Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is a perception of sound when external noise is absent. Tinnitus can have a variety of perceived sounds. Sounds can include whooshing, squealing, buzzing, chirping, pulsing, hissing, clicking, and more. Tinnitus can occur occasionally or can be constant. The degree of severity can range from unnoticeable to extremely bothersome. The cause of tinnitus is still unknown. However, there are many conditions that can generate tinnitus as a symptom including hearing loss, middle ear obstructions, Meniere’s disease, migraines, head injuries, ototoxic medications, high blood pressure, anemia, head and neck tumors, stress, excessive ear wax, and more (ASHA, 2020).
A hearing test may play an important role in identifying a cause for tinnitus. An audiologist may try to match the pitch and loudness of the tinnitus. Working with an audiologist, an ear, nose, and throat physician or neurotologist will examine the hearing test to aid them in trying to pinpoint the possible cause(s) of tinnitus and provide a treatment plan if necessary.
There are several methods of treatment for tinnitus. Some patients who suffer from tinnitus notice relief with hearing aids. Most modern hearing aids have the capability for tinnitus support and can mask tinnitus. An audiologist can create a tinnitus program in a hearing device to allow for tinnitus management.
Other treatments include but are not limited to minimizing stress, caffeine intake, nicotine and alcohol intake. A phone application that can be installed on most smartphones for free is the Resound Tinnitus Relief app. This app may provide personalized management and relief for tinnitus sufferers in most cases. For more severe tinnitus cases, or for more information, an audiologist is equipped to provide appropriate sources and options to fit each patient’s specific needs. The audiologists at the Professional Hearing center are able to answer tinnitus related questions, direct you, and serve the community.
Photograph: https://lastcallattheoasis.com/what-are-the-causes-and-treatment-for-tinnitus/
Resources: https://www.asha.org/public/hearing/tinnitus/
https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/aging-pulsatile-tinnitus##1