What is Tinnitus?
The American Academy of Audiology refers to tinnitus as “the perception of sound in the ear that is not the result of an external sound”. It is commonly described as a “hissing, roaring, or ringing” in the ear. It can be high pitched or low pitched, tonal or noise-like, and constant, pulsed, or intermittent. You may experience tinnitus in one ear, both ears, or in your head. Tinnitus is not a disease. It is a symptom of underlying issues elsewhere within the body. It can last anywhere from a couple of seconds to a lifetime.
Types of Tinnitus
There are two types of tinnitus.
- Subjective Tinnitus – This is the more common form of the two types. It can only be heard by the sufferer. It is normally associated with hearing loss.
- Objective Tinnitus – This can be heard by someone else but it is much rarer than subjective tinnitus. Your GP or Audiologist may be able to hear the tinnitus with the use of a stethoscope. These noises are produced by the workings of the body. Objective tinnitus is sometimes curable, whereas subjective tinnitus is often not.
Causes of Tinnitus
Treatment for Tinnitus
If you suffer from tinnitus seek advice from your GP or Audiologist.
In most cases, tinnitus cannot be cured. However, it can be managed. There are certain treatments that are found to help suppress tinnitus depending on the patient including: