What You Need To Know About: Tinnitus

Did you know that, according to the CDC (The Center for Disease Control), more than 50 million Americans experience tinnitus?

What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus is the medical term for the sensation of hearing sound - specifically a ringing noise - in your ears despite the fact that there are no external sounds present. In most cases, tinnitus can only be experienced by the person who is suffering through it. While many people who experience tinnitus describe their experience as hearing a ringing in their ears, others have said that they experience a hissing, buzzing, whistling, chirping, or even roaring sound. For some people, tinnitus is mild and lasts only brief moments... though others can experience tinnitus all day long, the sound being severe.

What causes tinnitus?

While scientists and health experts have not been able to pinpoint the exact cause of tinnitus, several sources are known to trigger or worsen the effects:

1. Loud noises - exposure to loud noises can harm the tiny hairs in the cochlea, causing permanent tinnitus. Noise-induced tinnitus can be the result of exposure to loud noises for a prolonged period of time. Many individuals who have worked in a factory setting, with or around heavy machinery, and many musicians experience tinnitus.

2. Aging - natural aging also harms the tiny hairs in the cochlea. Tinnitus is a common symptom of age-related hearing loss.

3. Ototoxic medications - some prescription medications such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, diuretics, antidepressants, and others can be ototoxic - meaning that they are harmful to the inner ear.

4. Health conditions - tinnitus has been associated with a number of health conditions including: high blood pressure, thyroid problems, head or neck trauma, cardiovascular disease, jaw misalignment, stress and fatigue.

How can I stop tinnitus?

Tinnitus, while being extremely frustrating for almost anyone who experiences it, can be helped! While there is no cure for tinnitus, there are hearing aids designed specifically to help alleviate the nuisance.

If you suspect that you may be experiencing tinnitus and are looking for some relief, please give us a call at (888) 574-6776 or request an appointment online here to speak to a Sonus Hearing Care Professional about the options you may have!