Top FAQs About Tinnitus

If you have noticed that you have a buzzing, ringing or hissing in one or both of your ears, you may be suffering from a condition known as tinnitus. There are a lot of people that deal with the effects of tinnitus daily, and this means that there are a lot of questions that require answering about the condition itself. It's essential to get the answers to the burning issues that you have, and it's for this reason that we have put together some FAQs to help!

What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus involves hearing sounds that are not caused externally to the ear. Those who deal with tinnitus hear whooshing and ringing, and it's not always in both ears.

How common is tinnitus?

About 15% of the population of America experience tinnitus at some time or another. However, not enough people seek help when they are dealing with the symptoms. Speaking to an audiologist could help you to get the treatment that you need for the sound you are experiencing. For some people, tinnitus is an annoying condition, but for others, it can reduce their quality of life and make them feel isolated.

Who experiences tinnitus?

It's commonly associated with age, but tinnitus isn't limited to those with advanced age. Children can experience tinnitus, too. Those who are frequently exposed to loud noise can develop tinnitus. It's prevalent among airport ground staff, construction workers and musicians in particular, and 60% of workers are reported to have experienced occasional or persistent tinnitus.

What to do if you have tinnitus

If you notice a consistent noise in one or both ears, you need to schedule an appointment with an audiologist. They will be able to carry out tests and help you to work out the underlying cause of the tinnitus that you are experiencing. Audiometric testing is vital for your hearing health, and your audiologist can help you to explore the best treatment options that will alleviate your symptoms.

What causes tinnitus?

There are a lot of factors that can be the cause of your tinnitus, and it's not the same for every person. Issues from loud noises, medications, and wax buildup to certain neurological disorders can cause tinnitus. Once the cause is determined, an audiologist can help you to find more of an effective treatment that suits you. Some of the reasons include:

• Wax buildup
• Stress
• Loud noises
• Disorders like Meniere's disease
• Hearing loss
• Ototoxicity

There are other causes, too, from acoustic neuromas to cardiovascular issues.

Will it go away on its own?

Tinnitus does dissipate on its own a lot of the time, but that doesn't mean that you should wait to get some help. Waiting around will only mean that you are risking a negative effect on your life. Speaking to an audiologist is the only thing that you should consider doing, and they can discuss with you the best treatment options for your hearing health.

Tinnitus should never just be left untreated, so make an appointment with your audiologist today.