What's That Ringing? Talking About Tinnitus
Tinnitus is defined as ringing or other noises in one or both of the ears. These noises aren’t caused by external sound and can only be heard by the affected individual.
Tinnitus is a common health condition, affecting around 15% of the world’s population and more than 50 million Americans. While people of any age may suffer from tinnitus, it most commonly affects those between the ages of 40 and 80.
Symptoms of Tinnitus
Phantom noises are the main symptom of tinnitus. According to Dr. Wendy Halsey-Richardson, audiologist at Chattanooga’s Healthy Hearing, “While tinnitus is often described as ringing, it can also include sounds such as buzzing, insect chirping, swooshing, or clicking, to describe a few.” The noises may range in pitch, from a low roar to a high squeal, and in volume, from soft and barely noticeable to so loud that it interferes with an individual’s ability to concentrate or hear other external sounds.
Symptoms of tinnitus may come and go or be present at all times. According to Cheryl Ward, board-certified hearing instrument specialist at Audiology Services of Chattanooga, “Occasional tinnitus is usually not severe enough to affect daily life, but tinnitus that is constant can negatively affect sleep, mood, and impact daily activities, which could lead to depression or anxiety.”
In some cases, such as with somatosensory tinnitus, moving your head, neck, or eyes can produce these phantom noises or temporarily change the quality of the sound. This subgroup is present in 65% of tinnitus cases.
Common Causes: How Do You Get Tinnitus?
Tinnitus itself is not a disease, but rather a symptom of an underlying health condition. Common causes of tinnitus include:
Age Related Hearing Loss
“Age-related hearing loss is one of the leading contributors to tinnitus, as the auditory system may become more sensitive to internal sounds when external auditory input diminishes,” according to Dr. Tiffany Ahlberg, audiologist at Ahlberg Audiology. In the U.S., about 1 in 3 adults between the ages of 65 to 74 suffer from hearing loss.
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Excessive exposure to loud sounds can cause hearing loss, and in turn, tinnitus. This may occur after prolonged exposure to loud noises from machinery, concerts, headphones, and more.
Ear Infection or Blockage
A buildup of fluid from an infection, dirt or other foreign materials, or excessive earwax can cause temporary tinnitus. This is usually treatable and ringing may go away after the blockage is cleared.
Medications
Tinnitus can also develop, or worsen, as a side effect of taking certain medications. Certain drugs such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), cancer drugs, and antidepressants may cause ringing in the ears.
Head and Neck Injuries
Trauma to the head or neck, like a concussion, can affect the inner ear, hearing nerves, or brain function related to hearing. When an injury causes tinnitus, it usually only presents in one ear.
According to Dr. Ahlberg, tinnitus can also be caused by a variety of health conditions. “Health issues such as hypertension, diabetes, and thyroid disorders can contribute to the development of tinnitus, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive medical assessments,” she says. “Anxiety, depression, and stress are significant contributors to the exacerbation of tinnitus. Patients often report that their tinnitus worsens during periods of emotional distress.”
For a tinnitus evaluation, the audiologists at Chattanooga’s Healthy Hearing start with otoscopy to look into the external ear canal. They want to rule out wax impaction, visible trauma to the tissue or eardrum, and drainage or debris that could be infection. Next, tympanometry would let them know if the eardrum is intact and moving like it should, if there is middle ear dysfunction often caused by fluid or infection, or if the eustachian tube is malfunctioning. This would be followed by a diagnostic hearing evaluation to determine if there is hearing loss and the type and severity. A tinnitus evaluation may also include a questionnaire addressing the perceived severity of your tinnitus and effect it has on your life.”
Is Tinnitus Treatable?
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to treating tinnitus, and treatment may vary depending on what is causing tinnitus in the affected individual. A doctor may be able to reduce symptoms of tinnitus by removing earwax blockage, treating an underlying health condition, or recommending a change in medication.
Professionally adjusted hearing aids can also be used to treat tinnitus, according to Ward. “Hearing aids would be programmed to raise ambient sounds to a normal level, thereby giving one’s brain something to focus on instead of their head noise,” she says. “This is known as masking the tinnitus sound one is experiencing. Today’s hearing aid technology has better ability to achieve this with accuracy.”
In cases where tinnitus cannot be treated, healthcare providers may recommend lifestyle changes and therapy to manage the symptoms and severity. “Engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a balanced diet, and ensuring adequate sleep can contribute to overall well-being and potentially lessen tinnitus severity,” shares Dr. Ahlberg. “Practicing relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep-breathing exercises can help reduce stress and its impact on tinnitus perception. Connecting with support groups or seeking counseling can provide emotional support and practical advice from others who understand the challenges of living with tinnitus.”
When to Seek Medical Advice
othered by their symptoms, those with severe tinnitus may find that it negatively impacts their day-to-day life. “Tinnitus is often considered minor but for millions of people it can disrupt sleep, concentration, and one’s sense of calm, leading to anxiety and depression,” explains Dr. Halsey-Richardson. If tinnitus affects an individual’s quality of life or mental health, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider.
“In rare cases, tinnitus may indicate a serious underlying health issue that could possibly be dangerous if left untreated,” says Ward. “If other symptoms accompany tinnitus, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, headaches, or other chronic illness, it is always best to seek the advice of one’s physician for further testing to eliminate a more serious condition.”
While tinnitus can be troublesome, healthcare professionals can offer medical guidance, treatment options, and management techniques to provide relief and allow individuals to regain control over their well-being.
Cheryl Ward, BC-HIS
Hearing Instrument Specialist, Audiology Services of Chattanooga
Wendy Halsey-Richardson, AuD
Audiologist, Chattanooga’s Healthy Hearing
Tiffany Ahlberg, AuD, CCC-A
Audiologist, Ahlberg Audiology
Meet the Author
Ali Lemmons, BS, Summa Cum Laude
Ali Lemmons is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication with a minor in computer science. While at UTC, Ali also earned the distinction of Summa Cum Laude, the Outstanding Senior Award for the communication department, and was inducted into the Kappa Tau Alpha honor society. Now, as editor/digital content specialist for CMC Publications and Digital Smart Marketing, Ali leads the ideation, conceptualization, and development of numerous health, wellness, and lifestyle articles published in print and online for HealthScope, CityScope, and Choose Chattanooga magazines – premier publications serving S.E. Tennessee and North Georgia. She also is the lead copywriter for the company’s social media sites.
