Tinnitus is when you experience high-pitched noises such as ringing or other noises in one or both of your ears. The noise you’re experiencing can’t be heard by other people as it’s not caused by an external sound. It’s a fairly common symptom of an underlying condition that affects around 20% of people, and most usually occurs in older adults.

What are the Causes of Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is usually caused by an underlying condition such as injury to the ear, issues with your circulatory system or sometimes age-related hearing loss. Tinnitus can also be caused by an ear infection or blockage in your ear canal, which can easily happen if you’ve been unwell with flu-like symptoms. Blockages and infections change the pressure in your ear canal, which is why you can hear strange ringing sounds.

In some cases, certain medications can cause or make symptoms of tinnitus worse. Many people find that using a lower dose or stopping the medication altogether stops the tinnitus.

What Kind of Sounds are Related to Tinnitus?

Many people describe tinnitus as a high-pitched ringing in their ears that is temporary or persistent. However, some people experience other noises, like:

Buzzing
Cracking
Hissing
Humming
Roaring
Clicking

When to See an Audiologist for Tinnitus

For most people, the symptoms of tinnitus don’t bother them, and they may find they don’t notice it as often as they used to. However, if you have tinnitus symptoms that are noticeable, it’s worth making an appointment with an audiologist. It’s worth noting that you should make an appointment if:

If you’ve developed tinnitus after an upper respiratory infection such as a cold, and the tinnitus doesn’t improve within a week.
You’re experiencing hearing loss with tinnitus.
You’re experiencing dizziness with tinnitus.
Your tinnitus is causing you to feel anxious or depressed.

How is Tinnitus Treated?

There aren’t currently any cures for tinnitus, but there are treatments for reducing your symptoms. Your audiologist may recommend sound therapy, hearing aids or behavioral therapies. Your audiologist may also suggest preventative methods like hearing protection.

Using Hearing Protection

If you’re regularly exposed to loud noises, such as when you’re at work, the nerves in your ears may become damaged, therefore causing tinnitus. If you can’t avoid loud sounds, a great way of preventing tinnitus symptoms is by wearing hearing protection, such as noise canceling headphones, earplugs or earmuffs.

Limiting Caffeine, Nicotine and Alcohol

Caffeine, nicotine and alcohol in excess can affect your blood flow and cause tinnitus symptoms. Try to cut back or give them up altogether.

Taking Better Care of Your Cardiovascular Health

Eating well and exercising regularly helps keep your blood vessels healthy and prevent tinnitus that might be linked to obesity or blood vessel disorders.

Turning Down the Volume

It’s great to turn up the music when you’re enjoying it, but long-term exposure to loud music can cause hearing loss and tinnitus symptoms. While it’s fine once in a while, keep the volume at a more reasonable level. Talk with your audiologist about safe volume levels, to protect your hearing.