What Is It?

Tinnitus is the experience of hearing a sound in your own ears that others cannot hear. The sound can present in many ways and can vary in its consistency. Tinnitus can be disabling and decrease the sufferer’s quality of life.

 

Whom Does It Affect?

Prevalence data for tinnitus are variable; however, data indicate that at least 10% of individuals in the United States suffer. While tinnitus prevalence is thought to increase with age, children are just as susceptible. Tinnitus can be caused by hearing loss, medications, emotional trauma, and head trauma. Sometimes there is no known cause.

 

Symptoms of Disabling Tinnitus

Nearly everyone experiences tinnitus at some point in their life; however, not everyone feels as impacted or feels the need to seek treatment. Regardless the degree of impact, if tinnitus is experienced, a hearing and/or medical evaluation is warranted to rule out concerning pathologies. The following are symptoms of disabling tinnitus that may indicate a need to see an audiologist for treatment:

  • Cannot stop thinking about the tinnitus
  • Cannot sleep because of the tinnitus
  • Withdrawal from social situations (including work) because of the tinnitus
  • Depression, anxiety, loss of hope, or stress due to tinnitus
  • Thoughts of suicide or harming others

 

Is Tinnitus Part of Something Bigger?

Tinnitus may be symptomatic of other issues or conditions, some serious or life-threatening. These can include:

  • Hearing loss, particularly if the hearing loss is sudden in its onset
  • Meniere’s Disease
  • Semicircular Canal Dehiscence
  • Tumors/growths on the brain or on the vestibular or auditory nerve
  • Damage to hearing or head structures from a head trauma

 

Who Can Complete a Tinnitus Evaluation?

Tinnitus does not require a formal diagnosis to confirm its existence; however, understanding the qualities of the tinnitus can be helpful for intervention. Audiologists are the preferred healthcare provider to identify the traits of the tinnitus and determine the social and emotional impacts. However, few audiologists specialize in the assessment and treatment for tinnitus, so be picky about whom you see!

 

Who Can Treat Tinnitus?

Physicians and audiologists can treat tinnitus, although approaches to treatment will vary. Physicians can prescribe medications that may counterbalance tinnitus caused by other medications or vestibular disorders. Audiologists provide rehabilitative treatments options to help suffers learn to cope with the tinnitus through therapy and technology such as hearing aids. While there is no known cure for chronic tinnitus, there are many well-researched therapies to help alleviate the burden caused by it, so that sufferers can lead happy and fulfilled lives.

 

Are you concerned that your child has tinnitus? Call today to schedule a free virtual consultation (801) 996-7510.