Understanding Tinnitus

Tinnitus is often described as a ringing, buzzing, whooshing, or hissing sound in the ears, even though there is no outside source creating the noise. About 30% of adults in North America experience tinnitus at some point in their lives, and it can happen for many different reasons. Understanding the symptoms and possible causes is the first step in finding the right treatment.

Symptoms of Tinnitus

Tinnitus can present in several ways, but the most common symptoms include hearing:

Ringing
Buzzing
Whooshing
Hissing
Clicking

These sounds are usually only heard by the person experiencing them, although in some cases they may also be detected by a hearing professional. The sounds may be constant or come and go. For some people, tinnitus can interfere with sleep because the noise makes it difficult to relax or feel like the mind can fully settle.

Causes of Tinnitus

There are several possible causes of tinnitus, including:

Exposure to loud noise
Medication
Hearing loss
Ear infection
Trauma to the ear
Earwax buildup
Ménière’s disease
Vascular disorders

Tinnitus may be linked to one or more of these causes. In some cases, the issue can be resolved quickly if the cause is temporary, such as an infection or excess earwax.

Tinnitus Treatments
Depending on the cause, there are several treatment options available to help reduce tinnitus symptoms. Dimos will assess the severity of your tinnitus, review your symptoms, determine how it affects your daily life, and look for possible causes before recommending the most appropriate solution.
Address the Underlying Issue:
If tinnitus is related to earwax buildup, medication, or an infection, the recommended treatment will focus on correcting that issue. This may include earwax removal, changing medications, or using antibiotics. Behavioural therapy may also be recommended to help manage emotional responses such as anxiety, frustration, or anger.
Hearing Aids:
Hearing devices can be very effective for tinnitus management. Even without measurable hearing loss, hearing aids can include tinnitus masking features that help reduce the perception of unwanted sounds.
White Noise Machines:
If tinnitus is mild or mainly noticeable at night, a white noise machine may help. These devices create a steady background sound that helps mask tinnitus and make it easier to rest.
Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT):
TRT is designed to help people become less aware of tinnitus over time. This approach retrains the brain to tune out specific tones, which can reduce how noticeable the symptoms feel.

If you are experiencing tinnitus, schedule an appointment with Shuswap Hearing Clinic to be evaluated. We will work to identify the cause of your tinnitus and recommend the treatment option best suited to your needs.

Tinnitus: Causes, Symptoms, and Relief