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Tinnitus - Symptoms and treatment

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Ringing in the ears (Tinnitus):
What it is

It is a condition which is related to hearing loss.

However, it can have many causes, including exposure to loud noise, aging, ear infections, and injury.

It can also be experienced as hissing, roaring, or buzzing sounds. While there is no direct cure for ringing in the ears, there are several ways that you can reduce the impact it has on your quality of life.

Take a free hearing test at your nearest HearingLife clinic to find out whether you are experiencing tinnitus or hearing loss.

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What causes tinnitus?

Tinnitus, often experienced as a ringing in the ears, can be caused by various factors including loud noise exposure, aging, infections, stress, certain medications, injuries, and other medical conditions. It's typically linked to damage to the inner ear's sensory cells or the auditory nerve. If you're experiencing persistent tinnitus, it's wise to consider a hearing test to understand the underlying cause.

Learn more about the causes of tinnitus.

“Tinnitus is any sound that you hear that does not have an external source.  Many people will describe it as a whistling, humming or ringing sound,” explains Koebel. ‘It is often a symptom of hearing loss or other damage in the auditory system, and if you are experiencing tinnitus it is important that you have your hearing tested. 
Katie Koebel, Audiologist, M.Cl.Sc., Reg. CASLPO

What are the symptoms of tinnitus?

Symptoms of tinnitus typically include ringing, buzzing, or other noises in the ears. These sounds can vary in intensity and may be continuous or intermittent. Tinnitus can also be accompanied by feelings of frustration, anxiety, and stress due to the persistent nature of the sound. If you're experiencing these symptoms, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and management.

Types of tinnitus

It can generally be divided into two types of physical conditions: subjective and objective.

Subjective Tinnitus

The most common form of is subjective. This type involves you hearing annoying whistling/buzzing/high-pitched noises that aren’t really there.

Objective Tinnitus

This type is a rarer form of this condition where your blood vessels or muscles are making noises that are loud enough for you to hear. Your doctor may be able to hear it during your hearing test.

Pulsatile Tinnitus

Pulsatile tinnitus It is rare unique form of tinnitus characterized by rhythmic sounds resembling one's heartbeat.

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Tinnitus treatment and prevention

While tinnitus doesn't have a cure, managing its effects is possible through various strategies, making it a less disruptive presence in your life. Effective management can transform tinnitus from a bothersome noise to a neutral aspect of your daily experience.

Discover strategies for managing and preventing tinnitus.

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Relaxation and mindfulness
Yoga and meditation have been proven to be particularly effective in relieving tinnitus
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Sound therapy
Can help reduce the contrast between tinnitus and quiet environments
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Hearing protection gear
Protection (such as earplugs) can help prevent further hearing damage caused by loud noise
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Hearing aids
Can make your tinnitus stand out less by amplifying sounds. Some devices have built-in sound generators


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Consequences of untreated tinnitus

Some tinnitus sufferers become sensitive to places with constant talking or loud music, so they begin to avoid such social situations altogether. To others, it is so disturbing that a full night’s sleep can become difficult to achieve. Tinnitus, if left untreated, can lead to the following consequences:

  • Anger
  • Concentration problems
  • Isolation
  • Depression
  • Sensitivity to places with constant talking or loud music
  • Sleep disorder, insomnia

Some people are able to ignore their condition most of the time, but leaving it untreated can have a negative impact on your life if it is experienced over extended periods of time.

#DidYouKnow?

  1. Research shows that males are more likely to experience symptoms of tinnitus than females.
  2. Tinnitus affects millions worldwide, with 1 in 7 adults experiencing some form of it.
  3. Despite being commonly referred to as a “ringing in the ears,” tinnitus can also sound like buzzing, hissing, or even clicking—often impacting daily life and mental well-being.
  4. The word tinnitus comes from the latin word ‘tinnire’ which means ‘to ring’.
  5. An estimated 37% of adult Canadians reported experiencing tinnitus.
  6. Winter is beautiful, but did you know it can also impact tinnitus? Many people experience heightened symptoms of tinnitus during the colder months.
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FAQ about tinnitus

Katie Koebel, audiologist at HearingLife Canada
Katie Koebel, M.Cl.Sc., Reg. CASLPO Senior Manager, Audiology HearingLife Canada

Katie graduated with a Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours), with Distinction, from the University of Western Ontario in 2006, followed by a master’s degree in audiology from the same institution in 2008. She began her career providing hearing healthcare as an audiologist at the HearingLife Cambridge clinic. Here, she supported clients in achieving better hearing outcomes for over 13 years.

Learn more about Katie

Sources

  1. Al-Swiahb, J., & Park, S. N. (2016). Characterization of tinnitus in different age groups: A retrospective review. Noise & health, 18(83), 214–219. https://doi.org/10.4103/1463-1741.189240
  2. Beck D.L. (2012) British Academy of Audiology. Podium presentation.
  3. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321093#how-does-noise-damage-occur
  4. https://tinnitus.org.uk/support-for-you/what-can-i-do/relaxation/

  5. https://www.ncoa.org/adviser/hearing-aids/hearing-loss-statistics/

  6. https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/979367?form=fpf

  7. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/82-003-x/2019003/article/00001-eng.htm

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