What is Tinnitus? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Tinnitus is a condition where individuals perceive sounds—such as ringing, buzzing, or hissing—in their ears or head without an external source. Affecting 15–20% of the population, tinnitus is common and, in many cases, harmless. However, it can significantly impact daily life, causing stress, difficulty concentrating, and disrupted sleep. This blog post explores the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for tinnitus.

What is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is not a disease but a symptom of various underlying conditions. The sounds can vary in tone, volume, and duration, and while some people experience temporary tinnitus, others may struggle with chronic symptoms. Although there is no universal cure, tinnitus can often be managed, and exploring different treatment options is essential to reduce its impact on daily life.

Common Causes of Tinnitus

Tinnitus can be triggered by various factors, including:

• Hearing Loss: The most common cause, often due to damage to the hair cells in the inner ear from age-related hearing loss, noise exposure, or other hearing impairments.
• Exposure to Loud Noise: Continuous or sudden exposure to loud sounds, such as concerts or machinery, can damage the auditory structures, leading to tinnitus.
• Ear Infections and Blockages: Conditions like earwax buildup or infections can cause temporary tinnitus, which resolves when the underlying issue is treated.
• Medications: Certain medications, like antibiotics and diuretics, may worsen tinnitus due to their effects on the inner ear.
• Health Conditions: Conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and thyroid disorders can contribute to tinnitus.
• Stress and Anxiety: Emotional stress can worsen tinnitus symptoms, making the sounds more pronounced.

Symptoms of Tinnitus

The primary symptom of tinnitus is the perception of sounds that aren’t externally present. These sounds might include:

• Ringing: High-pitched tones resembling a bell ringing.
• Buzzing: A low humming or buzzing sound.
• Hissing: Similar to air escaping or steam.
• Roaring: A low-pitched, continuous noise, resembling distant thunder or ocean waves.

These sounds can vary in intensity and may worsen in quiet settings or at night.

Treatment Options for Tinnitus

While tinnitus doesn’t have a universal cure, several treatments can help manage symptoms. At Toronto Hearing Health Clinic, we focus on solutions that alleviate symptoms, especially when associated with hearing loss.

1.     Noise Machines and Sound Therapy

Sound therapy involves using external sounds to mask tinnitus. White noise machines or sound generators provide soothing background sounds, like ocean waves or rainfall, to reduce the contrast between tinnitus and silence. Apps like ReSound Tinnitus Relief and Beltone Tinnitus Calmer allow users to customize soundscapes, blending nature sounds and music.

2.     Hearing Aids

For those with hearing loss, hearing aids can amplify external sounds and reduce tinnitus awareness. By amplifying external sounds, they help reduce the perception of tinnitus by restoring balance to the auditory system. Many manufacturers offer companion apps that include tinnitus masking programs to further assist in managing symptoms.

3.     Masking the Noise

Devices designed for ear placement can also mask tinnitus sounds by providing continuous background noise. These wearable devices make tinnitus less noticeable and more manageable.

4.     Apps for Tinnitus Management

Several mobile apps have been developed to assist tinnitus sufferers. For example, AudioCardio uses Threshold Sound Conditioning to strengthen auditory pathways, providing tinnitus relief. Apps like ReSound Relief and Widex ZEN Therapy combine sound therapy with guided meditation, breathing exercises, and educational content, while Beltone’s app tracks optimal sound preferences and offers cognitive distractions to help users manage their tinnitus.

5.     Relaxation Techniques

Stress exacerbates tinnitus, so incorporating exercise or relaxation techniques like guided meditation and deep breathing exercises can help. Many apps also offer habituation methods, retraining the brain to treat tinnitus as unimportant background noise. When paired with sound therapy and relaxation, these techniques can improve outcomes. According to the American Tinnitus Association, combining sound therapy with relaxation yields better results than masking alone.

Conclusion

Though there is no universal cure for tinnitus, many effective strategies can help manage and reduce its symptoms. Whether through sound therapy, hearing aids, or tinnitus-specific apps, there are various tools available to provide relief. If you’re experiencing tinnitus, remember you don’t have to simply “live with it.” Exploring treatment options with a healthcare professional can help you find the best approach to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

If you’re unsure about the next steps or need help managing tinnitus, contact us at Toronto Hearing Health Clinic. We’re here to guide you in finding the right solution for your hearing health.

Written by: Carolina Kasem, CDA