Tinnitus: What You Need to Know
What is tinnitus?
Tinnitus is hearing a sound when there’s no actual external noise. People often describe it as ringing, buzzing, hissing, or roaring in one or both ears.
What causes tinnitus?
Most cases come from damage to the tiny hair cells in your inner ear—often from loud noise exposure or aging. Other causes include earwax buildup, certain medications, infections, head or neck injuries, and sometimes underlying health problems like high blood pressure.
Who is more likely to get tinnitus?
People exposed to loud sounds regularly—musicians, factory workers, or frequent concertgoers—face higher risks. Age, smoking, alcohol use, and some health conditions also increase the chance of developing tinnitus.
Is tinnitus a disease?
No, it’s a symptom that signals something is affecting your auditory system. It doesn’t damage your hearing by itself but can be an early sign of hearing loss or other ear issues.
Can tinnitus be cured?
There’s no cure yet, but many treatments help manage the symptoms. These include sound therapy, hearing aids, counseling, and lifestyle changes like stress reduction and avoiding caffeine or loud noises.
What’s the difference between pulsatile and non-pulsatile tinnitus?
Non-pulsatile tinnitus is a constant or intermittent ringing or buzzing without rhythm. Pulsatile tinnitus matches your heartbeat and often points to vascular issues, requiring further medical checks.
Can kids get tinnitus?
Yes, though it’s less common. Children exposed to loud noise or with ear infections can experience tinnitus, and it should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
How is tinnitus diagnosed?
Doctors often start with a hearing test and review your medical history. Imaging or blood flow studies may be needed, especially if pulsatile tinnitus is suspected.
Will tinnitus damage my hearing?
Tinnitus itself doesn’t cause hearing loss, but the conditions that cause it sometimes do. It can also indicate early changes in hearing health.
What treatments help with tinnitus?
Sound therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, hearing aids, and tinnitus retraining therapy are common. Some might benefit from medication to treat underlying causes, but no pill directly stops tinnitus.
Can lifestyle choices affect tinnitus?
Yes. Protect your ears from loud noise, reduce stress, limit caffeine and alcohol, and avoid smoking to help reduce symptoms.
When should I see a doctor about tinnitus?
If the sound is constant, getting worse, or affecting your quality of life, or if you have pulsatile tinnitus, see a healthcare provider to rule out serious conditions.
Can tinnitus go away on its own?
Often it does, especially if caused by short-term noise exposure. For some, it becomes a long-term issue, but many learn to live with it comfortably over time.
Are there new treatments for tinnitus?
Research is ongoing, with some exploring brain stimulation and new therapies. For now, managing symptoms remains the focus.
Can medications cause tinnitus?
Yes, some drugs like certain antibiotics, cancer treatments, and high doses of aspirin can cause or worsen tinnitus.
Is tinnitus linked to stress or anxiety?
Stress doesn’t cause tinnitus but can make the perception worse. Managing stress often helps lessen its impact.
