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Do You Have Tinnitus?

If so, you’re not alone. Tinnitus is a common problem that affects millions of people in the United States and around the world.

You can find out more about what causes tinnitus and how it can be treated at our website or visit us at Ontario Hearing Center. We can evaluate your condition and make appropriate recommendation for treating tinnitus or providing tips on how to best cope with your condition.

Tinnitus Symptoms

Tinnitus is a condition where you hear sounds that are not really there. These phantom noises can be buzzing, roaring, clicking, hissing and/or humming. The ringing sound may be continuous, last for many seconds at a time or it might just come and go in short bursts.

It’s one of the most common symptoms of hearing loss: a ringing or buzzing sound in your ear. In some cases, the noise can be so loud it interferes with your ability to concentrate or even hear external sound. An evaluation by an audiologist can help determine the cause of the tinnitus and whether medical intervention is recommended. For around 50% of those who experience it on a regular basis, the condition is benign and typically doesn’t have any long-term consequences. 

If you experience sudden tinnitus that persists, it is recommended that you see your doctor or go to urgent care. The sudden onset of tinnitus could be the sign of some other potentially serious medical condition.

Causes of Tinnitus

Tinnitus is a frustrating condition that affects many people. It can be very difficult to treat, and the lack of answers from doctors can leave patients feeling helpless.

Most people have never heard of tinnitus, let alone know how to deal with it effectively. Many are left frustrated and confused by their symptoms, which only makes dealing with them more difficult. We offer a number of solutions for people who want to know more about causes of tinnitus. We provide detailed information about various health conditions that can lead to ringing in the ears, including infections, high blood pressure, stress and hearing loss.

Common Causes Of Tinnitus

Hearing Loss

Your ear is able to differentiate the smallest of sound waves, thanks to a tiny bundle of hair-like cells in your inner ear. When these cells are moved by sound waves, they send electrical signals along the auditory nerve to your brain – which interprets them as sound.When old age or regular exposure to loud sounds bend the hairs in your inner ear, they can start “leaking” random electrical impulses to your brain, causing a strange ringing sound known as tinnitus.

Ear Infection Or Ear Canal Blockage

Blocked ear canals, as with most other conditions that affect the ears, can lead to various types of hearing issues like tinnitus. If these are not treated promptly, they may become more severe and require surgical procedures on your ear canal.

Head Or Neck Injuries

If tinnitus appears following a head or neck injury, immediately notify and consult with your physician.

Medications

A number of medications may cause or worsen tinnitus – this unwanted noise can often disappear when you stop using them. Doctors generally prescribe these drugs in order to treat various health conditions that might be worsened by it, but there are risks involved with their use which should be discussed with your doctor beforehand.

Too Much Earwax

Earwax, also known as cerumen, is a natural substance that forms in the ear canal and acts as a lubricant as well as containing natural antibacterial properties. Its purpose is to remove dirt, and debris from the outer ear canal. It also has an odor that is a deterrent for insects. However an excess accumulation of wax untreated can cause pressure on the middle and inner ear and lead to tinnitus.

Other Causes Of Tinnitus

Meniere’s Disease

Tinnitus can be an early indicator of Meniere’s disease, a condition that affects the ear and may present as an inner ear disorder. Symptoms include dizziness, hearing loss, difficulty maintaining balance, and ringing in the ears.

Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

Eustachian tube dysfunction may occur when the lining of the tube that connects your middle ear to your upper throat is swollen, or does not open or close properly. If the tube is not functioning properly it can cause tinnitus, in addition to a feeling of fullness in your ears.

Blood Vessel Disorders

When the blood vessels in your body are compromised by atherosclerosis, high blood pressure or a kinked or malformed vessel, tinnitus may occur. The changes in blood flow through your veins and arteries may also effect your hearing sensitivity.

Tinnitus Risk Factors

Exposure To Loud Noises

Loud noises, such as those from heavy equipment, chain saws, firearms, and power tools, just to name a few, can cause hearing losses especially when exposed over a long period of time. Portable music devices that are played loudly over a period of time and repeated exposure to loud concerts can also contribute to noise-related hearing loss.

Age

The most common cause of tinnitus is high frequency hearing loss. High frequency hearing loss is also the most common hearing loss due to aging. As you age, the constant exposure to noise causes the number of nerve fibers in your ears to decrease, hence effecting your hearing and often times triggering tinnitus

Tobacco And Alcohol Use

Smokers have a much higher risk of developing tinnitus than non-smokers. Alcohol consumption is also known to exasperate tinnitus.

Tinnitus Complications

Tinnitus can be exhausting. The sound of tinnitus can intensify and worsen as you think about it, making a person’s quality of life severely affected by this condition. Tinnitus also affects one’s memory and ability to concentrate; in some cases, people have even developed depression or anxiety from the effects that tinnitus has had on their lives.
The good news is that there are treatments available for those who suffer from this illness like the use of noise generators which creates a constant background noise so your ears don’t make noises anymore or using medications to help ease symptoms such as depression.

Tinnitus Prevention

Use Hearing Protection

It is very common for people to experience problems with their hearing after years of exposure to noises. Often, this can lead to tinnitus or hearing loss which can affect your life in a variety of ways. Fortunately the use of hearing protection can minimize the amount of damage caused by exposure to loud noisesd

Limit Alcohol, Caffeine And Nicotine

Limit alcohol, caffeine and nicotine. These substances have been scientifically proven to your blood flow and can be a major contributor in conditions such as tinnitus.

Tinnitus Diagnosis And Management - Rochester, NY

Audiologists at Ontario Hearing Centers are well-experienced in diagnosing, handling, and managing tinnitus. Don’t spend another day
enduring that annoying or disturbing ringing in the ears.

We provide tinnitus evaluations in Rochester, NY. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!