The perception of noise in the ears is called tinnitus. It’s a common problem affecting over 15 to 20% of Americans. One may hear a ringing, humming, buzzing, hissing or any number of other sounds. Tinnitus is usually a symptom of an underlying condition, such as noise exposure or age-related hearing loss. There are many causes including ear wax on your eardrum, ear injury or a circulatory system disorder.
Tinnitus creates the sensation of hearing sound when there is no external sound. It is often described as either a ringing, buzzing, roaring, hissing, clicking or humming noise. Sometimes people hear two or three different sounds. This phantom noise can vary in pitch from a low roar to a high squeal, and can be heard in one or both ears. Tinnitus may be constant or intermittent, that is it can come and go.
While for some tinnitus can be annoying, it typically isn't a sign of anything serious. While it is often permanent, may increase or decrease in intensity. Treatment usually depends on the underlying cause, for example if the cause is ear wax on the eardrum cleaning the wax from your ears could “cure” it. When it is permanent, we work with you to manage it and distract you from it by making tinnitus less
noticeable.
The first step in diagnosing tinnitus is an audiologic assessment and tinnitus evaluation. Contact your local audiologist. Hear Well Live Well.
