Tinnitus
What is it?
What causes it?
How can it be treated?
Have you ever experienced a persistent ringing or buzzing sound in your ears? If so, you might be dealing with a condition known as tinnitus. Tinnitus is a common auditory problem that affects millions of people worldwide. In this blog, we will explore what tinnitus is, what causes it, and delve into the available treatment options.
What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the absence of an external source. It is often described as a ringing, buzzing, hissing, or roaring sound in the ears. While it is not a disease itself, tinnitus is usually a symptom of an underlying condition. It can be temporary or chronic, and it may occur in one or both ears.
Causes of Tinnitus:
Tinnitus can be caused by various factors, and pinpointing the exact cause can sometimes be challenging. Here are some common causes:
- Exposure to loud noise: Prolonged exposure to loud noises, such as concerts, machinery, or firearms, can damage the delicate hair cells in the inner ear, leading to tinnitus. Have you ever left a concert and experienced ringing in the ears?
- Age-related hearing loss: As we age, the sensory cells in our ears naturally deteriorate, leading to hearing loss and tinnitus.
- Earwax blockage: Excessive earwax can accumulate in the ear canal, causing irritation and tinnitus.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as high doses of aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and some antibiotics, may trigger or worsen tinnitus.
- Ear and sinus infections: Infections in the ear or sinuses can cause inflammation, affecting the auditory system and leading to tinnitus.
Treatment Options for Tinnitus:
While tinnitus is not always curable, various treatment approaches can help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life. When we complete a tinnitus assessment, we can then discuss with you, different treatment options most suited to you. Some options may include, lifestyle modifications, sound therapy, tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT), Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). There are also various devices to help such as Sound therapy pillows and hearing aids.
Conclusion:
Living with tinnitus can be challenging, but understanding the condition and exploring available treatment options can significantly improve your quality of life. If you are experiencing tinnitus, it is important to make an appointment at Boutique Hearing who will assess your specific situation and provide appropriate guidance. Remember, with the right management techniques, tinnitus can become more manageable, allowing you to focus on enjoying life to the fullest.
Don’t suffer when you don’t need to. Come and speak to us or another qualified audiologist for advice.
