Tinnitus is a noise people hear in their heads but that doesn’t come from outside. It’s usually a high-pitched whistling, ringing, or white noise similar to a shower, but can manifest as any number of other sounds. Sometimes, it comes and goes. People often hear it in the evening, when things are quiet. It can get louder when people are tired, stressed or not taking care of their health. In the worst of cases, the sound just never goes away.
Though tinnitus isn’t dangerous, it can be extremely bothersome and detrimental to quality of life. People with severe tinnitus often experience things like insomnia, loss of appetite, fatigue, irritability, depression and even suicidal thoughts.
But where does the sound come from?
Causes can vary, but it’s nearly impossible to pinpoint the precise source of tinnitus in any given case. First of all, it’s important to understand that tinnitus is not a disease, but rather a symptom, similar to how a fever is merely a symptom of a larger issue. This noise can be a sign of various health problems, or be related to stress or fatigue, but in the vast majority of cases, it is caused by hearing loss.
Tinnitus most often affects people who work in noisy environments or handle chemicals over a long period of time. It also affects people who have suffered serious illnesses, head trauma, or acoustic trauma caused by an explosion, gunshot, or hard slap on the ear. It’s also common among fans of very loud music and in people over 50 years of age.
Is there a link between tinnitus and hearing loss?
In most cases, tinnitus is a sign of deafness. Partial hearing loss acts like earplugs, preventing some sounds from reaching the brain. As a consequence, the brain doesn’t get enough stimulation. In areas where there is silence for the brain, there is no neural activity. If these areas aren’t used, then over time, the neurons there will die, and all their output will cease. In an attempt to preserve unused auditory function, the brain begins to self-stimulate by sending itself sounds at unused auditory frequencies.
What should you do if you have tinnitus?
Unfortunately, there is no cure, but there are ways to reduce the associated discomfort.
First, you need to have your hearing tested. Depending on the results, you may be referred to an ENT doctor.
If hearing loss is confirmed, it’s important to make an appointment with an audioprosthetist, who will correct your hearing and help make tinnitus less of a nuisance.
At our Clinique Auditive and RVO Aide Auditive Côte St-Luc,
5555, Westminster, Suite 317, Côte St-Luc H4W 2J2,
you will be provided with the services of all the above professionals.
To schedule an appointment, simply call: (514) 639-1000.
Anna Vandalovski
Audioprosthetist
(Member of the Ordre des Audioprothésistes du Québec)
