Tinnitus refers to the sound in your ears when no other sounds are present. According to the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA), tinnitus is a common experience wtih one-third of adults experiencing tinnitus at some time in their leves; About 10% – 15% have prolonged tinnitus, and 1% have tinnitus that affects quality of life.

Tinnitus may be intermittent or it may be constant. You may experience it in one or both ears.

Tinnitus is a symptom and not a disease. Just like pain can be a symptom of a change within the body, tinnitus can be a symptom of a change within the ears. Although there are many possible causes, some people develop tinnitus for no apparent reason. 

Conditions that might cause tinnitus include:

Hearing Loss

Loud Noise Exposure

Injuries to the Head or Neck

Stress

Migraine Headache

Reaction to Medications

Diet

Other Medical Conditions such as Hypertension, Anemia, or Meniere’s Disease

If you have tinnitus, you will want to schedule a medical exam and a hearing evaluation. An estimated 90% of people with tinnitus also have some degree of hearing loss.

Although tinnitus may not go away, there are ways to make it more manageable. Treatment plans for tinnitus may include:

Sound Therapy

Relaxation and Mindfulness

Healthy Diet

Good Sleep Practices

Hearing Aids

Hearing Aids with Built-In Sound Generators

Positive Attitude/Percption of Tinnitus

The ENT physician and the audiologist, at the Riesberg Institute, can help you develop a treatment plan to change the perception of your tinnitus and help you take control of the sound in your ears. 

I’m Always “HEAR” for You!

Dr. Star