What Is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the ears or head when no external sound source is present. It is commonly described as a ringing, buzzing, humming, whistling, or hissing sound, though the exact quality varies from person to person. Some people also describe it as a pulsing, clicking, or roaring sound.
Tinnitus is very common. The Australian Government's Department of Health estimates that around 10 to 15 per cent of Australians experience tinnitus at some point in their lives. For most people, it is a mild annoyance, but for some it can be significantly distressing, affecting sleep, concentration, mood, and overall quality of life.
While tinnitus itself is not a disease, it is a symptom that can be associated with a range of underlying conditions, including hearing loss, noise exposure, ear infections, head or neck injuries, certain medications, and cardiovascular issues. A proper assessment is the first step towards understanding the cause and finding effective management strategies.
The Assessment Process
Our tinnitus assessment is a comprehensive evaluation that goes beyond standard hearing testing. It takes approximately 75 minutes and is designed to identify the nature, severity, and likely cause of your tinnitus. Here is what the assessment involves:
Detailed Tinnitus History
Your audiologist will ask about the nature of your tinnitus, when it started, how it sounds, what makes it better or worse, and how it affects your daily life, sleep, and emotional wellbeing. This information is crucial for guiding the assessment and treatment.
Comprehensive Hearing Test
Because tinnitus is often associated with hearing loss, a full audiometric assessment is conducted. This includes pure tone audiometry, speech testing, and tympanometry to evaluate your hearing and middle ear function.
Tinnitus Pitch and Loudness Matching
We play various sounds to determine the pitch and loudness of your tinnitus. This helps characterise your tinnitus profile and informs treatment recommendations.
Minimum Masking Level
We determine the level of external sound needed to mask or cover your tinnitus. This provides useful information for sound therapy recommendations.
Tympanometry and Otoacoustic Emissions
Additional tests to assess middle ear function and inner ear health, which can help identify specific causes of tinnitus.
Results and Management Plan
Your audiologist explains the findings, discusses likely causes, and presents a personalised management plan. This may include sound therapy, hearing aids, counselling, relaxation techniques, or referral to an ENT specialist if needed.
Types of Tinnitus
Understanding the type of tinnitus you experience helps guide the assessment and treatment approach:
Subjective Tinnitus
The most common type, where only you can hear the sound. It is often associated with hearing loss, noise exposure, or changes in the auditory system. This type can usually be managed effectively with the right approach.
Objective Tinnitus
A rare form where the sound can also be heard by the audiologist using a stethoscope. It is typically caused by blood flow issues or muscle contractions and may require medical investigation.
Somatic Tinnitus
Tinnitus that changes with movements of the head, neck, or jaw. It may be linked to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues or neck problems, and addressing the underlying physical issue can often provide relief.
Pulsatile Tinnitus
A rhythmic sound that pulses in time with your heartbeat. This type warrants medical investigation to rule out vascular conditions, though it is often benign.
Treatment and Management Options
While there is currently no single cure for tinnitus, there are many evidence-based management strategies that can significantly reduce its impact on your life. Our audiologists will recommend a personalised approach based on your assessment results. Options include:
- Hearing aids: If you have hearing loss, hearing aids can reduce the perception of tinnitus by amplifying external sounds and providing the brain with more auditory input.
- Sound therapy: Using neutral background sounds or specially designed tinnitus masking devices to reduce the contrast between your tinnitus and the surrounding environment.
- Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT): A structured programme combining sound therapy with counselling to help the brain habituate to tinnitus signals.
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Evidence-based techniques to change negative thought patterns and emotional responses associated with tinnitus.
- Lifestyle modifications: Managing stress, improving sleep hygiene, reducing caffeine and alcohol, and protecting your ears from loud noise.
For detailed information about our ongoing tinnitus management programmes, please visit our tinnitus management page.
Book Your Tinnitus Assessment
You do not have to live with troublesome tinnitus. Our experienced audiologists can help you understand what is causing your symptoms and develop an effective management plan to improve your quality of life.