Tinnitus is a medical condition that affects millions of people worldwide where around 15 to 20 percent of adults are seen to be affected. When you experience sounds such as ringing, buzzing, hissing, or other noises that can range in intensity from mild to severe, it can be a frustrating and distressing condition. This “ringing in the ear” condition is characterized by the perception of sound in the absence of an external auditory stimulus and can have a significant impact on quality of life.
In this article, we will have an in-depth look into what types of tinnitus are there, the causes triggering the condition, common symptoms, how it is treated, and possible prevention. Let’s begin.
Different types of tinnitus
In general, tinnitus can be classified into two types: subjective tinnitus and objective tinnitus. Subjective tinnitus is the most common type of tinnitus and is characterized by sounds that are only heard by the person experiencing the condition.
Objective tinnitus, on the other hand, is much rarer and is caused by a physical sound that is heard by both the person experiencing the condition and others around them. Objective tinnitus can be caused by a variety of factors, including vascular abnormalities, muscle contractions, and middle ear bone conditions.
Causes of tinnitus
While tinnitus can be caused by a variety of factors, the most common cause of tinnitus is exposure to loud noise. This can be due to occupational noise exposure, such as working in a loud factory or construction site, or recreational noise exposure, such as attending concerts or listening to music through headphones at high volumes.
Other causes of tinnitus can include age-related hearing loss, ear infections, head injuries, earwax buildup, and even certain medications.
Symptoms of tinnitus
The most obvious symptom of tinnitus is the perception of sounds that are not present in the external environment. These sounds can be heard as
- Ringing,
- Buzzing,
- Hissing,
Or other noises, and can be intermittent or continuous. Tinnitus can also be accompanied by hearing loss, vertigo, and ear pain or pressure. In some cases, tinnitus can lead to anxiety, depression, and other psychological symptoms.
Treatment of tinnitus
The treatment of tinnitus depends on the underlying cause of the condition. If tinnitus is caused by exposure to loud noise, reducing exposure to loud noises can help prevent further damage to the ear. In some cases, hearing aids or cochlear implants may be recommended to improve hearing and reduce the perception of tinnitus.
Prevention of Tinnitus
- Preventing tinnitus can be as simple as protecting the ears from loud noise. This can include wearing earplugs or earmuffs when working in noisy environments or attending loud events.
- It is also important to limit exposure to recreational noise, such as listening to music through headphones at high volumes.
- Regular hearing tests can also help detect early signs of hearing loss and prevent the development of tinnitus.
Conclusion
Tinnitus is more common than we think and can be prevented with simple steps. However, it is always a good idea to go to a trusted hearing aid clinic and opt for a hearing test to get diagnosed before it is too late.
