The Different Causes Of Tinnitus And Treatment Options

Tinnitus is a phenomenon of hearing a buzzing or ringing sound in the ears. It is a prevalent condition that can significantly affect the lives of those who experience it. Some individuals may have it temporarily, while others may have it for an extended period. While there is no specific definition of tinnitus, it can be associated with various causes. Some of these causes are avoidable, while others are impossible to prevent.

Tinnitus and Dangerous Noise Levels

Exposure to loud noise is one of the most common causes of tinnitus. It can include activities such as working with pneumatic drills or listening to loud music on headphones. Individuals can protect themselves by wearing ear defenders and keeping the volume down on their headphones.

Wearing hearing protection is an effective way to prevent tinnitus, particularly for individuals who are frequently exposed to loud noises. This can include individuals who work in industries such as construction, music, or manufacturing. Using ear defenders or earplugs can help reduce the risk of developing tinnitus due to noise exposure. It is important to remember that even short-term exposure to loud noises can cause tinnitus, so taking steps to protect your hearing is essential for maintaining good hearing health.

Tinnitus and Hearing Loss

Hearing loss and tinnitus are often linked because they both affect the inner ear. Hearing loss occurs when the hair cells in the inner ear are damaged, which can be caused by exposure to loud noises, aging, certain medications or other health conditions. This damage can also lead to the development of tinnitus, which is a ringing, buzzing or humming sound in the ears that is not caused by an external source. In some cases, hearing loss can make tinnitus symptoms worse because the brain is trying to compensate for the loss of hearing by increasing the sensitivity of the auditory system.

It is crucial to understand that hearing loss and tinnitus are not mutually exclusive conditions. Some individuals may have hearing loss without experiencing tinnitus, and others may experience tinnitus without hearing loss. Although hearing loss and tinnitus can be related, they are two different health concerns that require unique treatment methods. For individuals experiencing hearing loss or tinnitus, it is highly recommended to seek professional help from a hearing healthcare provider. They can assist in identifying the root cause and determining the most appropriate treatment options for each issue.

Other Causes of Tinnitus

A buildup of earwax can also cause tinnitus as the wax puts pressure on the ear canal. Fortunately, this can be resolved by having the earwax removed. Otosclerosis, a condition characterized by abnormal bone growth in the middle ear, can cause hearing loss and tinnitus. Similarly, Ménière’s disease, a disorder of the inner ear that can cause hearing and balance issues, can also result in tinnitus.

Certain medications, such as diuretics, some antibiotics, and high levels of aspirin, can cause tinnitus symptoms. If an individual is taking any of the above medications and is worried about their hearing health, they should speak to their doctor.

Treatment Options for Tinnitus

Tinnitus can be treated through various methods, including hearing aids, which can amplify external sounds and help reduce the prominence of tinnitus. Sound therapy is another approach that uses white noise or other soothing sounds to mask the internal sounds of tinnitus. Tinnitus retraining therapy and lifestyle modifications, such as adopting a healthy diet, exercising, and practicing relaxation techniques, can also be effective in managing tinnitus symptoms.

• Hearing aids, as fitted by a professional hearing instrument specialist, are often the best form of treatment for tinnitus. They can amplify sounds and improve balance, making tinnitus noises less prominent and easier to ignore.
• Sound therapy can help mask the internal sounds that are part of tinnitus. It uses sound machines that play things like white noise, which can be very helpful for many people with the condition who otherwise struggle to tune out the ringing they hear.
• Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) is a form of specialized therapy that can help individuals with tinnitus better control their emotional responses to the condition, while also helping them to not focus so much on the noises they hear as a result of the condition.
• Adopting a healthy lifestyle can sometimes be useful in the treatment of tinnitus. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol have shown good results for some people, as has incorporating relaxation techniques like meditation and breathing exercises.

If you want to know more about the possible causes of tinnitus and what you can do to find the relief you need, call Beltone Hearing Center – Lethbridge at 403-942-4327. We will be happy to discuss your treatment options and guide you in the most beneficial way for your specific symptoms.