I had developedtinnitus: the perception of sounds in the absence of external sources.

Some experience it for decades.

Tinnitus has a reputation of being a curse you just have to learn to live with.

Not true, saysDr.

Tinnitus cant be cured, but its causes and characteristics can be treatedand itcango away.

Most importantly, the majority of cases can be prevented by practicing good listening hygiene.

What are the causes of tinnitus?

(For the record, I am Team TIN-uh-tus.)

The ears are the window to so many other things in your body, she said.

My mothers tinnitus, in fact, was resulting from a fast-growingbenign brain tumornear her ear canal.

Once she had it removed, her tinnitus went away.

For most people, though, hearing loss is the central factor.

It sounds (pun intended?)

Moreover, its not just ringing: Tinnitus can alsosound likewhooshing, buzzing, clicking, or roaring.

So, if you have no idea why you have tinnitus, see your primary care physician.

Your ears are trying to tell you something.

Sound therapy devices

Sometimes, the solution is as simple as getting a hearing aid.

Wikoff says that 80-90 percent of her patients experience some level of relief with hearing aids.

It can also increase anxiety and depression, according to a2014 ATA surveyof 1,100 people with tinnitus.

Studies estimate that people with tinnitus suffer from depression at ratesmore than twicethe national average.

We call it the vicious cycle, Wikoff says.

Any lifestyle changes thatreduce stresscan, therefore, potentially lessen the impact of tinnitus.

There are also someexperimental treatmentsbeing tested, including non-invasiveneuromodulatorsand electromagnetic stimulation of the brain and the vagus nerve.

Organizations like the American Tinnitus Association are working onchanging that.

Parents should teach children healthy listening habits early.

Just as you limit screen time, limit headphone time whenever possible.

One metric is the60-60 rule: 60 minutes per day at 60 percent of a devices maximum volume.

When you cant limit headphone use (such as for virtual classes), Wikoff suggests purchasing volume-limited headphones.

(They even make specializedgaming headphones.)

So, its important to have headphones or earbuds thatfit tightlyover, on, orintoyour ears.

If you dont want to toss your expensive earbuds, consider buying customizedsleeves, which retail for $100-200.

Molded to slip over your standard earbud, they seal in the sound.

For industries like construction or motorsports, those drugstore foam earplugs offer great protectionif you insert them correctly.

The CDC has a greathow-towebsite that shows each of the crucial steps.

Concert goers can useconcertear plugsdesigned to protect your hearing without muffling too much sound.

Even with them in, though, try not to stand right next to the speakers.

Once we enter middle school, however, were usually on our own.

Some primary care physicians test hearing during physicals, but many dont.

She recommends adults over 40 get their hearing tested once every 1-2 years; other physicians recommend every 3-5.

Eventually, though, Ill be in situations where social etiquette and general courtesy require headphones.

Since I already have AirPods, Ill likely look into getting customized sleeves.

I also want to get my hearing checked to establish how much hearing loss I have.

What Iwontdo is stop listening to the music and podcasts I love.