What Is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the ears or head that does not have an external source. It is commonly described as a ringing, buzzing, humming, hissing, or whistling sound, though the exact character of the sound varies from person to person. Some people experience it as a constant presence, while others notice it only intermittently. Tinnitus can range from a mild annoyance to a condition that significantly affects concentration, sleep, and emotional wellbeing.
Tinnitus is remarkably common. It is estimated that between 10 and 20 percent of Australians experience some form of tinnitus, with the condition becoming more prevalent with age. While it is often associated with hearing loss, tinnitus can also occur in people with normal hearing. The important thing to understand is that tinnitus is a symptom, not a disease itself, and identifying the underlying cause is key to finding effective management strategies.
Common Causes of Tinnitus
Tinnitus can arise from a wide range of underlying causes. The most common is damage to the hair cells in the inner ear due to noise exposure or age-related hearing loss. When these delicate cells are damaged, they can send incorrect signals to the brain, which interprets these signals as sound even when no external sound is present.
- Hearing loss, particularly sensorineural hearing loss
- Exposure to loud noise, either acute or prolonged
- Earwax blockage or build-up in the ear canal
- Middle ear infections or ear canal inflammation
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders affecting the jaw
- Certain medications, including some antibiotics and high doses of aspirin
- Head or neck injuries affecting the auditory pathway
- Cardiovascular conditions affecting blood flow to the ears
- Stress and anxiety, which can exacerbate tinnitus perception
Types of Tinnitus
Subjective Tinnitus
This is by far the most common type, accounting for over 95 percent of cases. Subjective tinnitus can only be heard by the person experiencing it. It is usually linked to problems in the outer, middle, or inner ear, or the auditory nerve pathways. While it cannot be measured objectively, its impact on daily life is very real and can be assessed through careful questioning and evaluation.
Objective Tinnitus
Objective tinnitus is rare and can be heard by an audiologist or doctor using a stethoscope or other instruments. It is typically caused by blood flow irregularities, muscle contractions, or other physical conditions in the ear or surrounding structures. Because it has a physical source, objective tinnitus can often be treated by addressing the underlying medical condition.
Tinnitus Management Options
While there is currently no universal cure for tinnitus, there are many effective management strategies that can significantly reduce its impact on your life. The right approach depends on the underlying cause, the severity of your tinnitus, and how it affects you personally.
Hearing aids are often recommended for people who have tinnitus accompanied by hearing loss. Modern hearing aids can include built-in tinnitus masking features that produce low-level sounds to help distract the brain from the tinnitus. Sound therapy, which uses external sounds to help mask or habituate the tinnitus, is another well-established approach. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has also been shown to be effective in helping people manage the emotional response to tinnitus.
At SoundClear, we offer comprehensive tinnitus assessments that help determine the most appropriate management plan for your situation. Our audiologists take a holistic approach, considering your hearing, lifestyle, and emotional wellbeing to develop a strategy that works for you.