What is Tinnitus?

Posted February 22, 2024, under Blog

What is tinnitus?

It’s a condition generally characterized by noises in the ear or head that usually can be heard only by the person experiencing the sounds. Ringing, buzzing, humming, clicking, or swooshing might be described, and, more rarely, a patient may even perceive musical notes.

What causes tinnitus?

Tinnitus isn’t a disease itself but rather a symptom or sign of an underlying problem. Potential causes include hearing loss, noise exposure, cerumen buildup, ear infection, head injury, dental problems, barotrauma, blood vessel disorders, and medications such as antibiotics.

Why refer to a hearing care professional?

Some patients may dismiss the ringing or buzzing, even if it interferes with daily activities. Licensed hearing care professionals trained to address tinnitus can help patients effectively manage the symptoms and address potential underlying issues such as hearing loss.

Fast Facts about Tinnitus:

  1. An overwhelming share of tinnitus cases — 90% — develop in concert with hearing loss.
  2. With tinnitus often linked to excess noise, reduced exposure, and hearing protection are critical.
  3. Musicians have a 57% greater risk of tinnitus than the general population.
  4. On a global scale, tinnitus spans all ages, including over 740 million adults.
  5. An estimated 16 million people each year seek medical help regarding tinnitus.
  6. Tinnitus is the top disability for U.S. veterans and is also more prevalent among Canadian service members compared to the general population.

National Library of Medicine. Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology. The Effect of Tinnitus Retraining Therapy on Chronic Tinnitus: A Controlled Trial. Hearing Health Foundation. Hearing Loss & Tinnitus Statistics. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Office of Research and Development. VA Research on Hearing Loss. Surgeon General’s Health Research Plan. Canadian Forces Heath Services Group. Tinnitus Management in the Canadian Armed Forces: A Potential Role for Occupational Therapists.

Access information available on request.