Tinnitus is when you experience ringing or other noises in one or both of your ears. The noise you hear when you have tinnitus isn’t caused by an external sound, and other people usually can’t hear it. Tinnitus is a common problem.
Tinnitus can be caused by various factors including
- Hearing loss: Damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve, often caused by aging or exposure to loud noises, is a common culprit.
- Loud noise exposure: Prolonged or intense exposure to loud noises can damage the delicate structures in the ear, leading to tinnitus.
- Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, ear infections, and even jaw misalignment, can also cause tinnitus.
- Medications: Some medications, especially antibiotics and high doses of aspirin, can have tinnitus as a side effect.
- Injuries: Head or neck injuries, including whiplash or direct blows to the ear, can also trigger tinnitus.
Symptoms of tinnitus
- Ringing, buzzing, or roaring in the ears: These are the most common sounds associated with tinnitus, but other sounds like hissing, whistling, or clicking can also be perceived.
- Difficulty concentrating: The constant noise can make it difficult to focus and concentrate.
- Sleep problems: Tinnitus can interfere with sleep, leading to fatigue and irritability.
- Mood changes: In severe cases, tinnitus can lead to anxiety, depression, or even a sense of isolation.
Treatment and management
- Sound therapy: Using devices or techniques to mask the tinnitus sound or create white noise can help reduce its perceived loudness.
- Behavioural therapies: Techniques like tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help individuals learn to cope with and manage the emotional impact of tinnitus.
- Medications: In some cases, medications may be prescribed to manage the underlying cause of tinnitus, such as hearing loss or anxiety.
- Hearing aids: For individuals with hearing loss-related tinnitus, hearing aids can help improve hearing and potentially reduce the perceived loudness of tinnitus.
Living with tinnitus
Tinnitus can be a challenging condition, but it’s important to remember that it’s often manageable, and many people can live a normal life with it. Seeking professional help from an audiologist or otolaryngologist (ENT) can provide effective strategies for managing tinnitus and improving quality of life.
You’re not alone – help is available, and relief is possible!
