7 Symptoms of Tinnitus: What You Need to Know

If you've ever experienced ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds in your ears, you might be familiar with tinnitus. But this is just one of many potential symptoms associated with the condition. Often a sign of hearing loss, tinnitus can negatively affect your daily life in various ways. Understanding its symptoms is crucial for managing it effectively and addressing any underlying hearing issues.

In this article, we discuss the seven key symptoms of tinnitus you should know about and how OTC hearing aids might be the solution you need.

There are many potential symptoms of tinnitus, including the below. Symptoms can occur in one ear or both ears and might change over time.

The hallmark of tinnitus is hearing sounds that aren't present in the environment. You might experience ringing, buzzing, or hissing noises in one or both ears. These sounds can vary in pitch and intensity, sometimes resembling a high-pitched whistle or a low hum. This symptom is known as subjective tinnitus because it's only you who can hear it.

Tinnitus can manifest as a continuous noise or come and go intermittently. Constant exposure to loud noises can lead to permanent hearing damage, resulting in persistent tinnitus. Intermittent noise exposure, such as sudden loud sounds, can also trigger temporary tinnitus episodes. Protecting your ears from loud noise and using hearing protection can help mitigate this symptom.

Your perception of tinnitus can vary greatly. Sometimes, it might seem louder in quiet environments or when you're stressed. This variability can be due to different factors, including changes in your inner ear or auditory nerve sensitivity. Understanding how your tinnitus changes can help you manage it better.

Tinnitus often goes hand in hand with hearing loss. Age-related hearing loss and exposure to loud noises are common tinnitus risk factors that can damage the tiny hair cells in your inner ear. This damage affects your ability to hear sounds clearly, making it harder to distinguish between external noises and the sounds caused by tinnitus.

Many people notice their tinnitus symptoms worsen in quiet environments. Silence can make the internal sounds of tinnitus more noticeable, leading to increased discomfort. Using white noise machines or wearable sound generators can help mask these sounds and provide relief.

Tinnitus can significantly impact your concentration and sleep quality. The constant noise can be distracting, making it difficult to focus on tasks or follow conversations. Additionally, tinnitus can disrupt your sleep patterns, causing fatigue and reducing your overall quality of life.

Living with tinnitus can be stressful and anxiety-inducing. The persistent noise can create a cycle where stress worsens tinnitus, and tinnitus increases stress. Addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of tinnitus is essential.

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to seek help from a hearing healthcare professional. A hearing test can determine the extent of your hearing loss and help identify the underlying cause of your tinnitus.

Treatments vary depending on the cause but might include OTC hearing aids, prescription hearing aids, tinnitus maskers, or addressing underlying health issues such as high blood pressure or ear infections.

Remember, tinnitus is not a disease but a symptom of other conditions, and managing it effectively can greatly improve your quality of life.

Consulting with a hearing healthcare professional, such as an Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist (ENT), is a crucial first step. They can perform a thorough examination to determine if your tinnitus is linked to an ear disorder or other medical conditions.

For example, an ear infection, eustachian tube dysfunction, abnormalities in the middle ear, or even objective tinnitus (a rare form of tinnitus where the sounds can be heard by both the patient and the physician) can contribute to your symptoms. Identifying these issues is key to developing an effective treatment plan.

Tinnitus can be caused by various factors, including an inner ear disorder such as Meniere's disease or damage to the auditory nerve. Conditions such as head or neck injuries can also lead to tinnitus. If tinnitus is diagnosed early, addressing these underlying causes can prevent the condition from worsening. Chronic conditions like age-related hearing loss can also play a significant role, and managing these can help reduce the severity of tinnitus symptoms.

Depending on the cause of your tinnitus symptoms, there are several different approaches to treatment:

1. Hearing Aids: If your tinnitus involves perceived mild to moderate hearing loss, OTC hearing aids can be beneficial. They amplify external sounds, making the tinnitus less noticeable.
2. Tinnitus Maskers: These devices produce white noise or other sounds that can help mask the ringing in the ears, providing relief.
3. Treating Underlying Conditions: Addressing issues such as high blood pressure, ear infections, or eustachian tube dysfunction can alleviate tinnitus symptoms.
4. Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT): This combines sound therapy with counseling to help you habituate to the tinnitus and reduce its impact on your daily life.
5. Medications and Supplements: In some cases, medications or supplements might be prescribed to help manage tinnitus, especially if it's linked to stress or anxiety.

If you have perceived mild to moderate hearing loss, OTC hearing aids might help. OTC hearing aids are available to anyone 18 years or older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. They don’t require a visit to the doctor, a hearing test, or a prescription.

Mild to moderate hearing loss includes having trouble hearing conversations in places with background noise, feeling tired from listening, finding it difficult to follow conversations in group settings, having trouble hearing on the phone, and needing to turn up the volume on the TV/radio.

But if your symptoms of hearing loss are severe, you should consult with a hearing healthcare specialist to determine the cause. You might need prescription hearing aids or another form of treatment. Severe hearing loss includes symptoms such as difficulty hearing conversations, having trouble hearing sounds and loud noises even in quiet environments, or reading lips.

Taking proactive steps to protect your hearing is essential. Avoiding loud environments, using ear protection, and taking breaks from noisy activities can prevent further hearing damage. Additionally, regular check-ups with your healthcare provider can help monitor your hearing health and address any issues promptly.

Understanding the symptoms and knowing how to manage them can make a significant difference in living with tinnitus. By protecting your ears, seeking appropriate treatment, and addressing both the physical and emotional impacts, you can find relief and improve your overall well-being.