Talking Tinnitus: The Five Ws and How to Get Help

Why Is Tinnitus Treatment Important?

Tinnitus affects hundreds of millions of adults throughout the world. A major systematic review estimated that more than 740 million adults experience tinnitus and that more than 120 million consider it a major problem.

United States research has estimated that approximately 10 percent of adults experienced tinnitus during the previous 12 months. Among those affected, some reported nearly constant symptoms or symptoms lasting longer than 15 years.

Despite misleading advertisements promoting miracle cures, reputable treatment options can reduce the effect tinnitus has on daily life.

What Is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is commonly described as ringing in the ears or head noise. Subjective tinnitus involves hearing a sound in one or both ears when no outside source is producing it.

Tinnitus is not a disease itself. It is a symptom that may be associated with an underlying hearing or health condition. In many cases, tinnitus reflects the auditory system’s response to changes or damage involving the ear and hearing pathways.

Common Tinnitus Sounds

• Ringing.
• Buzzing.
• Hissing.
• Humming.
• Whistling.
• Clicking.
• Roaring.
• Pulsing or beating.

Who Has an Increased Risk of Tinnitus?

Tinnitus can affect anyone, but certain people may have a greater risk. These can include people with hearing loss, older adults, men, smokers and people with specific medical or noise exposure histories.

Where Does Tinnitus Come From?

Although tinnitus may be heard in the ears, researchers believe many forms involve activity in the brain networks that process sound.

The auditory system converts sound into electrical signals that the brain recognizes. When hearing changes or sensory hair cells are damaged, the brain may attempt to adapt to reduced or altered sound input.

This process is sometimes compared with chronic pain that continues after an injury has healed. Neural circuits may become increasingly sensitive, producing or emphasizing a sound perception without an external source.

Changes in auditory signaling may also interact with the limbic system, which is involved in emotional responses. This may help explain why tinnitus can trigger stress, fear, frustration or sadness.

When Should Someone Seek Help for Tinnitus?

People with bothersome or persistent symptoms should seek professional evaluation. Earlier attention can help identify possible causes and establish an appropriate treatment plan.

It is important to distinguish tinnitus from hearing loss. Hearing loss reduces access to outside sounds and conversations. Tinnitus creates a sound perception that other people cannot hear.

This private nature can make tinnitus especially frustrating. Friends and family may not fully understand the effect it has on concentration, sleep, work, communication or daily enjoyment.

Empathy and support from loved ones can make a meaningful difference.

How Can People With Tinnitus Find Relief?

There is no single treatment that works for every person. Effective care begins with a professional evaluation of hearing, tinnitus symptoms and relevant medical history.

Most people with tinnitus also have some degree of hearing loss. In addition to improving communication, hearing aids may reduce awareness of tinnitus by increasing access to surrounding sounds.

When the brain receives more external sound, its attention may be drawn away from internal head noise. The tinnitus may become less noticeable when it is no longer heard against silence.

For many people with tinnitus, silence is not golden.

Good Humor, Healthy Hearing

While we take your hearing care seriously, a little laughter goes a long way.

Understanding Tinnitus Habituation

Habituation is the process by which a person’s physical or emotional response to a repeated stimulus gradually decreases.

Tinnitus habituation does not necessarily eliminate the sound. The goal is to retrain the brain so the tinnitus receives less attention and produces a weaker emotional response.

Over time, a person may become less aware of tinnitus and less distressed by it.

Learn About the Four Stages of Habituation

You Do Not Have to Manage Tinnitus Alone

If you or a loved one is struggling with tinnitus, professional guidance can provide hope and direction.

In coordination with other medical professionals, Focus Hearing can assess hearing, discuss tinnitus symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment options. The goal is to reduce the effect tinnitus has on communication, sleep, emotional health and daily activities.

If someone tells you that you simply have to live with tinnitus, remember that management options are available. Ask what can be done.

Visit Focus Hearing South

Focus Hearing has expanded with an additional location. Patients can expect the same personal attention and exceptional hearing care at both offices.

7500 West 160th Street, Suite 103
Stilwell, Kansas 66085

(913) 600-4619

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