What is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the absence of any external source. It is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide and can range in severity from a minor nuisance to a significant disability. Tinnitus can take the form of a ringing, buzzing, hissing, or another type of noise that is heard in one or both ears. It can be continuous or intermittent and vary in pitch, volume, and quality.

What Causes Tinnitus?

There are many potential causes of tinnitus, and the cause may be unknown in some cases. Some common causes of tinnitus include:

Exposure to loud noises: Prolonged exposure to loud noises, such as music concerts or construction work, can damage the sensitive hair cells in the inner ear and lead to tinnitus.

Earwax blockage: Earwax is a natural substance produced by the body to protect the ear canal. However, if it builds up too much, it can block the ear canal and cause tinnitus.

Ear infections: Infections of the ear, such as otitis media (middle ear infection) and otitis externa (outer ear infection), can cause inflammation and swelling in the ear, leading to tinnitus.

Medications: Some medications, such as certain antibiotics, antidepressants, and anti-inflammatory drugs, can cause tinnitus as a side effect.

Age-related hearing loss: As we age, it is natural for our hearing to decline. This age-related hearing loss, known as presbycusis, can cause tinnitus.

Head or neck injuries: Traumatic injuries to the head or neck, such as those sustained in a car accident, can cause tinnitus.

Other medical conditions: Tinnitus can also be a symptom of other medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and anemia.

What Are The Different Types of Tinnitus?

Tinnitus can be classified into two main categories: objective and subjective.

Objective tinnitus: This is a rare type of tinnitus in which the noise is audible to both the person with tinnitus and the healthcare professional examining them. It is usually caused by a physical abnormality in the ear or blood vessels and can often be treated surgically.

Subjective tinnitus: This is the most common type of tinnitus and is only audible to the person with tinnitus. It is not caused by a physical abnormality and is often more challenging to treat.

What Are My Treatment Options?

Treatment options for tinnitus will depend on the underlying cause of the tinnitus and the severity of the symptoms. Some common treatment options include:

Lifestyle changes: Avoiding loud noises, managing stress, and getting enough sleep can help to alleviate tinnitus symptoms.

Medications: Some medications, such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs, can help reduce tinnitus symptoms severity.

Hearing aids: In cases where tinnitus is accompanied by hearing loss, a hearing aid may be recommended to amplify sounds and reduce the perception of tinnitus.

Therapy and counseling: Cognitive behavioral therapy and other forms of counseling can help a person learn to cope with tinnitus and improve their quality of life.

Tinnitus retraining therapy: This is a form of treatment that involves the use of low-level white noise to help

What Should I Expect During My Tinnitus Consultation?

If you are seeking treatment for tinnitus, it is important to have a thorough consultation with a healthcare professional to determine the cause of your tinnitus and explore treatment options. During your consultation, you can expect the following:

Physical examination: The healthcare professional will perform a physical examination of your ears, head, and neck to look for any physical abnormalities that may be causing your tinnitus.

Medical history: The healthcare professional will ask about your medical history, including any medications you are taking, any illnesses or conditions, and any head or neck injuries you may have sustained.

Additional tests: Depending on the results of your physical examination and medical history, the healthcare professional may recommend additional tests, such as a hearing test or imaging studies, to help diagnose your tinnitus.

It is important to be honest and forthcoming during your consultation, as this will help the healthcare professional accurately diagnose and treat your tinnitus.

What Treatment Options Are Available?

Treatment options for tinnitus will depend on the underlying cause of the tinnitus and the severity of the symptoms. Some standard treatment options include:

Lifestyle changes: Avoiding loud noises, managing stress, and getting enough sleep can help to alleviate tinnitus symptoms.

Medications: Some medications, such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs, can help reduce tinnitus symptoms severity.

Hearing aids: In cases where tinnitus is accompanied by hearing loss, a hearing aid may be recommended to amplify sounds and reduce the perception of tinnitus.

Therapy and counseling: Cognitive behavioral therapy and other forms of counseling can help a person learn to cope with tinnitus and improve their quality of life.

Tinnitus retraining therapy: This is a form of treatment that involves the use of low-level white noise to help retrain the brain to ignore the tinnitus noise.

Surgery: In rare cases, surgery may be recommended to repair or reconstruct the ear or remove an underlying cause of tinnitus, such as a benign tumor.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment.