What is Tinnitus: A Crash Course
If you’ve ever heard a sound in your ears that no one else can hear, that sound is called ‘tinnitus.’ Many people experience tinnitus as a ringing in their ears, but it can also sound like whooshing, buzzing, humming, sizzling, or even a beating sound.
How Tinnitus Varies from Person to Person
The way tinnitus sounds is highly variable from person to person. Your experience and perception of tinnitus may be different from how others hear it. You may hear tinnitus in one or both ears, and sometimes it can even switch sides. It may come and go depending on the day or how you’re feeling, change pitch and volume, or be audible all the time. Some people wake up one morning suddenly hearing a noise in their ears that doesn’t go away, while others experience it gradually worsening over time.
Is Tinnitus a Cause for Concern?
Most of the time, tinnitus is a harmless sound that our ears make and is often no cause for alarm. Sometimes, it can be annoying but tolerable, while in other cases, it can be distressing. If you are wondering, “Am I losing my hearing? Will it always be this way? What do I do if there’s no cure?”—these concerns can lead to distress, helplessness, fatigue, or even depression. If you feel worried about your tinnitus, or it is only present in one ear, it is worth getting it checked by a specialist. Victorian Hearing’s qualified audiologists are tinnitus specialists with many years of experience helping to diagnose and manage tinnitus.
Common Causes of Tinnitus
Tinnitus is a complex condition that requires expert evaluation. There are multiple reasons why people suddenly start to hear ringing in their ears. Our specialised tinnitus audiologists investigate all symptoms holistically to tailor a solution for each individual. Here are some of the most common causes:
1. Hearing Changes
Sudden or gradual hearing loss can cause the ears to start making noises that were not noticeable before.
2. Ear Wax Blockages
Excessive ear wax, narrow ear canals, or improper use of cotton buds can lead to occluded ear wax. A simple and safe ear wax removal procedure using a medical microscope and microsuction vacuum can often resolve tinnitus caused by blockages.
3. Exposure to Loud Noises
Working in noisy environments (such as manufacturing, construction, or trades), frequently listening to loud music, or sudden exposure to loud sounds (like explosions or firecrackers) can damage hearing and trigger tinnitus.
4. Increased Stress Levels
There is a strong link between tinnitus and emotional stress, including relationship breakdowns, grief, depression, and anxiety. Addressing the underlying stress often helps reduce tinnitus perception.
5. Jaw Pain and TMJ Disorder
Clicking jaws or jaw pain (also known as TMJ disorder) can inflame the nerves around the ear, leading to tinnitus.
6. Teeth Grinding and Neck Issues
Bruxism (teeth grinding) and neck stiffness or soreness, sometimes resulting from injury, can contribute to tinnitus due to inflammation in the surrounding areas.
7. Lifestyle Factors
• Fatigue or lack of sleep (trouble falling asleep or staying asleep)
• Lack of exercise or fitness
• Dietary changes (excessive caffeine, alcohol, salt, sugar, or fat intake)
How Tinnitus Changes Over Time
People’s perception of tinnitus often changes over time. Initially, it may sound loud and bothersome but can fade into the background. Some individuals experience good days and bad days, depending on their triggers.
Seeking Professional Help
If you or someone you care about is experiencing issues with tinnitus, Victorian Hearing’s tinnitus specialists can provide a comprehensive diagnostic assessment to investigate the causes and develop a personalised management plan. We also offer standard hearing tests, wax removal, and invisible hearing aids as part of our broad range of hearing health services.
If you would like to learn more, reach out to the team at Victorian Hearing, your local, independent, and Australian owned and operated audiology practice. With ten clinics across Melbourne, you are sure to find a friendly smile and support from the Victorian Hearing team. Call (03) 9558 8842 or book online.