Tinnitus is often known as ‘ringing in the ear.’ It can manifest as a variety of different sounds, including buzzing, hissing, humming, and more. It’s estimated that over 50 million Americans experience tinnitus at one point in their life.
Tinnitus is the perception of sounds not made by a source outside the body. It can affect people old and young.
Understanding tinnitus can help you cope with this frustrating condition. It can also help provide you with information on how to prevent tinnitus from happening. We’re exploring 5 tinnitus myths, and looking at the facts of tinnitus.
5 Common Tinnitus Myths
1.) Myth: Tinnitus only affects people with hearing loss.
Fact: This myth is somewhat true. According to the Hearing Loss Association of America, 90% of tinnitus is due to an underlying hearing loss. There are, however, other causes of tinnitus. These may include:
- Medication
- Underlying health condition
- Loud Noise
If you have been dealing with symptoms of tinnitus for over 2 weeks, we recommend that you contact your general healthcare practitioner.
2.) Myth: Tinnitus is a disease.
Fact: Tinnitus is not a disease, or a disorder. In most cases, tinnitus is actually a symptom of an underlying health problem. Treating your tinnitus first requires diagnosing the underlying cause.
Most cases of tinnitus are actually caused by damage to your inner ear. This could be the result of an ear infection, medication, or loud noise.
3.) Myth: Everyone experiences ringing in the ears.
Fact: Ringing in the ears is the most commonly reported symptom. But people with tinnitus may also experience other sounds. These include:
- Clicking
- Hissing
- Roaring
- Buzzing
- Whooshing
- Whistling
In rare cases, some people experiencing tinnitus report hearing music!
Please note: If your tinnitus sounds like a heartbeat, it could have a more serious underlying cause. Please book an appointment with your local healthcare practitioner.
4.) Myth: Tinnitus is permanent.
Fact: Tinnitus can be a temporary condition. It can also be a chronic (long-term) condition. You may experience temporary symptoms of tinnitus after a loud concert. Other sources of loud noise can also cause tinnitus.
Tinnitus that arises due to exposure to loud noise generally goes away after a few hours. In cases where the tinnitus is the result of a blockage in your inner ear, removing the blockage should stop the symptoms.
Age-related hearing loss, also known as presbycusis, is a permanent condition that may cause chronic tinnitus.
5.) Myth: There’s no cure for tinnitus.
Fact: This myth is partially true. True, there is currently no cure for tinnitus. However, there are treatment options available. These may include:
- Hearing Protection
- Sound Masking
- Meditation
- Relaxation
If your tinnitus is the result of an underlying hearing loss, hearing aid devices can minimize the symptoms. Likewise, if your tinnitus is due to an underlying health condition, treating the condition can help.
Have a Question? Need Help? Contact Us Today!
We understand that tinnitus can be frustrating. That’s why our hearing healthcare specialists would be happy to offer you a hearing assessment. If you’d like to book an appointment, please call us today on (203) 208-3678 or request an appointment online.