Listen to the Facts About Tinnitus

An audiologist can help determine a treatment plan if you have a case of tinnitus.

You had an incredible time at the concert last night. The band played all your favorite tunes. You had great seats, and you could hear perfectly. You couldn’t help but smile as you left the arena. But, as you walk toward the car, you notice a subtle ringing in your ears that only becomes worse as your environment becomes quieter.

Ringing in the ear, known as tinnitus or head noise, has been experienced by almost everyone at some point in their lives. According to the American Speech-Language Hearing Association, tinnitus is the perception of sound in the ear(s) or head when no external sound is present. In addition to ringing, it’s associated with noises like hissing, roaring, pulsing, whooshing, chirping, whistling and clicking. It can be intermittent or constant, with single or multiple tones, and the volume can range from subtle to shattering, according to the American Tinnitus Association.

If the ringing doesn’t go away or it’s an intolerable sound, it’s time to visit an audiologist. He or she will ask you a series of questions about your tinnitus, such as:

• Which ear is it?

• Is the ringing constant or does it come at certain times of the day?

• Can you describe the sound?

• Does the sound have a pitch?

• How loud is it?

• Does the sound change?

• Does anything make it worse?

• Does the sound impact your sleep or work or concentration

Your answers to these questions will help you and the audiologist understand what’s causing your tinnitus. While the exact cause(s) of tinnitus are unknown, it’s most often associated with exposure to loud noises, followed by wax build-up in the ear, certain medications, ear or sinus infections, jaw misalignment, cardiovascular disease, tumors, migraine, head or neck trauma or other medical conditions.

The best way to treat tinnitus is to eliminate its cause. It’s usually a symptom of a treatable medical condition but often, when its cause cannot be found or medical treatment isn’t the best course of action, it’s managed with treatment such as drug therapy, vitamin therapy, biofeedback, hypnosis, electrical stimulation, relaxation therapy, counseling or other forms of management.

Another treatment is a tinnitus masker, which resembles a hearing aid and "masks," or covers up, the tinnitus with an external noise. The masking noise is determined by the pitch, loudness and other characteristics of the tinnitus. Since many people say their tinnitus is worse at night or in a quiet environment, your doctor may suggest trying a sound machine, fish tank, fan, indoor waterfall or low volume music to help alleviate your discomfort.