If you’ve ever experienced a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in your ears that no one else can hear, you might be familiar with tinnitus.
But what exactly is tinnitus, and what causes it?
In simple terms, tinnitus is the perception of sound in the ears or head without any external source. It’s often described as a ringing sound, but it can also be perceived as buzzing, whistling, humming, or even the sound of wind or ocean waves. For some people, tinnitus is a temporary issue, while for others, it can become a long-lasting and sometimes disruptive condition.
What Causes Tinnitus?
Tinnitus isn’t a disease on its own—rather, it’s a symptom of an underlying condition. There are various factors that can contribute to tinnitus, including:
- Exposure to loud sounds: Tinnitus can result from extended exposure to loud noises, such as concerts, machinery, or loud music played through headphones. These events can harm tiny hair cells in the inner ear. This is among the condition’s most frequent causes.
- Age-Related Hearing Loss (Presbycusis): As we age, the hair cells in our inner ear naturally deteriorate, leading to hearing loss and potentially triggering tinnitus.
- Ear Infections or Blockages: Temporary tinnitus can be brought on by ear infections, earwax accumulation, or fluid in the ear, which can obstruct sound pathways or induce inflammation.
- Medical Conditions: Some medical conditions, such as Meniere’s disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and thyroid problems, can also contribute to tinnitus.
- Medications: Certain medications, particularly ototoxic drugs, can cause or worsen tinnitus.
Managing Tinnitus
While there is no definitive cure for tinnitus, several strategies can help reduce its impact and improve quality of life:
- Hearing Aids – If tinnitus is associated with hearing loss, hearing aids can amplify external sounds, making the ringing or buzzing less noticeable.
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- Phonak Lyric™ is a state-of-the-art, 24/7 extended wear hearing device that has been proven to relieve tinnitus faster and by a greater degree than standard hearing aids.
- Book a Lyric appointment with AudioHearing Melbourne
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- Sound Therapy – Background noise, white noise, or soft music can help mask tinnitus, especially in quiet environments.
- Stress Management – Techniques like mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation exercises can help lower stress levels, which may, in turn, reduce the intensity of tinnitus.
- Hearing Protection – Limiting exposure to loud sounds by using earplugs or noise-canceling headphones can help prevent tinnitus from worsening.
Treating chronic tinnitus
If you experience chronic tinnitus, it’s important to consult an Audiologist. They will review your medical history, conduct a physical examination, and perform tests to help determine the cause. You’ll be asked to describe the sound you hear—its pitch, quality, whether it’s constant or intermittent, and if it has a steady or pulsating pattern. Your clinician will also assess your noise exposure history and any medications you’re taking, as tinnitus can be a side effect of certain drugs, especially at higher doses.
Continuous, steady, and high-pitched tinnitus—the most common type—often signals an issue within the auditory system and should be assessed with a hearing test by an audiologist. If the tinnitus has a pulsing or rhythmic quality, particularly if it is frequent or constant, a medical evaluation is recommended to identify any underlying causes.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If tinnitus is persistent or interfering with your daily life, it’s important to consult an audiologist or healthcare professional. They can assess the underlying cause and guide you toward the best treatment options. If your tinnitus is accompanied by hearing loss, dizziness, or pain, seeking medical attention as soon as possible is essential.
References:
2. https://www.hearinghealthcare.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Tinnitus-Evidence-Poster-Lyric.pdf
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