Tinnitus is a very common ear health condition, so you’re certainly not alone if you have ever experienced symptoms before. Approximately fifteen percent of the population will have tinnitus at some point in their lives, which means that audiologists are well prepared when it comes to treatment plans and advice.
What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is often described as having a continual ringing sound in your ear; this ringing can vary from very mild to quite severe, depending on the person. Some people with tinnitus also report that humming noises or clicking sounds can be heard in their ears too. This can sometimes make it difficult to concentrate on day-to-day activities such as work, sleep and general conversations with other people. If you have ever experienced these symptoms, it’s a good idea to touch base with a local audiologist who will be able to discuss potential treatment plans with you.
What Can Be the Cause of Tinnitus?
There are several different things that can cause tinnitus, but there are some common environments and experiences that we have narrowed down for you. Due to the wide number of causes, tinnitus will not always go away by itself and may need specific treatments to improve the symptoms. Here are some of the most common causes of tinnitus:
Ear Infections
If you ever experience an ear infection, you may recognize some of the signs of tinnitus. In most cases these symptoms will be temporary, but it is important to get checked out by an audiologist just to make sure there isn’t something else causing the tinnitus.
Earwax
As earwax builds up over time, this can cause signs of tinnitus. If there are any blockages in your ears it may cause ringing or buzzing that may feel strange at first. Make an appointment with your audiologist if you suspect this might be the case.
Eardrum Damage
Perforated eardrums can cause tinnitus and can occur for a number of reasons. Whether you’ve experienced a change in pressure on an airplane or you’ve been exposed to a very loud noise, these are all things that make tinnitus occur. Luckily, once your eardrum has healed, you may notice a reduction in your tinnitus symptoms.
Loud Noises
Loud noises are certainly a common cause of tinnitus; if you work in a noisy restaurant, bar or concert hall you may be very familiar with the ringing sound when you get home. Prolonged exposure to loud noises can cause tinnitus, so it’s important to take precautions and use protection wherever possible.
Is Tinnitus Permanent?
Seeking the advice from a recommended audiologist is the best port of call if you think you have tinnitus. More often than not, tinnitus cases won’t naturally pass without some sort of treatment. Usually, there is an underlying cause that needs to be diagnosed by a professional.
However, if you are experiencing tinnitus due to exposure of loud noises, earwax or a recent ear infection, this can gradually improve over time with the right treatment methods. Your audiologist will work with you to find the best remedy for the cause behind your tinnitus. There are several relief methods available, which will all be discussed thoroughly to help you make the most informed decision.
If you’re dealing with long-term tinnitus, you may need to seek out treatment or a management plan from an audiologist. For example, there are devices similar to hearing aids, which can help to cover up the ringing or humming sounds so they’re less noticeable to you.
More often than not, tinnitus won’t resolve itself without some sort of treatment. Finding the underlying cause is the most important stage to diagnosing tinnitus; from this point your audiologist will be able to advise on the best course of treatment for you.
Talk to Us About Tinnitus
If you have any questions or concerns about tinnitus, our team of experienced audiologists at the Alliance Center for Hearing would love to help you. No matter how big or small your question may be, our dedicated team will be able to source the best possible treatment plan for you. With our state-of-the-art technology, you will be in safe hands every step of the way. You can get in touch with us at 701-751-6232 and speak to our friendly audiologists at the Alliance Center for Hearing. We value each one of our clients and we truly look forward to speaking to you soon.
