A sense of sound without an external source is called tinnitus. People often say that it sounds like “ringing in the ears,” but it can also sound like roaring, hissing, clicking, or buzzing.
It can be heard in one or both ears, and its pitch and strength can change. Since it includes the sense of sound, tinnitus is frequently linked to the hearing system, even though it is not a disease in and of itself.
What is the main cause of tinnitus?
The most frequent reason for tinnitus is prolonged exposure to loud noises. 90% of those who have tinnitus experience some degree of hearing loss brought on by noise. The cochlea, an inner ear organ with a spiral structure, suffers irreversible damage as a result of the noise.
How serious is tinnitus?
Tinnitus is usually caused by a bigger problem, like age-related hearing loss, an ear injury, or a problem with blood flow. This is why it’s crucial to see an audiologist for a tinnitus evaluation. If it turns out that tinnitus is not caused by a hearing problem, the next step will be to send the person to another specialist.
When the underlying cause of tinnitus is treated or other therapies are used to lessen or cover up the noise, tinnitus often gets better for many people.
What are the two types of tinnitus?
Subjective tinnitus is the most common type of tinnitus. You may experience tinnitus in one or both ears, and the noises can range in pitch from a loud roar to a high screech.
Sometimes the noise might be so loud that it makes it difficult for you to focus or hear outside noise.
Pulsatile tinnitus, also known as objective tinnitus, is the rarer form of tinnitus. This type of tinnitus, as the name suggests, can sound like pulsing or whooshing, usually in time with your heartbeat.
When performing an examination, we might be able to hear this type of tinnitus.
Is tinnitus linked to brain problems?
Tinnitus could be caused by the brain’s neural circuits turning up the sensitivity to sound in order to make up for the loss of sensory hair cells. This would explain why some people with tinnitus are oversensitive to loud noise.
What could worsen tinnitus?
Traffic, loud music, and construction noises may all make tinnitus worse. Take extra care to protect your ears from noise by using earplugs or hearing protection. Many drugs are ototoxic, which means they hurt your hearing for a short time or, in some cases, for good.
If you are already aware of your tinnitus, make sure to mention your condition whenever a doctor prescribes you medicine.
Is there a treatment for tinnitus?
The source of the ringing in the ears can be hidden by sound-masking equipment, which makes a soothing background noise.
These devices are widely available and range from tiny in-ear devices to portable sound makers. White noise can be played by these devices into the inner ear.
Tinnitus evaluation and management in Cary, NC
We can discuss management after determining the potential source and severity of your tinnitus. The majority of persons with tinnitus will often not require any kind of medical care.
Patients with severe tinnitus symptoms may use masking techniques, like listening to a fan or radio, to block out the ringing in their ears.
If hearing loss is found in conjunction with tinnitus, hearing aids may be recommended.
Cary Audiology provides tinnitus evaluations and treatment in Cary, NC, and nearby areas.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
