What You Need to Know About Tinnitus

While most people assume that an audiologist will primarily deal with treating patients with hearing loss, the truth of the matter is that tinnitus is almost equally commonplace. It is estimated that up to one in six Americans experiences this condition. If you’re one of the 50 million or so that experience tinnitus, visiting an audiologist ASAP is vital.

Before you do, though, here’s all you need to know about tinnitus:

What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus is a condition that can be defined as the phantom noise. It is when the brain perceives signals as sound, even though there isn’t actually any external source of sound. In addition to the millions that experience the condition to some degree, around two percent of the population is affected to a debilitating level.

A wide range of sounds may be experienced during moments of tinnitus. However, the most common noises are buzzing, whistling, ringing, hissing, crackling and static. They may occur in one ear or both ears.

Are there different types of tinnitus?

Yes, while tinnitus is caused by an underlying health issue, it should be noted that tinnitus itself can be broken into two categories. They are subjective and objective tinnitus.

Subjective tinnitus is the most common issue by far and describes instances where only the patient can hear the sounds. While it is difficult for the audiologist to identify this, there are several tests and Tinnitus Handicap Inventories that can be used to get an accurate reading.

Objective tinnitus is audible to others, although it may require the use of stethoscope for the audiologist to pick up those noises.

What causes tinnitus?

Tinnitus can be attributed to a whole host of different sources. The most common include age-related hearing loss, earwax blockages, infections, anxiety and stress, infection and trauma. In most instances exposure to loud noise is the chief culprit.

The exposure to loud noise may be endured through a single explosion or being near a pneumatic drill. Alternatively, it could be a result of long-term exposure to loud noises, such as working in music production or in construction. 

Therefore, wearing the right ear protection can help reduce the risks of tinnitus while also reducing the frequency of experiencing the symptoms.

How else can tinnitus be treated?

Aside from making a conscious effort to protect the ears, tinnitus can be treated in a variety of ways. Medication may be prescribed to reduce the symptoms while painkillers can be used to remove any discomfort.

Hearing aids are a very common solution as increasing the amount of external noise you can hear will naturally suppress some of the tinnitus symptoms. Similarly, noise-masking devices can overawe the clicking and buzzing with great effect.

Sound therapy and behavioral changes can retrain the brain to almost block out tinnitus. So, even when it surfaces, it’s possible to maintain a happy and uninterrupted lifestyle. Whatever the best solution might be, an accurate diagnosis from an audiologist is the first step to success.