If you’ve experienced a persistent ringing, buzzing, or even roaring sound in your ears when there’s no external noise, you’re not alone. This condition, called tinnitus, affects millions of people worldwide. While it’s not a disease in itself, tinnitus is often a symptom of an underlying condition that can range from minor issues to more complex health concerns.

You can better understand tinnitus and how to manage it effectively by learning more about the common causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.

What Is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus refers to the perception of sound—such as ringing, buzzing, hissing, or roaring—when no external sound source is present. These “phantom noises” can vary in pitch and intensity, and they may occur in one or both ears. For some, tinnitus is a mild annoyance; for others, it disrupts daily life and sleep.

There are two main types of tinnitus:

• Subjective tinnitus is the most common form. It’s “heard” only by the person experiencing it and often results from issues within the auditory system.
• Objective tinnitus is rare and can sometimes be heard by a doctor during an exam, as it’s caused by sound generated inside the body, such as blood flow near the ears.

While tinnitus can be a temporary condition, many cases are chronic and require management strategies.

Common Causes of Tinnitus

Tinnitus can result from various factors, including temporary or long-term conditions. Here are the most common causes of tinnitus:

• Exposure to Loud Noise: Prolonged exposure to loud sounds, such as concerts, machinery, or headphones at high volumes, can damage the tiny hair cells in your inner ear, leading to tinnitus.
• Hearing Loss: Age-related hearing loss, known as presbycusis, is a common cause of tinnitus, especially in adults over 60.
• Earwax Buildup: Too much earwax can block your ear canal, leading to pressure on the eardrum and tinnitus-like symptoms.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and some antibiotics, can cause or exacerbate tinnitus. This is called ototoxicity.
• Underlying Conditions: Conditions like Meniere’s disease, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, or vascular disorders can trigger tinnitus.

Identifying the root cause is the first step in managing tinnitus effectively.

Symptoms of Tinnitus

While the most obvious symptom of tinnitus is hearing phantom sounds, these noises can take on many forms, such as:

• Ringing
• Buzzing
• Hissing
• Roaring
• Clicking

The symptoms may vary in intensity, and some individuals may also experience accompanying symptoms like ear discomfort, hearing loss, or sensitivity to loud noises. Tinnitus can also worsen with stress, lack of sleep, or caffeine consumption.

How Is Tinnitus Diagnosed?

Diagnosing tinnitus starts with a detailed consultation with an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. Here’s what you can expect during the process:

• Medical History: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history to identify potential causes.
• Hearing Exam (Audiogram): A hearing test can reveal signs of hearing loss that might be linked to tinnitus.
• Physical Exam: Your ears, head, and neck may be examined for any signs of physical issues, such as earwax buildup or TMJ dysfunction.
• Imaging Studies: Imaging tests like CT or MRI scans can rule out structural abnormalities or vascular problems contributing to tinnitus if needed.

An accurate diagnosis paves the way for effective management strategies.

Treatment Options for Tinnitus

Though there’s no cure for tinnitus, many treatments can help manage it and improve your quality of life.

1. Sound Therapy: Masking devices play white noise, or nature sounds to distract your brain from tinnitus. Apps and sound machines are also useful at home.
2. Hearing Aids: If you have hearing loss, hearing aids can amplify external sounds and reduce tinnitus perception.
3. Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT): This combines low-level sound devices with counseling to help you adjust to tinnitus.
4. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps manage the emotional stress tied to tinnitus, making it easier to cope.
5. Lifestyle Changes: Avoid loud noises, cut back on caffeine, manage stress, and get good sleep to ease symptoms.

Other treatments may address any underlying health issues related to your tinnitus.

Ways to Lower the Risk of Tinnitus

Preventing tinnitus or reducing its progression starts with protecting your hearing. Use earplugs or other ear protection in loud environments like concerts or construction sites and monitor your volume levels when using earbuds or headphones by following the 60/60 rule (60% volume for 60 minutes at a time). Managing stress is also important, as it can aggravate tinnitus; consider incorporating relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation into your routine. Additionally, limit your exposure to loud sounds by taking regular breaks from noisy environments, and maintain good ear hygiene by keeping your ears free of excessive earwax.

Get Professional Help Today

If tinnitus is interfering with your daily life, don’t wait any longer to seek help. With proper diagnosis and management, you can reduce the impact of tinnitus and reclaim your peace of mind.

Reach out to Colorado Springs Ear Associates for expert care. Call us at 719-667-1327 or visit our website to schedule an appointment. Our team specializes in personalized tinnitus treatment and is ready to help you find relief.