Tinnitus is the perception of ringing, buzzing or other sounds when no actual sound is present. While tinnitus is commonly associated with hearing loss or ear injury, it can occur for various reasons and presents itself in different forms. If you experience tinnitus and one of these forms of tinnitus sounds like you, consider scheduling a consultation with an ENT.
Subjective Tinnitus
Subjective tinnitus is the most common form and is characterized by sounds that only the person affected can hear. This type of tinnitus is typically caused by problems within the auditory system, such as damage to the hair cells in the inner ear, exposure to loud noises or age-related hearing loss.
Conditions like ear infections, impacted earwax and ototoxic medications can also lead to subjective tinnitus. Since the sound is only heard by the affected individual, and there is no cure so this form of tinnitus can be harder to diagnose but is often managed with hearing aids, sound therapy or other treatments.
Objective Tinnitus
Objective tinnitus is a rare form of the condition where the sound is not only heard by the affected individual but can also be detected by a doctor during an examination. This type of tinnitus is usually caused by a physical issue, such as abnormal blood flow in the ear, muscle spasms or structural problems in the ear or surrounding areas.
Because objective tinnitus can often be traced to a specific cause, management may include addressing the underlying physical problem, such as correcting blood flow or relaxing muscles, which can alleviate the tinnitus symptoms.
Tonal Tinnitus
Tonal tinnitus refers to the perception of a continuous, consistent sound at one or more specific frequencies, such as one long whistle. Tonal tinnitus is the most common type of subjective tinnitus and can be associated with hearing loss or damage to the auditory system.
The steady nature of tonal tinnitus can make it more noticeable and bothersome, especially in quiet environments like Florence Library. Sound therapy, such as white noise machines, can help mask the tonal sound and reduce its impact.
Pulsatile Tinnitus
Pulsatile tinnitus is characterized by rhythmic sounds that match the person’s heartbeat or pulse. This type of tinnitus is rare and often has a vascular origin, such as changes in blood flow near the ear or high blood pressure.
Because it is often linked to circulation issues, pulsatile tinnitus can be detected and treated once the underlying cause is addressed. If you experience pulsatile tinnitus, it’s essential to consult a doctor, as it could indicate an underlying health condition.
Musical Tinnitus
Also known as musical hallucinations or auditory imagery, musical tinnitus involves hearing melodies, music or songs that aren’t present. Musical tinnitus is more commonly seen in individuals with hearing loss or neurological conditions, and it can sometimes be triggered by excessive noise exposure. Musical tinnitus is also rare.
If you are experiencing tinnitus, it’s important to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and management. Understanding the type of tinnitus, you have can help guide treatment options and improve your quality of life.
To learn more about tinnitus or to schedule a consultation, contact The House Institute today.