Ringing in the ear, or tinnitus, is a widespread condition that affects an estimated 50 million Americans. Some people describe it as a hissing, roaring, whooshing or buzzing sound instead of ringing. It may be sporadic or constant, and is a symptom of an underlying condition rather than a disease itself. There are many factors that can cause tinnitus.
What Are the Causes of Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is categorized as being either pulsatile or nonpulsatile.
People who suffer from pulsatile tinnitus report hearing the sound of their own pulse. It is caused by abnormal blood flow within the arteries of the neck or inside the ear, and is fairly rare. Possible causes include:
- Fluid in the middle ear.
- Ear infections.
- High blood pressure.
- Head and neck tumors.
- Blocked arteries.
Nonpulsatile tinnitus – ringing in the ears not accompanied by any type of rhythm – is considerably more common. It can be caused by a variety of conditions including:
- Presbycusis (age-related hearing loss).
- Noise exposure.
- Impacted earwax.
- Otosclerosis (stiffening of the bones in the middle ear).
- Meniere’s disease.
- TMJ disorders.
- Ototoxic medications.
- Thyroid conditions.
- Head or neck trauma.
- Acoustic neuromas.
Tinnitus is also classified as being either subjective (heard only by the patient) or objective (ringing can be heard by an impartial observer, such as a doctor). Most cases of tinnitus are subjective in nature.
How Is Tinnitus Treated?
Tinnitus can’t be cured, but there are treatments that make it less of a distraction. The approach taken depends on the underlying condition responsible for the ringing in your ears. Sometimes, simple steps like removing built-up earwax or switching to a new medication can markedly decrease symptoms.
Others benefit from noise suppression therapy or masking techniques designed to cover up the ringing noise. White noise machines, fans, air conditioners and humidifiers are all popular, easy to use options.
Tinnitus retraining devices, which rely on patterned tones, are a newer technique that has proven beneficial to many patients.
Call Heuser Hearing Institute at (502) 584-3573 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
Tinnitus FAQS
I hear a noise in my ears but it is not a ringing. Is it tinnitus?
Tinnitus typically manifests as a ringing in the ears but patients report hearing many other sounds as well. Buzzing, whistling, whooshing, roaring, sizzling, hissing, clicking and chirping are all common. If you’re hearing any type of sound in your ears, you should visit an audiologist for further diagnostic testing.
If you can’t find a cause for my tinnitus, why should I get an assessment?
It’s important to see a doctor if you’re experiencing tinnitus as it can indicate a more serious health problem. Although we may not be able to find the cause, going through the process to ensure you’re not damaging your hearing with ototoxic medication or experiencing a health condition is a good idea. Additionally, an assessment can help us determine what treatment options will work for you.
Can other people or my audiologist hear my tinnitus?
In very rare cases, tinnitus is detectable to others. This is called objective tinnitus, which accounts for less than one percent of all cases. It’s much more likely that you’re suffering from subjective symptoms, meaning only you can hear the sounds. Through a tinnitus assessment, we can determine the volume and pitch of the sounds you are hearing.
I used to experience tinnitus every once in a while but it has become more frequent. What should I do?
Tinnitus can worsen over time, especially when it’s caused by an underlying condition that remains untreated. We recommend that anyone experiencing tinnitus see an otologist or audiologist for a tinnitus test. Even if you don’t feel like you need treatment, it’s important to try to establish a cause.
What are the treatment options for tinnitus?
If the condition causing your tinnitus is treatable, addressing that underlying cause may eliminate tinnitus symptoms. In many cases, we aren’t able to cure tinnitus. There are many treatment options that help patients learn to manage their symptoms and even retrain the brain to ignore the annoying sound. Tinnitus retraining therapy and sound therapy programs have proven highly effective in symptom management.
Call Heuser Hearing Institute at (502) 584-3573 for more information or to schedule an appointment.