What are the Symptoms of Tinnitus?
Tinnitus describes the condition of hearing a sound when there aren’t any external sounds around. You may experience tinnitus as a variety of sounds, such as buzzing, clicking, hissing, ringing, or roaring.
You may hear the noise faintly, or it could be quite distracting and interfere with your ability to hear individual sounds. It can come and go, worsen with age, and be present in one or both ears.
Should I Be Concerned About Tinnitus?
The perception of ringing or noise in the ears can be alarming but typically doesn’t indicate a serious issue. But it can signal a condition, such as age-related hearing loss, circulatory system disorders, or an ear injury.
Tinnitus can sometimes develop for a short time following a cold or other upper respiratory infection. If it persists for more than a week, contact Southern ENT Associates for an evaluation. You should also be concerned if the tinnitus comes on suddenly or is accompanied by significant hearing loss or dizziness.
What Causes Tinnitus?
You may experience tinnitus as your hearing worsens with age, starting around age 60. Other possible causes of tinnitus include:
- Exposure to loud noises, such as firearms and heavy equipment
- Changes in the ear bones resulting from a genetic condition
- Earwax accumulation
- Blood vessel disorders
Less common causes of ringing in the ears can include temporomandibular joint disorders of the jaw, Meniere’s disease, a benign tumor, or head or neck trauma. Certain medications may also cause tinnitus as a side effect.
How is Tinnitus Treated?
The team of experienced doctors at Southern ENT Associates does a thorough review of your hearing, ear health, the particular sounds you’re hearing, and your overall wellness to help determine the possible cause of your tinnitus. They look for any underlying conditions that may explain your tinnitus. All of this data informs the treatment plan, which may include:
- Medications
- Earwax removal
- White noise machines to block out tinnitus when it is irreversible
- Hearing aids
Mild cases of tinnitus are resolvable with at-home strategies, such as quitting smoking, reducing stress, and moderating alcohol consumption.
To learn more about tinnitus and receive relief through treatment, call the closest office of Southern ENT Associates or book a consultation online.
