What causes tinnitus?
Struggling with tinnitus? Before you can receive proper treatment, it’s important to figure out why it’s happening.
Tinnitus can be caused by:
Noise-induced hearing loss
Noise exposure is the most common cause of tinnitus worldwide. Spending a lot of time around noisy machinery or loud concerts, for example, can lead to noise-induced hearing loss. Military veterans are also an at-risk group for tinnitus due to noise exposure. It is also possible to develop hearing loss and tinnitus after exposure to loud music via headphones and earbuds.
Wax build-up
Ear blockages can cause a temporary form of tinnitus, which goes away after the wax build-up is removed. Do not try to remove wax from your ears yourself. You could damage your ears, which can lead to permanent hearing loss and tinnitus. A trained professional can remove blockages quickly, efficiently, and painlessly.
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Issues with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
The temporomandibular joint is a small disk in your jaw that helps you open and close your mouth. It can be damaged or malformed for several reasons, including face or neck injuries. Along with discomfort, pain, and problems with the jaw, TMJ problems can also lead to tinnitus due to proximity to the ear. In these cases, a hearing care professional might recommend that you seek help from a dentist for your TMJ syndrome. Speak with your hearing care professional if you are experiencing jaw issues and tinnitus.
Other medical conditions
Antidepressants, certain antibiotics, and even aspirin can cause tinnitus in some people. If these drugs are taken regularly, you might not realize that the drugs are causing tinnitus. Medical conditions like high blood pressure, otosclerosis, diabetes, and allergies can also cause tinnitus. Speak with a hearing care professional if you are experiencing tinnitus.
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Is tinnitus therapy right for me?
Signia hearing aids have a variety of therapy options for people with tinnitus. Your hearing care professional can help you find out which one is right for you.
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FAQs
Tinnitus is the perception of sound in one or both ears or in the head that is not caused by an external source. It is often described as a ringing, buzzing, hissing, or humming sound. It can be constant or intermittent.
Tinnitus can be a distressing and distracting condition that can interfere with daily activities, including work, socializing, and sleep. It can also contribute to feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression.
Signia hearing aids can help manage tinnitus by amplifying external sounds and masking or reducing the perception of tinnitus sounds. Some Signia hearing aids also offer specific features and technologies designed to address tinnitus symptoms, like the Signia Notch Therapy feature.
While many hearing aids offer features and technologies that can help manage tinnitus, they may not help with all types of tinnitus. It's important to consult with a qualified hearing care professional to determine if a hearing aid is the right option for your individual needs.
Other treatments for tinnitus may include cognitive behavioural therapy, relaxation techniques, and medication. In some cases, treating an underlying medical condition that is causing tinnitus may also help alleviate symptoms. However, if you have tinnitus and hearing loss, hearing aids can be an effective option to manage your symptoms.
Some lifestyle changes that may help manage tinnitus include avoiding loud noises, reducing stress and anxiety, getting regular exercise and adequate sleep, and limiting caffeine and alcohol consumption.
When discussing tinnitus symptoms with your hearing care professional, it can be helpful to provide specific details about the type, frequency, and severity of your symptoms. You may also want to keep a journal or record of your tinnitus symptoms to help track any changes or patterns over time. If you are interested in Signia hearing aids, be sure to mention this to your healthcare provider so they can provide more information and guidance on this treatment option.
