Tinnitus, commonly known as "ringing in the ears," is the perception of hearing a sound in your head or ears when no external noise is present. Over 50 million Americans experience tinnitus on a daily basis. It's important to understand the signs, causes, and what you treatment options are.
What’s That Sound?
Do you ever hear a buzzing, ringing, or whistling sound in your ears? It could be tinnitus. Tinnitus, commonly known as “ringing in the ears,” is the perception of noise when no external noises are present. Tinnitus can range in severity, but for some people it can be debilitating, affecting sleep, concentration, and mental health.
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What is Tinnitus?
You may think tinnitus is a condition only people with hearing loss experience. However, this is a myth. Tinnitus itself is not a condition, but rather a symptom of another underlying problem.
There is not one known cause for tinnitus to present itself, instead there are many factors that can lead to ringing in the ears. These can be age-related, hearing loss related, ear injury, stress, or a circulatory system disorder. Everyone experiences tinnitus differently. It can be sporadic or constant, soft or loud, mildly annoying or debilitating.
How to Treat Tinnitus
Unfortunately, there is no one cure for tinnitus. There are, however, many ways to manage it. The first step is to identify any underlying conditions that could be causing tinnitus. High blood pressure, TMJ, diabetes, thyroid problems, and head injuries can all lead to symptoms of tinnitus.
The second step is to find a management plan that works for you. Some forms of tinnitus treatments include:
Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT)
Stress management
Sound masking devices
Hearing aids
Talk to a Professional if Tinnitus is Bothering You
You don’t have to live with persistent tinnitus. Call a hearing health professional to discuss tinnitus management options and how a hearing screening can help.
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