Have you ever noticed ringing, buzzing, humming, or another sound in your ears when there’s nothing around you making that noise? You may be experiencing tinnitus.
Tinnitus is common, but that doesn’t mean you should simply ignore it. For some people, it’s a mild annoyance that comes and goes. For others, it can interfere with sleep, concentration, conversations, and everyday life.
Understanding what tinnitus is—and what may be causing it—is an important first step toward finding relief.
What Is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the perception of sound when there is no external sound producing it. While people often describe tinnitus as “ringing in the ears,” it can sound very different from person to person.
You may hear:
- Ringing
- Buzzing
- Humming
- Hissing
- Whistling
- Clicking
- Roaring
Tinnitus may occur in one ear, both ears, or seem as though the sound is coming from somewhere inside your head. It can also be constant or come and go.
What Causes Tinnitus?
Tinnitus isn’t a disease itself. Instead, it is a symptom that can be associated with a number of different conditions.
One of the most common associations is hearing loss. When the auditory system receives less sound information than it once did, changes in how the brain processes sound may contribute to the perception of tinnitus.
Other possible causes or contributing factors can include:
- Exposure to loud noise
- Age-related hearing changes
- Earwax blockage
- Certain medications
- Ear or sinus conditions
- Head or neck injuries
- Jaw or TMJ problems
- Other underlying medical conditions
Because there are many possible causes, having your hearing evaluated can be an important part of determining what may be contributing to your symptoms.
Can Tinnitus Be Related to Hearing Loss?
Yes. Many people with tinnitus also have some degree of hearing loss—even if they haven’t noticed difficulty hearing yet.
A comprehensive hearing evaluation can identify hearing changes that may not be obvious in everyday life.
When hearing loss is present, properly fitted hearing aids may also make tinnitus less noticeable for some individuals. By providing the brain with more access to environmental sounds, there may be less contrast between tinnitus and the sounds around you.
When Should You Have Tinnitus Evaluated?
If you’re experiencing persistent or bothersome tinnitus, consider scheduling a hearing evaluation with an audiologist.
You should also seek prompt medical attention for tinnitus that begins suddenly, occurs with sudden hearing loss, follows a head injury, is accompanied by significant dizziness or neurological symptoms, or sounds like a pulse or heartbeat.
You Don’t Have to Simply “Live With It”
There isn’t one treatment that works for every person with tinnitus. Management depends on your symptoms, hearing, possible contributing factors, and how much tinnitus is affecting your daily life.
Options may include hearing technology when hearing loss is present, sound therapy strategies, counseling and education, changes in listening habits, or referral to another healthcare professional when appropriate.
At Abide Audiology in Sebring, Florida, we believe the first step is understanding what you’re experiencing. A comprehensive hearing evaluation allows us to assess your hearing and discuss appropriate next steps based on your individual results.
If ringing, buzzing, or other unexplained sounds have become part of your everyday life, don’t simply assume there’s nothing that can be done.
Contact Abide Audiology in Sebring to schedule a comprehensive hearing evaluation and learn more about your hearing and tinnitus.