Tinnitus, a condition characterized by the perception of sounds like ringing, buzzing or humming in the ears, affects approximately 15% of the global population. While occasional ear ringing is common and often temporary, persistent tinnitus can significantly disrupt daily life. Knowing when to seek assistance for tinnitus is vital for effectively managing the condition and preventing its negative impact on your life.
Understanding Tinnitus Causes
While the precise cause of tinnitus isn’t always evident, it can stem from exposure to loud noise, age-related hearing loss, excess earwax, certain medications or underlying health issues like hypertension or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
When to Seek Help
A few signs it is time to seek help for your tinnitus include:
- Persistent tinnitus. Tinnitus is a common side effect of a temporary threshold shift (a temporary change in your hearing following exposure to loud noise). In the case of a temporary threshold shift, your tinnitus should go away within a few days. If you experience ongoing tinnitus persisting for more than a few days without improvement, it’s time to seek help, as persistent tinnitus may indicate permanent hearing damage.
- Changes in hearing. Tinnitus accompanied by sudden changes in hearing, like hearing loss or heightened sensitivity to sound, warrants prompt evaluation by a healthcare provider. These changes might indicate an underlying ear or hearing issue necessitating attention.
- Tinnitus after injury or trauma. In cases where tinnitus develops following head or neck trauma, such as a blow to the head or exposure to loud noise, consulting a healthcare provider is recommended. Following an injury or trauma, tinnitus can be a symptom of a more serious injury, like a concussion or damage to the auditory system.
- Tinnitus with other symptoms. If tinnitus is accompanied by symptoms like dizziness, vertigo, ear pain or ear discharge, it should be assessed by a healthcare professional as they could signal an underlying ear infection, injury or other medical condition requiring treatment.
- Impact on daily life. If tinnitus significantly hampers your ability to concentrate, sleep, work or engage in your favorite activities, seeking help is crucial. Chronic tinnitus can lead to anxiety, depression and difficulty coping with daily challenges, underscoring the importance of early intervention in managing symptoms and enhancing quality of life.
Seeking Help
A hearing specialist can conduct a comprehensive evaluation, including a physical examination, hearing tests and imaging studies to identify any underlying causes of tinnitus.
Following an evaluation, treatment options for tinnitus may include:
- Managing the underlying condition
- Wearing hearing aids to mask the sound of tinnitus during the day
- Using sound machines at night to mask tinnitus
- Cognitive behavioral therapy to alter the stress response to tinnitus
- Relaxation techniques to reduce the effect of tinnitus on your overall well-being
Recognizing when to seek assistance for tinnitus is crucial for timely intervention and management. Contact The House Institute today to make an appointment with one of our hearing specialists.