Apple announced preliminary insights on tinnitus from its ongoing hearing health study, shedding light on the prevalence and impact of this condition characterized by persistent noise or “ringing” that only the affected individual can hear. The findings, conducted by University of Michigan researchers, add to the growing body of evidence that tinnitus is a widespread and sometimes disruptive condition.
The new report found that about 15% of people surveyed experience tinnitus daily, with 10% stating that their tinnitus has “moderately or entirely interfered with their ability to hear clearly.” Most participants, nearly 78%, reported having experienced tinnitus at some point in their lives, with older adults more likely to report it.
Apple’s study also delved into the nature of tinnitus sounds, identifying variations such as a “pure tone,” a whistle like a tea kettle, or white noise. These findings were based on a survey of more than 160,000 participants as part of research that began in 2019 in collaboration with the University of Michigan and the World Health Organization. The research is facilitated through the Apple Research App, where users can enroll and share data.
While some of Apple’s findings, such as the increased likelihood of tinnitus in older adults, align with existing knowledge about the relationship between ageing, hearing loss, and tinnitus, the study underscores the increasing demand for hearing health solutions. This demand is growing among younger people as well, many of whom experience tinnitus or hearing loss from noise exposure through headphones, earbuds, and other technology.
Rick Neitzel, a professor of environmental health sciences at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, highlighted the importance of these findings. “The trends that we’re learning through the Apple Hearing Study about people’s experience with tinnitus can help us better understand the groups most at risk, which can in turn help guide efforts to reduce the impacts associated with it,” Neitzel said. He added that the study offers an unprecedented opportunity to enhance our understanding of tinnitus across demographics, which could ultimately improve management strategies for the condition.
Tinnitus severity varies widely; for some, it is barely noticeable, while for others, it can be debilitating. Given that tinnitus is a subjective experience, finding effective treatments can be challenging. Common management strategies include stress management, meditation, tinnitus retraining therapy, and using hearing aids.
Apple’s commitment to long-term health research extends beyond hearing health. The company also conducts studies on reproductive health through the Apple Women’s Health Study and cardiovascular health via the Apple Heart Study. These studies collect data that users opt to share through the Research App, reflecting areas where Apple has developed technologies for its products, such as the Apple Watch. Features include temperature sensing for retrospective ovulation insights and menstrual cycle deviation information, as well as sensors to detect irregular heart rhythms.
In the realm of hearing health, Apple provides Headphone Notifications to alert users when volume levels may pose a risk to hearing and offers a Noise app for the Apple Watch to monitor environmental sound levels. As Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference approaches on June 10, there is anticipation around potential health advancements for its AirPods.
Through its ongoing research and technological innovations, Apple continues to contribute valuable insights and tools to improve public health and well-being.
