains is generally a consequence of their visual designs and has not generally been a conscious part of the design process. Consequently, many indoor water fountains produce narrow spectrum "bright" sounds that over time can be distracting, annoying or overpowering. In contrast our Rain Forest^tm Sound Fountain, Rushing Waters Sound Fountain, and Splashing Shower Sound Fountain, incorporating our patent pending technologies, are the first fountains that we are aware of that have been specifically designed to generate a wide spectrum of sound that is pleasing to listen to and that can offer relief to the tinnitus sufferer when placed in his/her home or work environment.
Click to read a brief note on why we developed Sound Fountains^tm