sounds of tinnitus
3 min read
Sounds of Tinnitus
Living with tinnitus can be a challenge. While for some people it's simply a ringing in the ears, for others it can be a more complex condition that impacts their daily life. Read on to learn more about what tinnitus is, the common sounds of tinnitus, and what treatment options are available.

What is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus (pronounced tih-NITE-us), or ringing in the ears, is a common condition that affects approximately one in five people. It can be caused by several factors, including exposure to loud noises, earwax buildup, age-related hearing loss, and some medications. Tinnitus can range from a mild annoyance to a debilitating condition that significantly affects quality of life.
This is because tinnitus can be quite loud and constant, making it difficult to concentrate or relax.

The Sounds of Tinnitus

Tinnitus is a condition that causes people to hear sounds that aren't actually there. While tinnitus can sometimes be just a ringing in the ears, it can also come in other forms such as buzzing, hissing, whistling, clicking, screeching, static, pulsing, dial tones, music, and whooshing.
 
The American Tinnitus Association categorizes the sounds of tinnitus into three groups:

Tonal Tinnitus

Tonal tinnitus is a certain type of tinnitus that is characterized by a specific tone or sound that is heard in the ears. This type of tinnitus can be very debilitating, as it can be difficult to concentrate or sleep when the sound is present. Tonal tinnitus is often caused by exposure to loud noises and can sometimes be cured by treating the underlying cause. However, in some cases, tonal tinnitus may be permanent.

Pulsatile Tinnitus

Pulsatile tinnitus is a condition that causes a person to hear a rhythmic noise or pulse in their ears. This type of tinnitus is often caused by changes in the blood flow through the head and neck. It can be due to problems with the blood vessels, the way the ear canal functions, or abnormalities in the brain. Pulsatile tinnitus can also be caused by tumors, muscle spasms, or other conditions.

Musical Tinnitus

Musical tinnitus is a condition where a person hears musical tones or rhythms in their ears, even when there is no external music playing. The sound can be intermittent or constant and can vary in pitch and intensity. While the cause of musical tinnitus isn't fully understood, it's thought to be related to changes in the way the brain processes sound.


Tinnitus Treatment Options

No matter what approach you take, it's important to remember that tinnitus is not a disease, but rather a condition. There is currently no cure for tinnitus, but there are ways to manage it. With time and patience, most people find that they can live quite comfortably with tinnitus.
 
Some people find relief by using earplugs or sound machines that produce white noise. Others find relief by practicing tinnitus retraining therapy, which involves gradually exposing oneself to the sounds that are associated with tinnitus.
 
Contact Elite Hearing Centers today for a free hearing test and tinnitus consultation. Our experienced team uses industry leading products and treatment protocols to help your hearing be at its best.

Schedule Appointment

Contact us today to set up an appointment with a hearing specialist to discuss your hearing health