Understanding Tinnitus
What you need to know about ringing in the ears
Tinnitus is commonly described as a ringing, buzzing, whooshing, or hissing sensation in your ears, but the sound is not caused by an external noise. More than 50 million Americans experience this condition. Understanding the symptoms and causes helps determine proper treatment approaches.
Common Symptoms
Common sounds reported by those with tinnitus include:
- Ringing
- Buzzing
- Whooshing
- Hissing
- Clicking
These noises are only audible to the affected person. Symptoms may be constant or intermittent, and often disrupt sleep patterns.
Causes of Tinnitus
Exposure to loud noise
Medication
Hearing loss
Ear infection
Trauma to the ear
Earwax buildup
Meniere's disease
Vascular disorders
Treatment Options
Address the Problem
Remove earwax, adjust medications, or treat infections. Behavioral therapy is also recommended to help manage the emotional impact of tinnitus.
Hearing Aids
Even if a hearing loss is not present, hearing aids can be equipped with tinnitus-masking features to provide relief from ringing and buzzing sounds.
White Noise Machines
These devices produce a steady sound that helps mask tinnitus, making it less noticeable, especially during quiet moments or when trying to sleep.
Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT)
TRT retrains the mind to block out certain tones, gradually reducing awareness of the tinnitus sound over time.
Experiencing Tinnitus?
Our team can help assess your tinnitus and recommend management strategies. Book an appointment today.