A Quick Guide to Understanding Tinnitus

Many research articles have suggested that a large percentage of the American population has experienced tinnitus. But what is tinnitus? Simply put, tinnitus can be described as the hearing of phantom noises. This means that you may be hearing various sounds even though they are not there! People experiencing tinnitus usually complain of hearing a ringing, hissing or buzzing sound. Others have also complained of hearing clicking or roaring sounds

These sounds vary in loudness and could be for a short while or last an entire day. Tinnitus can interrupt your daily activities, causing you to miss out on social functions or enjoy your quality of life. Despite this, many people are unaware of tinnitus's causes, symptoms and treatment. This article is a quick guide to understanding tinnitus.

What Is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is a sensation whereby one hears ringing, chirping, buzzing or roaring in the ear. These are known as phantom noises as no one else, but the person experiencing them can hear them. A common misconception is that tinnitus is a sign of hearing loss. However, studies have shown that although this sensation is associated with hearing loss, it does not cause the actual loss.

However, it is important to note that tinnitus is not a disease. Instead, it is a symptom of an abnormality occurring in one’s auditory system. 

Causes

There are numerous causes of tinnitus. However, a major cause of this condition is prolonged exposure to high-volume sound. This can be due to occupations, such as construction workers, carpenters and musicians

Certain medications can also cause tinnitus. Scientists have noted that medications such as antibiotics, aspirin, tricyclic antidepressants and anti-inflammatories can cause this ear condition

Other causes of tinnitus include

• Old age
• Meniere’s disease
• Medical conditions such as allergies, cardiovascular diseases or high blood pressure.
• Head and neck injuries
• Ear blockages due to earwax buildup or an ear infection.

Symptoms

The symptoms of tinnitus, as mentioned above, include a ringing, roaring, hissing, buzzing or clicking sensation in the ear. In some cases, you may hear these sounds, but it is not a cause to panic as it may not be anything too serious. 

However, you should consider visiting your audiologist immediately if you experience any of the following

• If the sounds are consistent and loud
• If the feeling of dizziness accompanies the sound
• If you hear the sounds

Treatment

Fortunately, there are various ways people experiencing tinnitus can be alleviated from the effects of the condition to enjoy a fulfilling and stress-free life. Here are a few tinnitus treatments you can explore.

• Hearing aids: This is a useful treatment option for people experiencing hearing loss in addition to tinnitus. By adjusting the noise around you, the hearing aid can reduce the phantom sounds by increasing the sounds you need to hear.

• Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT): This form of counseling relies on the brain’s natural adaptation ability. Using the TRT method, audiologists can help you live with your tinnitus on a conscious and subconscious level.

• Masking devices: These devices look similar to hearing aids but perform a slightly different function. As the name suggests, masking devices are used to mask the sounds of tinnitus, making your life more pleasant. 

• Medication: There are various medical solutions to help you live with your tinnitus. However, be sure to consult your audiologist before you purchase to find the right one for you.