What Is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus has been described as ringing, buzzing, clicking or hissing, among others, in your ears that only you experience. It may be constant, or it may come and go. The type and intensity of noise varies from person to person. It can be high-pitched, deep, low-pitched or even a tone that changes.

It can happen anywhere and at any time – while talking on the phone, during a presentation at work, or even when you’re simply sitting in silence. You hear a noise that no one else seems to hear and that doesn’t seem to have a source. Whether the sound is mild or severe, occasional or constant, tinnitus can keep you from concentrating and hearing what you want to hear.

While others may not experience the exact sound, you’re not alone. Tinnitus is one of the most common health conditions in the world, affecting between 10 and 15% of the global population on a regular basis.

What are the causes of tinnitus?

Tinnitus can develop in people of all ages and backgrounds, but people who are older or who have had a lot of exposure to loud noises are especially at risk. There are a variety of tinnitus causes:

Loud Noise

If you’ve been exposed to loud music, gunshots, explosions, or loud noise from construction or machinery, you may find yourself suffering from tinnitus.

Medications

Some medications also appear to result in tinnitus as a side effect.

Ageing

Some tinnitus is associated with age-related hearing loss. As you age, the amount of nerve fibers in your ears decrease, possibly causing hearing problems often associated with tinnitus.

Other Causes

  • Sometimes earwax blockage can cause tinnitus.
  • Injury to the ears, neck or head
  • Neurological disorders
  • Degeneration of bones in the middle ear
  • Upper respiratory infections or jaw popping joint (TMJ) disorders can cause tinnitus.

Tinnitus Treatment Plan

Step 1: Tinnitus Assessment

Comprehensive hearing testing and tinnitus evaluation (45–120-minute appointment). This includes hearing booth testing and filling appropriate questionnaires

Step 2: Discussion

Discussion of tinnitus therapy options which include: Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Step 3: Treatment Plan

Upon deciding what therapy route is best, six sessions will be scheduled for either program

Step 4: Product Options

Hearing aid fitting and noise generator instruments will be prescribed according to each patient’s needs

Step 5: Discharge

Patient will be discharged when tinnitus is no longer bothersome