Q: What is tinnitus?
A: Tinnitus is noise that you hear when there is not a sound present. I may be ringing, hissing, buzzing, crickets, humming, or even music. More than 50 million American adults experience tinnitus.
Q: What causes tinnitus?
A: We do not fully understand tinnitus, but the current theory is that it originates in the brain, rather than the ear. Tinnitus is often a symptom of hearing loss. It can also be a side effect of medications. Trauma to the head, ear infections, temporomandibular joint disorder, and even wax impaction can lead to tinnitus.
Q: Will my tinnitus go away?
A: It may or may not. If the tinnitus originated from wax impaction or as a side effect of medication, the noise may go away when the wax is removed, or the medication is finished. It is quite possible that the tinnitus is there to stay.
Q: What can I do about my tinnitus?
A: While there is no cure, there are things that may help. Add background noise. We typically notice the noise more when we are in quiet. Have a radio on or play white noise in the background. Even fan noise may help. Hearing aids can help mask your internal noise. Sound therapy, tinnitus retraining therapy, biofeedback, or cognitive behavioral therapy may help. Get enough sleep and try to control your stress levels. Avoid the over the counter “treatments” for tinnitus. There is no magic pill or drops to make it go away. There is no scientific evidence that Vick’s VapoRub alleviates tinnitus and applying it near the ear could be dangerous.
Q: I have tinnitus, where should I start?
A: Discuss with your primary care physician (PCP), especially if you have pulsatile (pulsing) tinnitus or only have tinnitus in one ear. Review your medications with your PCP and pharmacist. See an audiologist and have a hearing evaluation.
Q: Are there different types of tinnitus?
A: Yes, there are two main types: subjective (only the person experiencing it can hear the sound) and objective (the sound can also be heard by others)
Q: Is tinnitus only something older people get?
A: No, people of all ages can experience tinnitus.
Q: Is tinnitus a disease?
A: No, tinnitus is not a disease. It is a symptom of an underlying issue, such as hearing loss, earwax buildup, ear injury, infections, certain medications, etc.
Q: Can you have tinnitus without hearing loss?
A: Yes, although it’s very commonly associated with hearing loss, people with normal hearing can also experience tinnitus
Q: I’ve seen ads for a supplement for tinnitus. Can it make it go away?
A: There is no medication/supplement that can cure tinnitus. Some medications can even make tinnitus worse.
Q: Is tinnitus always caused by loud noise?
A: No, loud noise exposure is a common cause, but tinnitus can also be triggered by many other things, or sometimes nothing at all.
Q: Is there anything I can do to manage my tinnitus?
A: Yes, while there is no cure, there are ways to manage the tinnitus such as hearing aids, sound machines, tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and counseling/stress management techniques
Q: When should I see an audiologist about my tinnitus?
- If it is new or suddenly worsens (please tell your doctor if you feel you may have pulsating tinnitus)
- Interferes with sleep, concentration, or daily life
- Occurs with hearing loss, dizziness, or ear pain
