You may have heard tinnitus described as a constant, dull ringing sound, but it is simply the sensation of hearing something despite there being no sound. This commonly includes a ringing, but can cover many other types of sound depending on the person.
What does it sound like?
This is entirely unique to each person, and can also vary in terms of volume. Although most people describe a ringing, it can also take the form of hissing, buzzing or whistling, among other sounds. In rare cases, it may even sound like a tune or song – which could be pleasant or torturous depending on what tune you’re hearing.
Additionally, the sound is not always permanent, with the sounds coming and going for some people. Some may hear them unilaterally (in only one ear), bilaterally (both ears), or even in the middle of their heads.
Tinnitus can affect anyone, at any age
Who can get tinnitus?
Anyone is susceptible, with even children having the potential to get tinnitus. Approximately one in three people will experience it at some stage in their lives. This may sound daunting, but remember that it’s more common in older adults, and not all cases are as extreme as others.
It mostly happens with age or frequent exposure to loud noises, but simply getting a cold or ear infection may trigger it. You can find tips on helping to prevent it here:
If it’s any consolation, many people find they can adapt to tinnitus quite well, and don’t really mind it at all. Like a white noise machine, the sound eventually fades out of your perception, especially if your mind is occupied with something else.
Ways to manage and treat tinnitus
What should I do about it?
Seeking professional help is essential in managing, understanding, or simply diagnosing your tinnitus. You can find Cowbridge hearing test services online, from providers such as https://www.imperialhearing.com/audiologist-near-me/cowbridge/.
Hearing therapists and counsellors can also help you relieve your symptoms and learn to live with them. Daily changes can help manage the condition, such as background music to drown out the noise, but again, most people adjust over time and find it manageable or even unnoticeable.
Summary
This article explains tinnitus as the sensation of hearing sound, often ringing but sometimes hissing, buzzing or whistling, with no external source. It covers how the experience varies between people and can affect one or both ears, notes around one in three will experience it, more often with age or loud noise, and recommends a hearing test and audiologist support to manage symptoms.
Questions this article raises
- How is tinnitus formally diagnosed by an audiologist?
- Can tinnitus caused by a cold or ear infection go away on its own?
- What background noise techniques work best for reducing awareness of tinnitus?
