Understanding Tinnitus

Name: Tinnitus
Brand: Louisiana ENT Specialists
Rating: 5 (97 reviews)

Tinnitus is a common auditory condition characterized by the perception of noise in the ears when no external sound source is present.

Find Your ENT Request Appointment

This condition can manifest as ringing, buzzing, hissing, or other sounds and can vary in intensity and duration. While tinnitus is often benign, it can be distressing and affect quality of life. At Louisiana ENT Specialists, our team of ENT specialists is dedicated to helping individuals manage and find relief from tinnitus.

Types of tinnitus

Subjective tinnitus: This is the most common form of tinnitus and is only audible to the individual experiencing it. Subjective tinnitus is typically associated with underlying issues like age-related hearing loss, exposure to loud noise, or ear injuries.
Objective tinnitus: Objective tinnitus is less common and can be heard by the affected individual and a healthcare provider. It is often associated with underlying vascular or muscular conditions and may require medical evaluation.

Causes of tinnitus

Tinnitus can have various underlying causes, including:

Hearing loss

Age-related hearing loss, noise-induced hearing loss, or other hearing disorders can lead to tinnitus.

Exposure to loud noise

Prolonged exposure to loud environments, such as concerts, industrial settings, or recreational activities, can trigger tinnitus.

Earwax blockage

Accumulated earwax can interfere with normal hearing and contribute to tinnitus.

Ear infections

Infections in the ear can cause temporary or chronic tinnitus.

Medications

Certain medications, especially high doses of aspirin, antibiotics, and diuretics, can lead to tinnitus as a side effect.

Underlying health conditions

Conditions like high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and Meniere's disease can be associated with tinnitus.

Symptoms of tinnitus

The hallmark symptom of tinnitus is the perception of sound in the ears when there is no external noise source. Other common symptoms may include:

Ringing, buzzing, hissing, or whistling sounds in one or both ears.
Sound that may be intermittent or continuous.
Variability in the loudness and pitch of the perceived sound.
Tinnitus may be more noticeable in quiet environments.
Associated stress, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating due to the persistent noise.

What does tinnitus sound like?

Individuals experience various auditory sensations when it comes to ringing in the ears. Some individuals perceive a low-frequency hum, while others might hear a high-frequency ring. The variety of sounds that can be experienced, whether high or low in pitch, include:

Thumping
Hissing
Whistling
Chirping like crickets
Buzzing
Ringing
Crackling

How can an ENT help me with tinnitus?

Tinnitus isn't a condition that you can self-diagnose or treat at home. It's imperative that you seek professional help, specifically from an ear specialist or otolaryngologist. In many cases, tinnitus is caused by damage within the ear, but it can also indicate another underlying disease or condition.

When you visit one of our ear specialists, they will thoroughly examine your ears, neck, and head to detect any apparent injuries. It's common for them to order an audiogram, which is a test that measures hearing ability in both of your ears. They might also recommend further testing, such as CT scans or MRIs, depending on the initial findings.

Tailored treatment for tinnitus

Once the cause of your tinnitus is identified, your healthcare provider will suggest a treatment plan that directly addresses this cause. In severe cases where the tinnitus worsens, or tests reveal serious conditions like a tumor or aneurysm, surgery may be required.

Non-surgical treatment

However, not all treatment options are invasive. There are several non-surgical methods available, including prescription medications designed to alleviate the symptoms of tinnitus. Distraction techniques, such as the use of a white noise machine, fan, or humidifier, can be helpful.

Stress relief and biofeedback

Incorporating stress reduction strategies into your routine, such as meditation or yoga, can help manage tinnitus symptoms by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. Biofeedback, a technique that enables you to gain control over certain bodily functions, can also be used to lessen the intensity of tinnitus.

Lifestyle modifications

Additionally, lifestyle modifications, like avoiding caffeine and aspirin, both of which can aggravate tinnitus symptoms, can also provide relief. Ultimately, the most effective treatment for tinnitus will address its root cause and offer symptomatic relief.

Why choose Louisiana ENT Specialists for tinnitus care?

Louisiana ENT Specialists is your trusted source for comprehensive tinnitus care.

Our team of experienced ENT specialists is well-equipped to diagnose, manage, and provide personalized treatment plans for tinnitus.

We understand the impact that tinnitus can have on your quality of life and are committed to helping you find relief and improved well-being. If you or a loved one is experiencing tinnitus, don't hesitate to contact Louisiana ENT Specialists. We are here to provide expert care and support on your journey to managing and finding relief from tinnitus-related issues.