What is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is the perception of sound when there is no external noise present. While commonly known as “ringing in the ears,” it can manifest in various ways, including buzzing, hissing, whistling, swooshing, and even clicking sounds. Whether temporary or ongoing, the severity of Tinnitus symptoms can vary from acute to chronic.

In the United States, it’s a prevalent health condition, with over 25 million adults estimated to experience some form of tinnitus. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) reports that approximately 10% of American adults deal with this condition, with 5 million finding it burdensome and chronic, and 2 million considering it debilitating.

But rest assured, because Beltone has been treating patients with Tinnitus for over 80 years and is here to help you find relief. Get started by glancing over this resource that details everything you need to know about the peskiest ear problem around.

Types of Tinnitus

1. Subjective: Only the affected person can hear these noises. It’s often associated with reactions to hearing loss but can be caused by various factors, accounting for more than 99% of reported cases.
2. Objective: Both the patient and others can hear the sounds, usually generated by the body’s circulatory and musculoskeletal systems, accounting for less than 1% of total cases.

Common Catalysts for Tinnitus

1. Hearing Loss: Often accompanied by sensorineural hearing loss due to age-related or noise-induced causes.
2. Obstructions in the Middle Ear: Blockages, like earwax or foreign objects, can cause pressure leading to symptoms.
3. Head and Neck Trauma: Injuries to the head or neck can result in nerve, blood flow, and muscle issues causing tinnitus.
4. Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ): Dysfunction in the jaw joint; treating TMJ disorder may alleviate symptoms.
5. Sinus Pressure and Barometric Trauma: Nasal congestion or pressure changes can affect hearing and cause tinnitus symptoms.

Seeking Relief

Tinnitus is a symptom, not a disease, and is often a reaction in the brain to damage in the auditory system. While associated with hearing loss, there are about 200 different health disorders that can cause tinnitus.

At Beltone, we understand the challenges tinnitus presents. With award-winning hearing care solutions and 1500 locations nationwide, relief is within reach. If you’ve been suffering, know that options exist, and in some cases, identifying the root problem can lead to complete symptom removal. Don’t let tinnitus control your life—take the first step toward relief with Beltone.