If you or someone close to you is dealing with tinnitus, you might be trying to learn more about it to better understand the symptoms and their impact. Tinnitus is often a sign of an underlying condition, so gaining knowledge about it can help you navigate and manage the situation more effectively.

What is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is a sensation where the person experiencing it will hear a ringing, buzzing, whooshing or roaring sound in the ear. Many people think that tinnitus is always associated with hearing loss, but this is not actually the case. Although the vast majority of people with tinnitus will have some level of hearing loss, some will not and their hearing loss may be temporary and caused by things like sinus infection.

What are the Common Causes of Tinnitus?

Tinnitus can be caused by a wide range of issues, but perhaps, the most common are as follows:

Prolonged exposure to loud noises
Medications
Aging
Meniere’s disease
High blood pressure and cardiac issues
Injuries to the head and neck
Ear infections and blockages

This is why it is so important to speak to an audiologist if you are experiencing tinnitus, you could be experiencing hearing loss as well. They can help you to determine the probable cause and find suitable treatment for your needs.

What are the Symptoms of Tinnitus?

The most common symptoms of tinnitus are the ringing, buzzing whooshing sounds that you hear when you are experiencing tinnitus. However, you may also feel dizzy, off-balance or stressed when you have tinnitus, and seeing an audiologist as soon as possible is an important way of getting help and alleviating all of the symptoms of tinnitus swiftly. An audiologist will be able to run you through some tests, to determine the underlying cause of your tinnitus. This allows them to find a suitable treatment for your needs.

What is the Treatment for Tinnitus?

While there is not a definitive cure for tinnitus, there are many effective strategies that can help manage your symptoms. These include:

Hearing aids: These can amplify external noises, which may reduce the focus on tinnitus. Many modern hearing aids include tinnitus masking features, providing relief through additional sound options.
Sound therapy: Utilizing background noise or white noise can help minimize the contrast between tinnitus and silence, especially useful in quiet environments or during sleep.
Behavioral therapies: Techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) help change the emotional response to tinnitus and reduce its impact on one’s life.
Lifestyle changes: Simple adjustments like reducing caffeine intake, avoiding smoking and managing stress can mitigate the severity of tinnitus symptoms.

When to Consult an Audiologist

If tinnitus is impacting your quality of life, it’s advisable to consult with an audiologist. These professionals can offer a comprehensive evaluation and tailor a management plan that suits your specific situation. They can also rule out any underlying conditions that might be contributing to the symptoms and guide you towards appropriate therapeutic methods. If you want to learn more schedule an appointment with an audiologist.