Do you experience ringing in the ears? What about a buzzing sound or even musical noises? Tinnitus is when you experience ringing or other noises in one or both of your ears. It can look different for many people, but what we find most often is that people suffering from tinnitus feel hopeless and alone. The Hearing Center at ENT Institute strives to provide the best possible care and bring hope to our patients’ lives again.
POTENTIAL CAUSES OF TINNITUS
There is not one single or direct cause of tinnitus. Instead, there can be many causes.
In most cases, the cause is linked to one of the following:
- Hearing loss
- Ear infections or ear canal blockage
- Head or neck injuries
- Medications
Hearing loss is often accompanied by damage to the inner ear which can lead to tinnitus. Ear infections or ear canal blockages change the pressure in your ear which can cause tinnitus. Head or neck injuries often lead to tinnitus in one ear because the part of the head or neck is connected somehow to the ear. Medications vary, but the most commonly known to cause or worsen tinnitus includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), certain antibiotics, cancer drugs, water pills (diuretics), antimalarial drugs, as well as antidepressants.
RISK FACTORS, COMPLICATIONS, & SYMPTOMS
Just like any other health issue, it’s important to understand the risk factors and possible signs and symptoms. By knowing the risk factors, you can do your best to eliminate these patterns of behavior in order to prevent tinnitus. Understanding what symptoms to look for allows you to seek treatment sooner in life if tinnitus is suspected.
Anyone can experience tinnitus, but these factors may increase your risk of developing tinnitus:
- Loud noise exposure – often leads to hearing loss or damage
- Age – as you get older, functioning nerve fibers in your ears decline
- Sex – men are more likely to experience tinnitus
- Tobacco and alcohol use
- Certain health problems – can include obesity, cardiovascular problems, high blood pressure, and a history of arthritis or head injury
Alongside these risk factors, tinnitus can affect your overall quality of life. You may also suffer from:
- Fatigue
- Stress
- Sleep problems
- Trouble concentrating
- Memory problems
- Depression
- Anxiety and irritability
- Headaches
- Problems with work and family life
Most cases of tinnitus are subjective. As mentioned previously, tinnitus usually can’t be heard by other people because it’s not caused by an internal sound. It’s also a very common issue. While tinnitus symptoms can make you feel alone, it’s important to know that you aren’t, as tinnitus affects about 15-20% of people and is especially common in older adults.
Tinnitus is usually caused by an underlying condition, such as age-related hearing loss, an ear injury, or a problem with the circulatory system. Tinnitus is most often describe as a ringing in the ear, but the noise you hear can present in a number of ways, including:
- buzzing
- roaring
- clicking
- humming
- hissing
- & more
In rare cases, tinnitus can also present as a pulsing or whooshing sound (often in line with heartbeat). These cases are known as pulsatile or objective tinnitus because there is a chance your doctor may be able to hear it when they perform an examination.
Other important information to note is that noises can vary in pitch and squeal. They can be in one ear or both, and the noises have the potential to be so loud they become distracting. The noise you hear can be present all the time or it may come and go.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE TINNITUS
Many people with tinnitus are told there’s no hope. We’re showing people otherwise! We offer real solutions to managing your tinnitus symptoms. Schedule an appointment with Audiologist and Tinnitus Management Specialist Dr. Sonia Hamidi.
Tinnitus Relief Therapy
Tinnitus Relief Therapy provides patients with the tools necessary to successfully manage their tinnitus. Each session provides insight into potential tinnitus triggers/causes and an individualized tinnitus management action plan. Dr. Hamidi offers in-person and virtual appointments to patients all over the United States and other select countries.
Facebook Support Group
We offer a Facebook Support Group led by Dr. Hamidi where patients can learn more about tinnitus and connect with others who are going through a similar experience.
If you’re thinking about scheduling an appointment, but you’re still not sure, listen to what our amazing patients have to say:
“I have been working with Dr. Hamidi and the staff at the ENT Institute over the past few months to deal with some worsening tinnitus. Dr. Hamidi did a great job of answering all my questions and putting me at ease. She thoroughly discussed all of my options for managing tinnitus and provided recommendations that allowed me to feel more in control of it. As a result, over the past few weeks, I have started to have more good days than I was having before I arrived at the ENT Institute. Dr. Hamidi does a great job of making herself available to answer questions, even when you might not necessarily have a scheduled appointment. I would definitely recommend the ENT Institute to anyone looking to gain control of their tinnitus.” – Thomas
“Dr. Hamidi’s service is impeccable. The ability to have a place to go for treatment of tinnitus is paramount. Tinnitus is a debilitating illness, and many people are not informed about this often-undiagnosed disease. I am blessed that there is a trained facility where help is available and trained professionals are able to facilitate treatment. Dr. Hamidi offers options and resources on how to deal with tinnitus. She takes the time to explain the condition, the treatment, and possible outcomes. It really feels good to know that as a patient, I am not alone in this struggle. Best of all, HOPE is given in that there may be a way to overcome this mysterious disease, and resources are given. I highly recommend this therapy to anyone suffering from tinnitus.” – Ruby
Call us today to schedule your tinnitus evaluation appointment, 678-347-2123. Do not allow tinnitus to control you. It is time for you to control your tinnitus. We are here for you!