Navigation Tinnitus and Secondary Conditions
Tinnitus is one of the most commonly claimed conditions by Veterans seeking service connection at the VA. Most active duty service members are regularly exposed to hazardous noises, including gunfire, explosives, rockets, heavy weapons, jets, aircraft, and machinery. This exposure may come from combat, training, and/or general job duties. Tinnitus is most often described as a ringing in the ears, even though no external sound is present.[1] However, tinnitus can also cause other types of phantom noises, including buzzing, roaring, clicking, hissing, or humming. The noises of tinnitus may vary in pitch from a low roar to a high squeal and it may be in one or both ears. In some cases, the sound can be so loud it interferes with your ability to concentrate or hear external sound. Tinnitus may be present all the time, or it may come and go.
Additionally, as if tinnitus by itself is not bad enough, there is a range of conditions that may be secondary (comorbid) to tinnitus. These conditions can include depression and anxiety. Migraines are also caused by tinnitus. The American Migraine Foundation states that tinnitus can be associated with multiple types of headache disorders.[2] It can be related to somatic disorders, which is diagnosed when a person has a significant focus on physical symptoms, such as pain, weakness or shortness of breath, to a level that results in major distress and/or problems functioning.[3] In addition, sleep apnea is linked with tinnitus. One study found that in military personnel with tinnitus, sleep disturbance were found to be higher than those of normal controls in 77% of the patients.[4]
