Dizziness and Ringing in Your Ears
Tinnitus: How to Find Relief from Ear Ringing
Understanding Tinnitus
Tinnitus (tin-NY-tus) is the perception of ringing, hissing, or roaring sounds in your ears. At a minimum, the ringing can be annoying and overpower everyday sounds. When it persists, tinnitus can disrupt your ability to concentrate, sleep soundly, and may lead to fatigue, irritability, and stress.
If tinnitus is affecting your daily life, reach out to us for a prompt hearing test. Tinnitus is often linked to hearing loss, and treatment with hearing aids or masking devices can be highly effective. We will assess your hearing, review your medical history, and discuss suitable treatment options.
Causes of Tinnitus
Roughly 25 million Americans have experienced tinnitus, which can be a symptom of various hearing or health-related problems. While allergies or other medical conditions can trigger tinnitus in some cases, it is most commonly associated with hearing loss. The primary causes of tinnitus include:
- Age-Related Hearing Loss: Most individuals with tinnitus also have some form of hearing loss.
- Exposure to Loud Noise: Prolonged exposure to loud noise can lead to permanent hearing loss and worsen tinnitus symptoms.
- Ear Wax Buildup: Excessive earwax accumulation in the ear canal can result in hearing loss and tinnitus. Attempting to remove earwax yourself may worsen the situation; seek professional assistance.
- Other Potential Causes: Certain medications, including aspirin, can induce tinnitus. It may also be linked to allergies, sinus blockages, or underlying medical conditions such as tumors, heart and blood vessel issues, as well as jaw and neck problems. If our consultation and evaluation suggest any of these medical concerns, we will refer you to a physician for further diagnosis.
Preventing Worsening of Tinnitus
Avoid activities that can exacerbate the ringing in your ears, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and exposure to loud noises. If you work in environments like construction sites or airports or are regularly exposed to loud noise, use earplugs or specialized earmuffs to safeguard your hearing.
If it's challenging for you to hear over your tinnitus, try facing your friends and family during conversations to better interpret their expressions. Request that people speak more loudly but not to the point of shouting. Most importantly, don't hesitate to call us. Let's conduct a hearing assessment and explore treatment options to alleviate your tinnitus.
Embark on Your Journey Today
- Contact us, and we'll gladly address your questions about hearing loss and hearing aids.
- Schedule an appointment with our audiologist for a hearing test to determine your suitability for hearing aids.
- If hearing aids are suitable, our hearing specialist will discuss options tailored to your unique hearing profile, lifestyle, preferences, and budget.
- Your new hearing aids will be customized and programmed to deliver optimal hearing, allowing you to reconnect with the people and activities essential to your life.