Tinnitus
What Is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is noise in the ears when there is no sound. People often describe it as a ringing in the ears, but it can sound like a constant ringing, buzzing, hissing, clicking or even a roaring sound. It’s often described as a phantom noise because others cannot hear it.
Tinnitus isn’t a disease but a symptom of an underlying issue. Understanding its causes, how it’s diagnosed and the treatment available can help you take steps toward managing this frustrating condition.
Causes of Tinnitus
Experts do not know the exact cause of tinnitus. Various factors are associated with the condition. A leading theory is tinnitus indicates some kind of disruption in how your ears process sound. Here are some potential causes linked with tinnitus:
Age-related hearing loss
Age-related hearing loss is associated with tinnitus. The less efficient our hearing becomes, the more likely the brain is to generate its own noise to compensate.
Excessive earwax
Earwax buildup in the ear canal can lead to temporary tinnitus.
Blood vessel disorders
Conditions such as atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries), high blood pressure or tangled blood vessels can cause turbulent blood flow near the ear, producing pulsating sounds.
Noise exposure
Spending a long time around loud noises can damage the nerves in the ears that transmit sound signals to the brain. A single, very loud burst of sound can also have this effect.
Ménière's disease
This inner ear disorder can cause vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss and tinnitus.
TMJ disorders
Problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects your jaw to your skull, can sometimes contribute to tinnitus.
Some chronic conditions, such as anemia, diabetes, migraines and lupus, have been linked to tinnitus, although the reasons aren’t clear. Research to explain the connections is ongoing.
Diagnosing Tinnitus
Tinnitus can be a symptom of many different conditions, so there’s no test to confirm the condition. Rather, diagnosis involves a comprehensive approach to identify the underlying cause.
Medical History
Your journey to diagnosis typically begins with a thorough medical history. Your doctor will ask questions about:
- the type of tinnitus sounds you hear
- how long you have been hearing the sounds
- whether the sounds are constant or come or go
- if anything makes the sounds worse
Physical Examination
Your doctor will also perform a thorough examination of your head, neck and ears. They will look inside your ear canal to check for wax buildup, infection or structural issues.
Hearing Test
A hearing test is an important part of your diagnosis. Also known as an audiogram, this test measures your hearing ability and can help identify any underlying hearing loss.
Depending on your symptoms and any other findings, your doctor might recommend further tests, such as:
- Imaging scans — MRI or CT scans may be used to rule out structural abnormalities, tumors, or blood vessel issues, especially if objective tinnitus or other neurological symptoms are suspected.
- Blood tests — These tests check for conditions including anemia and thyroid issues that can sometimes contribute to tinnitus.
How to Stop Tinnitus
Tinnitus often goes away on its own or by addressing the underlying cause. For example, if excessive earwax is the cause, your doctor may remove the earwax and the symptoms resolve. Sometimes, there’s no cure for tinnitus, and treatment focuses on helping you cope with the sounds.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
CBT is a type of talk therapy that helps you change your negative thoughts and reactions to tinnitus, reducing the stress and anxiety associated with it.
Hearing aids
A hearing aid can effectively reduce inner ear noise in people with tinnitus caused by hearing loss. It amplifies external sounds, reducing tinnitus and helping the brain focus on environmental sounds rather than internal noise.
Sound generators
These devices produce a low-level background sound, such as nature sounds, that can help mask the tinnitus, making it less noticeable. People with tinnitus often use these devices at night.
Tinnitus retraining therapy
This therapy helps reprogram your brain to ignore the tinnitus sounds. It combines sound therapy with counseling to help you get used to the tinnitus, so it no longer triggers a negative emotional response.
Getting Help for Tinnitus
Living with tinnitus can be challenging and interfere with daily life, including sleep. However, personalized treatment plans can provide relief and improve quality of life.
If you’re experiencing ringing in the ears or other tinnitus sounds, talk to the specialists at CHRISTUS Health.
Learn more about ENT services or find a provider near you.