Audiologist
PhD, MSE, MA Audiology and Speech Language Pathology, Audiologist And Auditory Rehab Specialist, PhD
Audiologist
BS (Audiology) , Diploma in Vestibular Sciences , International Vestibular Rehabilitation Certificate , Certified Public Health Planning for Hearing Impairment
Tinnitus is a condition characterized by the perception of sound without any form of external sound supply. It is often defined as a ringing, buzzing, hissing, or whistling sound within the ears or head. Tinnitus can be subjective to the patient but the sound can also be heard by a healthcare professional throughout an exam. Tinnitus may be temporary or persistent and can result from different factors and underlying medical conditions.
The sound associated with tinnitus can range in character, depth and can be non-stop or intermittent. Some common signs and symptoms of tinnitus encompass:
Ringing, buzzing, hissing, whistling, or roaring sounds within the ears or head.
Perception of sound that is not present in the surrounding environment.
Difficulty concentrating or focusing due to the presence of the sound.
Sleep disturbances or insomnia caused by persistent sound.
Emotional distress, anxiety, or depression related to the impact of tinnitus on daily life.
Sensitivity to certain sounds (hyperacusis) or hearing loss in some cases.
Tinnitus can have diverse underlying causes, and in some cases, the exact reason won't be identifiable. Some unusual factors that may make a contribution to the development of tinnitus include:
Exposure to loud noise
Age-related hearing loss
Earwax blockage
Medications
Ear and sinus infections
Medical conditions
Head and neck injuries
Stress and anxiety
Tinnitus is normally recognized through a mixture of medical history, physical exams, and specialized assessments. These exams may also consist of audiometric tests to evaluate listening, imaging scans to assess the auditory system and rule out underlying conditions, and on occasion blood tests to check for particular causes. A doctor with knowledge in audiology or otolaryngology (ear, nostril, and throat expert) can provide a complete assessment and accurate diagnosis of tinnitus.
The treatment of tinnitus pursues to control the signs and symptoms and enhance the quality of life. While there's no known treatment for tinnitus, various techniques may be hired which are:
Sound therapy
Counseling
Medications
Lifestyle changes
Avoiding tinnitus triggers can delay or prevent the onset of this disease. The following measures can help prevent tinnitus: