Tinnitus
What is tinnitus?
Tinnitus is a common hearing problem that affects many people, estimated to be between 10% to 25% of adults and children. It’s when you hear sounds inside your head without any outside source, like ringing or buzzing. This can be distressing and isolating for some.
For some people, tinnitus gets better over time, but for others, it’s a long-term issue lasting more than three months. Research shows it’s usually not a serious health problem and doesn’t disrupt daily life much…however, it can lead to anxiety, depression, and affect sleep, mood, and concentration.
While there’s no cure for tinnitus, there are effective ways to manage it and improve life quality. Sound therapy devices like hearing aids can help by masking internal sounds and providing external sounds. Behavioral therapies and certain medications can also reduce symptoms and help cope with tinnitus-related challenges.
Taking a holistic approach, tailored to each person’s needs, is important in managing tinnitus and bringing back a sense of normality. By understanding tinnitus better and using the right treatments, we can support those living with it to lead fulfilling lives.
What Causes it?
Tinnitus is a condition where you hear sounds without any external source. We’re not exactly sure what causes it, but loud noises, especially in workplaces or concerts, are common triggers. Military veterans exposed to gunfire and loud machinery often experience tinnitus. It can also happen without hearing loss, though they’re often linked, especially as people age or with noise-related damage.
Certain medications like antibiotics, anti-cancer drugs, and NSAIDs can also lead to tinnitus. Earwax buildup, infections, head or neck injuries, and some medical conditions like Ménière’s disease or hypertension can contribute too. Sometimes, tinnitus occurs without a clear cause.
We need more research to understand tinnitus better and develop effective treatments. Knowing its various causes is crucial for helping those affected by it.
Don't suffer from tinnitus alone, we can help.
what are the symptoms?
Tinnitus is a complex condition with diverse symptoms that can vary greatly among individuals. These symptoms often include the perception of internal noises like ringing, buzzing, humming, hissing, or squealing, which may seem to come from different parts of the head. What’s interesting is that the intensity and pitch of these sounds can fluctuate, sometimes constantly and sometimes sporadically. Additionally, certain actions like moving the neck, eye movements, or touching specific areas can influence how these sounds are perceived, a phenomenon known as somatosensory tinnitus.
It’s important to note that tinnitus sounds are subjective, meaning only the person experiencing them can hear them. However, there are rare cases of objective tinnitus that can be detected by a healthcare professional using a stethoscope. Objective tinnitus typically stems from identifiable underlying causes and may be treatable, highlighting the importance of understanding the various forms of tinnitus and exploring different treatment options.
Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in providing comprehensive care for individuals dealing with tinnitus. By recognizing the diverse manifestations of this condition and considering a range of treatment methods, they can offer tailored support and management strategies to improve the quality of life for those affected by tinnitus.