Tinnitus, that ringing in your ears

What is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is the ambient noise that individuals occasionally perceive in their ears, presenting itself as a ringing, buzzing, whistling, humming, or even mimicking the roar of an ocean or the rhythmic puffing of a locomotive. This auditory experience can be continuous or sporadic, often intensifying at night when ambient sounds are minimal, impacting individuals emotionally and in their daily routines. As this phenomenon is intricately linked to the brain’s sound processing, it becomes challenging for others to comprehend the specific noises one hears. It’s essential to note that experiencing tinnitus does not indicate a mental health concern; rather, it is an unfortunately common and natural occurrence.

What causes Tinnitus?

The perception of sound in tinnitus results from the brain’s attempt to interpret underlying sounds accurately. The inner ear contains numerous small hair cells crucial for sound interpretation. When these hair cells are damaged, the brain struggles to process sound signals, compensating for the deficiency by generating its own sounds. Various factors contribute to tinnitus, including:

• Prolonged exposure to loud noises
• Damage and loss of sensory hair cells in the inner ear’s cochlea
• Aging
• Certain medications
• Anxiety and psychosocial stress
• Hearing loss
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What Should I Do?

While a permanent cure for tinnitus is unavailable, effective management can minimise its impact on your quality of life. Seeking assistance from professionals is crucial. An audiologist can evaluate the severity of your tinnitus and explore options for relief. This may involve playing soothing sounds at night, practising mindfulness or meditation to reduce stress, or even recommending hearing aids with built-in tinnitus programs, even if there’s no apparent hearing loss. Taking proactive steps and seeking professional advice, such as scheduling an appointment with our audiologist at Falls of Sound, can empower you to confront tinnitus directly and enhance your overall well-being.