YOUTH PARTICULARLY TOUCHES

BY THE ACOUPHENES

Currently, 28% of French people say they suffer from tinnitus, according to an Ifop survey conducted on the occasion of the National Day of Hearing (JNA) of 8 March. Resistant to most treatments, these whistles can, depending on their severity, affect more or less severely the quality of life. It is the auditory system itself that generates these whistles or buzzes.

Even more worrying are the younger ones who are the most affected by this discomfort: 56% of 15-17 year olds and 49% of 18-24 year olds report feeling tinnitus. A phenomenon that is explained by too high sound exposure during concerts or under their headphones. This reinforces the idea that tinnitus is more "related to sound trauma than to age-related health problems," says the experts of the National Day of Hearing.

And if most of the time, these buzzings spontaneously disappear by putting the ear to rest, they can persist in some, or even be accompanied by hearing loss. It's time to sound the alarm! 10% of young people under 25 already have a pathological audiogram, according to a study conducted by ANSES.

In addition to sound trauma, tinnitus may be due to the use of toxic drugs for the ear, infections, hypertension ... or simply earwax. Whatever the cause, medical care is necessary. But " a third of people who feel tinnitus have spoken to health professionals," laments the association, according to which " nearly 80% of people under 35 have never had their hearing checked."

Another hearing disorder, hyperacusis (hypersensitivity to noises), even more disabling than tinnitus, affects 8% of the population.

The JNA association calls for hearing "a public health issue" by putting in place " an active prevention policy identical to that of the fight against obesity" .

Prevention actions will take place on Thursday for the National Day of Hearing (program on the site (program on the site www.journee-audition.org )