Tinnitus is one of the most common health complaints in modern society, with between 10% and 20% of all Americans suffering from the condition to some level. If you believe that you are one of them, you must get the issue checked ASAP.

Before seeing an audiologist, though, it’s important to educate yourself on the subject. Asking questions is the best way to acquire the desired information. The answers to the four below should provide a great deal of clarity.

Are the sounds I hear defined as tinnitus?

Tinnitus is when you perceive to hear sounds when there is no external source to make those noises. If you hear internal sounds, it’s very likely that they fall under the umbrella of tinnitus signs.

The most commonly heard sounds include: 

  • Blowing
  • Buzzing 
  • Chirping
  • Clicking
  • Dial tones
  • Music
  • Whooshing

The sounds may be heard in one ear or both, either simultaneously or independently. Either way, it’s probably tinnitus, and you will need an audiologist to diagnose and treat the problem.

What causes tinnitus?

Tinnitus is actually a symptom of an underlying issue. The noises you hear can be caused by a range of issues, but it’s usually linked to excessive noise exposure. This could be due to the impact of an instant trauma or ongoing exposure to loud sounds, particularly if they come from your working environment.

Some of the more common issues attributed to tinnitus include:

  • Accidents and sudden trauma to the head
  • Blockages caused by earwax
  • Infections or eardrum perforations
  • Exposure to loud noises such as explosions

It is also possible that your tinnitus symptoms will manifest as side effects to medications as well as a host of other problems.

How can tinnitus be cured?

The bad news is that there is no known cure for tinnitus itself. There is no way to completely stop those signs from surfacing, regardless of whether it’s in one ear or both. 

On a brighter note, though, many people that experience tinnitus do not experience it on a frequent basis. Instead, it will come and go on an infrequent basis, which does make the condition a little easier to live with. 

Despite the lack of a cure, though, there are plenty of ways to manage tinnitus in an effective manner.

So, how can I treat my tinnitus?

It depends on the source of your tinnitus as well as the severity and frequency of the symptoms. The audiologist will first use a number of diagnostic examinations to identify the problems and find a suitable solution.

The most common ways to manage tinnitus include:

  • Wearing hearing aids
  • Prescribing medication
  • Using sound therapy
  • Developing behavioral changes
  • Using sound-masking devices

Once again, there is no way to cure your tinnitus, but an effective management technique will reduce the frequency and severity of the symptoms. In turn, this will enable you to start leading a far more normal daily lifestyle.

The first step, however, is to get examined by an audiologist. Booking an appointment today is the answer.