If you’re experiencing white noise, you may expect it to go away before too long. However, when it doesn’t do that, you might start to grow concerned. Could it be tinnitus? As complex as tinnitus can be, it does affect a lot of people, sometimes for short periods of time and sometimes for the rest of their life.
If you are experiencing noise such as ringing, hissing or buzzing in your ears that have no discernable outside source, then the chances are that you’re experiencing tinnitus. Here, we’re going to take a look at what you need to know about tinnitus, from its definition to some of the signs that you might be experiencing it and what can be done about it.
What Is Tinnitus?
Rather than being a single condition, tinnitus is a range of symptoms. The overall description most commonly used is that it is the experience of sounds that have no discernible external source. Some, such as objective tinnitus, can be detected by an audiologist, but most of them cannot. What’s more, people experience tinnitus in a wide range of ways, so your experience with it may differ from the experience of someone else you know that has it.
There’s a lot that we are still researching about tinnitus. We know some underlying causes and treating them can help, but that isn’t the same as finding a cure. What’s more, tinnitus affects people in a wide range of ways. Some people experience it intermittently or for only short periods of their life, others experience it much more frequently and might live with it for years or even their entire life.
You Hear Unexplained Noises
The most common sign of tinnitus is that you are hearing sounds and noises that others can’t, whether those noises are present in one ear, or both ears or even feel like they are inside your head. Some people experience buzzing noises, ringing noises or humming noises. However, just because you’re the only one who can hear it, this doesn’t make it imaginary, as there are several potential causes.
You’re More Sensitive to Noise
One of the most common symptoms associated with tinnitus is sensitivity to noise, also known as hyperacusis. This can make other sounds more disruptive, especially when it is quiet, such as when you are trying to sleep at night. Both tinnitus and hyperacusis can be caused by exposure to loud noise. An audiologist can examine your ear to determine if there are any physical signs of damage.
You Can Hear Your Heartbeat
Not all forms of tinnitus can present as random noise. If you are able to hear the rhythm of your own heartbeat, this is known as pulsatile or pulsatory tinnitus. It’s not always related to your heart health, but it can be linked to conditions such as hypertension and cardiovascular disease. In some cases, it may also be caused by ear health issues like a perforated eardrum or an ear infection.
You Can Hear Musical Notes
If you have been experiencing tinnitus for an extended period of time or have significant hearing loss, you may not hear ringing, but rather snippets of songs or melodies. This can be made worse by stress and epilepsy, so it is important to provide your medical history when seeking treatment for tinnitus.
You’re Experiencing Other Hearing Health Issues
If you’re experiencing other hearing and ear health issues such as hearing loss, whether it’s related to age, exposure to loud noise or otherwise, you are more likely to also be experiencing tinnitus. Ear infections, glue ear and Meniere’s disease can all contribute to tinnitus, as well. In some cases, treating these issues can also reduce your experience of tinnitus. Some risk factors you should look out for:
- Using ototoxic medications
- Ear infections
- Meniere’s disease
- Earwax buildup
- High blood pressure
- Head and neck injuries
- Hearing loss
Talk To Your Hearing Instrument Specialist About Tinnitus
If you think you are experiencing tinnitus, then your hearing instrument specialist can help you. They can help by, for instance, recommending devices that can play a level of white noise that makes it easier to tune out white noise. Otherwise, they may be able to help you choose a hearing aid that helps you better hear beyond the sound of your tinnitus. Get in touch with your hearing instrument specialist. You can get call the team at Audio Hearing Aid Service at 330-244-9881 or 330-364-6637
