Blog Synopsis:
- Tinnitus is described as a constant ringing in the ears.
- According to Mayo Clinic, tinnitus is relatively common and affects roughly 1 in 5 people in the United States.
- In this blog, the physicians at AOC explain what tinnitus is and what can cause the phenomenon.
Have you ever been to a concert and shortly afterward either experienced no sound or a temporary ringing in your ears? If you experienced the latter of the two, you should be happy that ringing was brief because, for the people that experience ringing in their ears constantly, they suffer from a bothersome occurrence called tinnitus.
Tinnitus is characterized as a ringing or dull noise in the ears. Many people may refer to tinnitus as a condition, but it’s actually not a condition at all—it’s a symptom of an underlying condition. Nevertheless, it can occur for a number of reasons such as age-related hearing loss, an ear injury, or a type of hearing disorder. For the most part, tinnitus doesn’t usually indicate the presence of a serious or life-threatening condition.
To get a better understanding of the condition, you have to first consider its symptoms. Tinnitus symptoms generally include the following noises:
- Ringing
- Hissing
- Buzzing
- Roaring
- Clicking
These noises can vary in pitch, duration, and frequency. Some people affected by the condition report sounds that are so loud, their ability to concentrate and hear other sounds is impaired. There are two types of tinnitus your physician at AOC may diagnose: subjective and objective.
Subjective tinnitus is ringing and noise that only you can hear. It is often the most common form of tinnitus and may be caused be problems in the outer, middle, and inner ear.
Objective tinnitus is a rare type of tinnitus that can be heard by your doctor during an examination. This kind may indicate a blood vessel problem, inner ear bone condition, or muscle contractions.
Other causes of tinnitus may include:
- Age-related hearing loss
- Exposure to loud noises
- Earwax blockage
- Abnormal ear bone growth
- Meniere’s disease
- TMJ disorders
- Acoustic neuroma
- Atherosclerosis
- Head and neck tumors
- High blood pressure
- And more
Call AOC today if you’re experiencing any of the above-mentioned symptoms. Our team of experts will administer a comprehensive evaluation to determine the possible cause and an appropriate treatment regimen.
Arizona Otolaryngology Consultants (AOC) is a comprehensive ENT clinic that provides care for all diseases of the ears, nose, throat, and sinuses. The physicians at AOC have the highest level of training and expertise in ENT care and ENT subspecialty care, which includes the management of pediatric airway, cancer, skull base surgery, advanced head and neck surgical and reconstructive procedures, craniofacial surgery and more. Call 602-264-4834 to request an appointment today!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.