
Have you ever experienced a buzzing, whistling or ringing sound in your ears that has no obvious source? If this sounds familiar then it’s likely that you had symptoms of tinnitus.
The definition of tinnitus is a sensation of noise such as a ringing that is caused by a disturbance in the auditory system and can usually only be heard by the person hearing the sounds.
Tinnitus is a fairly common problem, and for many people, it can be nothing more than mildly annoying or irritating and they are able to ignore it. But for other people, tinnitus can impact on every aspect of their lives. When symptoms are more severe, tinnitus can cause frustration, stress, confusion, depression, problems with memory, difficulty concentrating, fatigue and sleep problems.
However, while the effects can be devastating, tinnitus isn’t necessarily a sign of anything more serious. While it’s common for tinnitus to get worse as you get older, there are treatments available that can minimise your symptoms and help you learn to live with tinnitus so it doesn’t stop you enjoying your life.
In some rare cases, a blood vessel disorder can lead to tinnitus, known as pulsatile tinnitus. Pulsatile tinnitus causes include:
Unusual ear sounds such as tinnitus can often be worsened by stress and anxiety. Your auditory system has neural connections to the part of your brain that deals with emotions. When this limbic system is very active the brain can struggle to shut down tinnitus. As the tinnitus continues it can create a vicious cycle of causing your anxiety to rise which then, in turn, increases your tinnitus symptoms.
When it comes to how to treat tinnitus, your first step should be visiting your doctor or hearing care professional. They will be able to assess your symptoms and determine the best tinnitus treatment for you. Some treatments for tinnitus include:
If you are experiencing unusual sounds in your ears or you have any concerns about your hearing, schedule a consultation with a hearing care professional who will be able to assess you, and discuss your options.
It's time to finally treat your hearing loss. Sign up for a free consultation with a licensed hearing care professional today to determine if you have hearing loss. It’s the start of your journey towards better hearing.
EarPros benefits: