Tinnitus

• Some Facts About|TINNITUS

  • Can be pronounced “TIN-it-iss” or “tin-IGHT-iss”
  • Tinnitus is the medical term for continuous noises in one or both ears without an external sound source.
  • Although commonly referred to as “ringing in the ears”, it can be perceived as almost any sound you can think of; from roaring, buzzing, or whistling…to swishing, ticking, pinging and hissing.
  • Tinnitus can be annoying and frustrating. In some cases, it may interfere with sleep, and negatively impact an individual’s quality of life.
  • People of all ages can develop tinnitus, but it is more common in older adults.
  • Tinnitus is usually most noticeable in quiet situations (when there are fewer environmental sounds to ‘mask’ it)

  NOISE EXPOSURE is the #1 cause of tinnitus.

  Wear hearing protection during noisy activities.

  Other known causes of tinnitus include (but are not limited to):

  • High blood pressure
  • Diseases of the ear (e.g Meniere’s disease)
  • Ear infections or the presence of middle ear fluid
  • Certain medications
  • Excessive earwax
  • Head/neck disorders due to trauma (e.g. whiplash)
  • Underactive thyroid
  • TMJ (jaw joint) disorders
  • Allergies
  • Unknown etiology (no known cause)

• Tinnitus|Aggravators

  Tinnitus can fluctuate, sometimes becoming louder or more intrusive than usual. In some cases, fluctuations in tinnitus can be linked back to lifestyle or dietary factors.

  Some common tinnitus aggravators include:

  • Salt / Sodium Intake
  • Alcohol / Nicotine
  • Stress / Fatigue
  • Loud Noises
  • Teeth clenching or grinding

  If you notice your tinnitus is louder than usual, take a moment and consider some of the common triggers listed above. Are you under stress? Overtired or rundown? Did you have more coffee than usual, or a meal that was high in sodium/salt? Were you exposed to a loud sound? Do you notice any other ‘trends’ that might point to a ‘trigger’ that is not listed above?

  It is important to note that what aggravates one person’s tinnitus (causing it to ‘kick up a notch’), may not do the same to the next person’s tinnitus. Identifying your particular aggravating factor (or factors) can help you avoid these whenever possible, or at the very least, help you understand what has caused your tinnitus to change.

  Fluctuations are not uncommon, however very dramatic changes, or a change that is noticed in just one ear should be reported to your doctor or audiologist right away.

  If you are struggling to cope with tinnitus, take the first step in “taking charge of your tinnitus” and tell your doctor or audiologist.