Tinnitus

People suffering from Tinnitus usually describe it as a ringing, buzzing or whistling noise. It is surprisingly common, with around 18% of the population suffering from it at some stage in their lives. Tinnitus can vary in severity and though most people have a relatively mild form of it, it can have a big impact on their quality of life.

Tinnitus is a physical condition. In other words - it is not something you imagine. There are a number of possible causes, but it is quite often associated with hearing loss.

Some Possible Causes of Tinnitus:

• Excessive noise
• A prevalent issue in the hearing pathway
• Accumulated wax in the ear
• Numerous medical conditions
• Otosclerosis (calcification of the bones in the middle ear)
• Meniere's disease

Things that could make Tinnitus worse:

• Stress and fatigue
• Caffeine, tea, coffee, cola soft drinks, chocolate, alcohol, nicotine and some drugs

Myths regarding Tinnitus:

There is no treatment for Tinnitus. False.

While there is no medication for Tinnitus, there are other treatments that can effectively alleviate it. Hearing Aids are one of the options which can be used to provide acoustic stimulation to the nerve pathways in the ear so that over time, the condition may become less bothersome - even when hearing aids aren't worn. To find out more about how hearing aids can treat tinnitus call one of our offices to schedule an appointment with an Audiologist.

Tinnitus causes deafness. False.

Some people who have Tinnitus also suffer from hearing loss, but Tinnitus does not cause hearing loss. If you have Tinnitus symptoms, it may be a good idea to have your hearing tested.

Tinnitus is a symptom of a serious illness. False.

Though Tinnitus is occasionally triggered by an illness, it is rarely a symptom of a serious problem. Please talk to your doctor if you have any concerns. Your doctor may refer you to an Audiologist or an Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist (ENT) for further diagnosis.