Tinnitus is more commonly known as “ringing of the ears.” Tinnitus is a condition in which people experience sounds where there is no external stimulus. According to the American Tinnitus Association, “Millions of Americans experience tinnitus, often to a debilitating degree, making it one of the most common health conditions in the country.” Approximately 15% of Americans – over 50 million people – experience tinnitus, whether it is temporary or chronic.

The Mayo Clinic notes the following risk factors for tinnitus: loud noise exposure, age, gender (men are more likely to experience tinnitus), smoking, and cardiovascular problems.

The sounds of tinnitus vary. They may appear as sounds of whistling, whooshing, clicking, hissing, or buzzing. There are two types of tinnitus: subjective and objective. Subjective tinnitus is heard only by the person who experience tinnitus. Objective tinnitus may be heard both by the person who experiences tinnitus, as well as people in close vicinity.

Subjective tinnitus is the most common form, comprising 99% of reported cases. Subjective tinnitus is closely linked to auditory issues, such as sensorineural hearing loss. Hearing specialists believe that damage to inner ear hair cells, which translate sound waves into neural impulses to be registered by the brain, may cause tinnitus. This may happen due to aging, exposure to loud noise, and even certain classes of ototoxic (ear poisoning) medication.

Objective tinnitus, on the other hand, is quite rare, comprising less than 1% of cases. Objective tinnitus may be traced to issues with the circulatory or somatic systems in the body. Conditions which affect blood flow (such as high blood pressure) or musculo-skeletal movement may lead to objective tinnitus.

Untreated tinnitus has been known to increase levels of stress, anxiety, and depression.

Tinnitus has also been linked to memory problems, the ability to concentrate, and fatigue. Approximately 20 million Americans experience chronic tinnitus, with 2 million experiencing debilitating cases.

When daily experience is accompanied by a consistent appearance of sound, from morning to night, the effects become burdensome. Tinnitus has been known to affect a person’s emotional well-being, interfering with social interaction and employment. Increased levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and sleep deprivation eventually take a toll on a person’s physical health as well.

At the same time, tinnitus itself is not an isolated condition. The appearance of tinnitus often points to other physical conditions. Identifying and treating tinnitus may lead to a reduction or elimination of the symptoms.

Tinnitus often points to issues with the auditory or circulatory/musculo- skeletal systems in the body. Research has found that a large number of tinnitus cases are linked directly to untreated hearing loss.

Even in cases where the underlying cause of tinnitus is not identified, treatment solutions are available. Tinnitus may be treated with sound therapy, or the use of a hearing aid. If you believe you are experiencing tinnitus, the first step is to schedule an appointment with us at Optimum Audiology. We will administer a hearing exam, as well as a physical exam to identify the causes of tinnitus and identify a solution to reduce your symptoms.