What is Tinnitus

Have you ever turned on the TV or radio only to hear a loud noise in your ears? You may have tinnitus. Tinnitus is a symptom of an underlying condition that affects millions of people worldwide. 

If you want to know if this might affect you and how you can deal with it, this post will help you. Our article will focus on tinnitus and provide information regarding causes and treatment for the condition. So, keep reading to learn What is tinnitus?

About Tinnitus

Tinnitus is a condition in which you hear sounds or ringing in your ears. It’s also called a “phantom” or “phonophonic” sound because an external source does not cause it. Tinnitus is a common condition, and it can also be particularly distressing and frustrating because it’s often accompanied by changes in hearing that make it difficult to focus on other sounds around you.

Tinnitus is a subjective perception of sound not audible to the affected person, who may have to expend effort to perceive it. In this sense, tinnitus can be described as “a disorder of hearing.” Tinnitus can be temporary or chronic, depending on how long you have had it and how severe it is. It can also vary widely among people with the same type of tinnitus.  To avoid chronic hearing loss, it is advisable to visit a hearing aid specialist. 

What causes tinnitus?

Tinnitus is caused by the auditory system receiving sound through the damaged organ and then sending it to the brain. The sensory hair cells in the inner ear are damaged by noise damage, aging, or exposure to certain medications such as aspirin and some other painkillers. The brain tries to interpret this input as sound but cannot do so due to damaged nerve cells, which results in hearing loss and tinnitus.

Tinnitus is a symptom of hearing loss caused by several factors. Also, the causes of tinnitus are varied and complex, but there are some common risk factors. These include:

  • Age: As you get older, your chances of developing tinnitus increase. With every passing decade, the risk increases by about 15%.
  • Hearing loss: Research shows that hearing loss is the underlying cause in about 90% of cases. But if you have loud tinnitus and normal hearing in one ear, it doesn’t mean you don’t have hearing loss in the other. You might even have mild to moderate hearing loss in both ears without realizing it.
  • Stress: Stress related to work or family life can worsen tinnitus by increasing anxiety levels, making your brain more sensitive to sounds and making you more prone to stress-induced hearing loss. A stressful event such as a job change or marriage can cause temporary or permanent hearing problems and tinnitus.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of tinnitus is hearing a sound in your ears when there is nothing there. You may hear the sound more often at night, in quiet environments and when listening to music. 

The type of tinnitus you have depends on where it’s located and what you hear. Some people hear a high-pitched tone that sounds like a buzzing or hissing sound. Others hear a low-pitched tone that sounds like a roaring or grating noise. You might also hear pulsating noises or ringing in one ear or both ears. Tinnitus may be described as buzzing, hissing, roaring, clicking or ringing in one ear (mono) or both ears (bilateral).

Also, the symptoms of tinnitus vary from person to person and can include:

  • A constant ringing in one ear only
  • A constant buzzing in one ear only
  • One ear doesn’t seem to hear as well as the other
  • Sudden hearing loss in one ear after years of hearing well in both ears

Treatment

Ear problems can be very frustrating. Fortunately, there are plenty of options to help you get relief from your symptoms. Here’s a look at some of the treatments available:

  • Hearing aids – Hearing aids are a great option for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. They can help make everyday sounds clearer and more distinct, reducing stress and improving sleep. In addition to improving your hearing ability, hearing aids also provide an extra sense of security for those who feel vulnerable in public places due to hearing loss.
  • Counseling – Counseling is another option that may help ease tinnitus symptoms and other ear conditions. If you’re experiencing hearing loss or ringing in the ears, a hearing healthcare professional can work with you on strategies for coping with your symptoms and improve communication skills so that you feel comfortable talking about them with others around you.
  • Wearable sound generators – Wearable sound generators (WSSGs) provide an alternative way for people who have chronic tinnitus or other conditions that cause repeated noise exposure to manage their symptoms without wearing headphones or other bulky devices on their bodies all day long.
  • Acoustic Neural Stimulation (ANS) – This device produces electrical impulses that travel through nerves to stimulate parts of your inner ear responsible for hearing.

What Doctor To Go To?

It is advisable to consult an ear specialist for audiological treatment if you suspect that you or a close one is suffering from hearing impairment. Various types can check your hearing, evaluate it, and then assist you in finding the best solution.

To find an audiologist in your area, try Phonak.com. First, you must specify the hearing solution on their website. Then, it would help if you took the subsequent actions to choose the best doctor nearby. They are there to help you find the right doctor for your needs.

Conclusion

Tinnitus is a constant sound that seems to be coming from the ear. It can come in many forms, but these sounds can affect your day-to-day activities and make a living with this condition even more challenging. If you are experiencing tinnitus and want to learn more, you must speak with a doctor as soon as possible.

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