Tinnitus

What Is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus can be described as ringing, whooshing, clicking, buzzing, or static that you hear in one or both ears. Some people hear multiple sounds, and the pitch and loudness can fluctuate. Tinnitus can be frustrating because it is a sound only you can hear, and it is different for every person.

What Causes Tinnitus?

The most common cause of Tinnitus is hearing loss, but other causes may include:

Earwax buildup
Acoustic trauma, or exposure to loud sounds like gunshots, fireworks, or standing next to speakers at a concert
TMJ or jaw tension
Concussion, injury to the head or neck
Ototoxic drugs that damage the ear, which can include drugs for cancer treatment, diuretics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and antidepressants
Stress
Ear infections

You Are Not Alone

According to the American Tinnitus Association, approximately 25 million Americans experience tinnitus. For most people, tinnitus isn’t bothersome. For others, tinnitus can greatly affect their quality of life by interrupting sleep, concentration, or participation in recreational activities. Sometimes, tinnitus is also accompanied by sensitivity to loud sounds. Tinnitus treatment at Apollo Audiology focuses on reducing the perception of tinnitus to improve your function in daily life.

Steps to Take When You Have Tinnitus

A multidisciplinary approach can be very helpful in figuring out what might have caused your tinnitus.

An evaluation by an Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor can rule out possible underlying medical issues, such as a tumor, cardiovascular issues, and ear infection.
Once you have been medically cleared, the next step is to see an audiologist for a hearing test. According to the American Tinnitus Association, approximately 80 percent of people with tinnitus have some hearing loss. Apollo Audiology works with hearing technology that can assist with both hearing loss and tinnitus.
Once your hearing sensitivity is established, the next step is a tinnitus evaluation. The audiologist at Apollo Audiology will evaluate which type of tinnitus you may have and provide treatment for your unique tinnitus.

Ways to Manage Tinnitus

Tinnitus can be very frustrating, because there is not a single cure or treatment that works for everyone. However, there are many ways to make it less bothersome. Your treatment plan may include the following:

Treating the hearing loss
Sound Therapy
Sleep Hygiene
Stress Management
Bimodal Stimulation Devices
Custom Hearing Protection
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)