Have you started to hear a strange noise in your ears or one ear? Is no one else able to hear this noise you are hearing? Does the noise sound like a buzzing, clicking, hissing or ringing sort of sound? You could perhaps be suffering from Tinnitus, a fairly common condition that affects the ears. It is estimated that 50 Million Americans suffer from ear ringing every year. For most, the ringing is mild and does not affect their quality of life. But, for about 3% of the people who get Tinnitus, it can be bothersome, affecting their sleep, quality of life and peace of mind.
So, let’s try to help you find out if you have Tinnitus.
Symptoms of Tinnitus
A ringing, hissing or clicking sort of sound that comes in one or both ears. When it is in one ear, it is called unilateral Tinnitus. In both ears, it is called bilateral Tinnitus. Sounds can vary from person to person. There have been cases where people even hear music or a typewriter or staccato piano style of music.
Another strong symptom of Tinnitus is that only the person suffering from it will be able to hear it. A doctor or people next to the person will not be able to hear what the Tinnitus patient hears. This is because the sound is a sound that is perceived by the brain and not the ears. In essence, it is manufactured in the brain. However, if one has pulsatile Tinnitus or objective Tinnitus, the doctor and people next to the patient with Tinnitus will be able to hear the sounds as well. Pulsatile Tinnitus will often be rhythmic in nature and will coincide with heartbeat or pulse. If you have such a form of Tinnitus, it is highly recommended that you seek the help of an ENT doctor or audiologist right away.
Another very common symptom that comes along with Tinnitus is partial hearing loss. For many people, this is a symptom that is undiagnosed as they can still hear most sounds. They assume that their hearing is OK. But, one can perfectly hear normal sounds like the TV or conversations and still have partial hearing loss. Only an audiologist test will reveal such hearing loss. Wearing hearing aids can reverse such hearing loss and also possibly help your Tinnitus resolve or at least get better.
Signs that Tinnitus is going away
This site gives you the top 3 signs that Tinnitus is going away. If your Tinnitus goes away, like it does for most people, it will start to fade away in about 1-2 weeks time. The longer the ringing stays, the more chances of it being chronic or permanent in nature.
If you have just got Tinnitus, we urge you to stay calm and avoid anxiety and stress, both of which are Tinnitus triggers capable of causing spikes. Also, see an ENT or audiologist to discuss your Tinnitus problem. Early intervention really helps. For self help and to learn more about Tinnitus, please visit this Tinnitus self-help website with excellent blog posts.
