Last time readers dropped by, they learned a great amount of information on hearing loss. Today, readers will learn more about tinnitus and what can be done to relieve tinnitus symptoms.
What is Tinnitus:
When you experience ringing or other noises in one or both of your ears, it is called tinnitus. The noise heard is not caused by an external noise at all. This means people cannot hear the ringing you hear, and it can be frustrating or distracting.
Although it may not always last the same amount of time, tinnitus is a common problem. Tinnitus affects about fifteen to twenty percent of people. It is especially common in older adults. Tinnitus is often caused by an underlying condition such as the following:
- age-related hearing loss
- an ear injury
- a problem with circulatory system
Can doctors treat tinnitus?:
For many patients, tinnitus may improve with treatment of the underlying cause. There are other treatments that reduce or mask the noise which can make tinnitus less noticeable. Tinnitus is most commonly described as a ringing in the ear where there is no external noise present.
In addition to ringing, tinnitus may also cause other types of phantom noises such as the following:
- hissing
- humming
- clicking
- roaring
- buzzing
When to visit Orlando ENT Hearing Center:
In some cases, tinnitus can be so loud that it interferes with one’s ability to concentrate or hear external sound. The noises of tinnitus may vary in pitch from a low roar to a high squeal, according to the Mayo Clinic. Tinnitus is not always constant, and it may just come and go sporadically.
In more rare cases, tinnitus may occur as a rhythmic pulsing or whooshing sound. Some patients describe this noise coinciding with their heartbeat. This is called pulsatile tinnitus.
For those with pulsatile tinnitus, a doctor may be able to hear the tinnitus during an examination. Some people are unbothered by tinnitus while others feel daily life is constantly disrupted by this hearing issue.
It is important to be seen by a doctor if it developed after an upper respiratory infection, such as a cold. If the tinnitus does not improve after a week, call your doctor immediately. It is crucial you seek medical attention if you have hearing loss or dizziness along with the tinnitus.
Similarly, it is important to see a doctor if you are experiencing anxiety or depression as a result of the tinnitus.
Come back next time as we share common causes of tinnitus.
