Why are my ears ringing or buzzing? You might be experiencing something known as tinnitus, which almost everyone experiences at one point or another (in fact, it’s believed that up to 1 in 5 adults experiences it). When this phenomenon is constant or recurring, it can be quite stressful and has been known to cause issues with focus and sleep.
Let’s take a closer look at what exactly tinnitus is, what causes it, and what some of the more common symptoms are while you wait for your appointment with an audiologist.
The dedicated team at Melbourne Audiology Centre has experience across all areas of hearing health, including tinnitus management. If you suspect you are suffering from this condition, book an appointment with one of our qualified audiologists today.
What is Tinnitus?
This is the medical term for “hearing” noises in the ear/s when there is no outside source for the sound. While it’s often described as ringing in the ears, some people report it as being more like buzzing, roaring, blowing, hissing, humming, or even whistling.
While anyone can experience tinnitus, including children, it is most common in older adults. It can come and go, or you can experience it all the time.
What Are the Symptoms of Tinnitus?
The symptoms of tinnitus can vary from person to person and often depend on the cause.
Some of the symptoms that you may experience include:
- A ringing, buzzing, humming, hissing, whistling, clicking, roaring, or whooshing in the ears
- Noise that feels like a sensation inside the head
- Noise that is faint or loud
- Noise that is low or high-pitched
- Noise that occurs in one or both ears
- Noise that comes and goes or is present all the time
- Hearing loss in the affected ear/s
- Vertigo
In some cases, people have reported that their tinnitus presents like hearing air escape, running water, the inside of a seashell, or even musical notes – it’s really that varied.
What Causes Tinnitus?
Some of the possible causes of tinnitus include:
- Hearing loss (either due to ageing or exposure to loud noise)
- Earwax build-up
- Exposure to loud noise
- Ear infections or inflammation
- Some medications (such as certain antibiotics, anti-cancer drugs, and antidepressants)
- Head or neck injuries
- Jaw joint problems
- Meniere’s Disease
- Tumours
- Other problems with the inner ear
- Blood vessel problems
- Chronic conditions (such as diabetes, migraines, thyroid disorders, anemia, and lupus)
It’s not always clear why someone has developed tinnitus, however, it’s more common in people with hearing loss or another ear-related issue. In saying that, not everyone experiencing hearing loss or other ear issues will develop tinnitus.
What Treatments are Available for Tinnitus?
Ultimately, the treatment for tinnitus will depend on its cause and how much it’s impacting your daily life. If left undiagnosed, symptoms may worsen and can even lead to anxiety, depression, irritability, and cognitive decline.
The first step is to see an audiologist who will assess the potential causes of your tinnitus and develop a treatment plan from there. Depending on their findings, you may be referred to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist for further evaluation.
Some of the treatments that may be recommended include:
- Avoiding things that may make tinnitus worse (such as alcohol, caffeine, and smoking).
- Protecting your hearing from further damage (by staying away from loud places and wearing ear protection in loud environments).
- Stopping or changing medications (if it’s believed that those you are currently taking are the cause or are making your symptoms worse).
- Using hearing aids (which can help by distracting you through making outside sounds louder).
- Sound therapy (which can help you to grow accustomed to or even distract you from your tinnitus).
- Behavioural therapy (such as cognitive behavioural therapy, which can be used to help minimise your stress around the condition).
Manage Tinnitus Symptoms with Melbourne Audiology Centre
While tinnitus can be distressing, especially if it’s affecting your ability to sleep and focus, you don’t have to continue living this way – even if the cause of your tinnitus cannot be cured, the symptoms can be managed.
The compassionate team at Melbourne Audiology Centre has ample experience dealing with tinnitus in patients of all ages. If you are experiencing tinnitus symptoms, make an appointment with one of our knowledgeable audiologists today and together we’ll create a management plan that allows you to enjoy life again.
