Do you experience ringing or buzzing in the ear? You’re not alone: this irksome sensation—known as "tinnitus"—affects millions of Americans young and old. Luckily, you can manage and treat tinnitus over time. Understand the facts to help you effectively cope with (or prevent) this frustrating issue.
Myth: Tinnitus is a disease.
Fact: Tinnitus isn’t a disease or disorder—it’s a symptom of an underlying health problem.
Tinnitus is the perception of a sound with no external source. Several health conditions can cause tinnitus, but it’s usually a sign that something is going on in your auditory system.
Most tinnitus (and hearing loss) results from damage to the inner ear—whether caused by loud noise exposure, an untreated middle ear infection or ototoxic medications, such as aspirin and ibuprofen.
When sound enters our ear, nerve cells in the inner ear send electrical signals to the brain; the brain then interprets those signals as sound. When those delicate inner-ear nerve cells become damaged, they can “leak” random electrical signals to the brain—causing the brain to hear sounds with no external source.
Tinnitus can also affect those without permanent hearing loss. Symptoms may occur as a result of a sinus infection, earwax buildup, head or neck injury or jaw disorder.
Myth: Tinnitus always manifests as constant ringing in ears.
Fact: People with tinnitus hear different sounds.
Tinnitus is most commonly associated with a ringing sound, but it’s actually the perception of any sound that is not present. Buzzing, whooshing, clicking, hissing and whistling sounds also indicate tinnitus. In some cases, people even hear music—though this sensation is quite rare.
Myth: Tinnitus is always chronic and permanent.
Fact: Tinnitus can be chronic or temporary.
Tinnitus isn’t always a long-term symptom. People often experience temporary tinnitus as the result of a one-time exposure to loud noise. After attending a loud concert, for example, you may hear high-pitched ringing that goes away within a few hours.
If earwax buildup or a sinus infection is the culprit, the tinnitus usually stops after removing the blockage or recovering from the infection.
Permanent conditions, such as age-related hearing loss, are more likely to cause chronic tinnitus.
Myth: There’s nothing I can do about tinnitus—I just have to live with it.
Fact: While there’s no proven cure, tinnitus is treatable.
Although no method has been scientifically proven to cure tinnitus, several treatment options are effective at masking, distracting from and teaching the brain to ignore the sound.
Hearing aids are a highly effective treatment method for people who have tinnitus and hearing loss. Many are built to provide tinnitus relief through sound therapy and other programs. Most Miracle-Ear hearing aids offer:
Other treatment options include sound-masking devices and noise machines. Some music streaming services offer playlists for tinnitus relief, and certain sound apps are designed to help you get a good night’s sleep. Additionally, meditation and behavioral therapy often prove to be powerful techniques for reducing the stress and emotional effects of tinnitus.
Myth: Certain foods can make tinnitus go away.
Fact: No food has been scientifically proven to treat tinnitus, but a healthy diet can help limit its intensity and side effects.
There’s no official “tinnitus diet” guaranteed to reduce its effects. Some people find that eating certain foods makes them feel better, while others may find those same foods make them feel worse. However, sticking to a healthy diet can benefit your overall wellbeing—and in turn, positively impact your tinnitus.
A healthy diet can increase blood flow, reduce hypertension and improve energy levels, all of which may limit the perceived intensity of tinnitus.
Do you hear buzzing, humming or ringing in the ears? You’re not alone. Schedule some time with our hearing care professional to evaluate treatment options and solutions.
Myth: Tinnitus will prevent me from leading a normal life.
Fact: Tinnitus doesn’t have to stop you from living life to the fullest.
Tinnitus is more common than you think! The CDC estimates that more than 15% of the general public experience some form of tinnitus. That’s more than 50 million Americans. If you’re one of them, don’t lose hope: Most people adjust to the sound over time and are able to lead normal lives, continuing to participate in all the activities they enjoy.
With a healthy lifestyle and the right treatment, you can learn to control your tinnitus, so it doesn’t control you.
If you think you're experiencing tinnitus, take your first step to better hearing by downloading our free tinnitus guide.
