Tinnitus is when you hear sounds that aren’t really there. People often call it “ringing in the ears,” but it can also sound like humming, buzzing, thumping, or grinding. 

This condition affects about 15-20% of people in the United States, especially older adults. According to a study, the chance of having long-term tinnitus goes up with age, peaking at 14.3% in people aged 60-69 years.

What Causes Tinnitus?

Loud Noises

The most common cause of tinnitus is being around loud noises for too long. Studies show that up to 90% of people with tinnitus also have some level of hearing loss caused by noise. Loud sounds can harm a part of your ear called the cochlea, which is shaped like a spiral. When the cochlea is damaged, it can change how your ear works, leading to tinnitus or ringing in your ears.

Different Types of Tinnitus

Tinnitus sounds different to everyone, and that’s why it’s divided into four types:

  1. Subjective Tinnitus (Most Common): Only you can hear the noise.
  2. Neurological Tinnitus: Linked to problems with how your brain processes sound.
  3. Somatic Tinnitus: Related to physical movement or touch.
  4. Objective Tinnitus (Rare): A doctor can also hear this type of tinnitus during an exam.

What Does Tinnitus from High Blood Pressure Sound Like?

Understanding Objective Tinnitus

The most common type of tinnitus is subjective tinnitus, where only you can hear the sound. But there’s also a rare type called “objective tinnitus,” which is often linked to problems with your blood flow. People with this type often hear a whooshing, throbbing, or thumping sound in one or both ears. These sounds can be annoying or even overwhelming, making it hard to focus or sleep.

Why You Should See a Doctor

No matter what causes your tinnitus, it’s important to see an audiologist. Getting help early can make it easier to manage the condition.

Tinnitus Evaluations at Alabama Hearing Associates

At Alabama Hearing Associates, we start by asking about your medical history and giving you a Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) to fill out. This helps us see if your family history might play a role. We also look at other things that might cause tinnitus, like allergies, colds, ear infections, or earwax buildup. If you’ve had a recent head or ear injury, that could also be a reason for your tinnitus.

Hearing Tests for Tinnitus

Depending on what we find during the first check-up, we might do the following tests:

  1. Tympanometry: Tests how well your eardrum moves.
  2. Comprehensive Hearing Test: Includes different tests for how you hear speech and sounds.
  3. Loudness Discomfort Levels (LDLs): Measures how loud sounds can get before they bother you.
  4. Tinnitus Pitch Match: Helps find the pitch of the tinnitus sound.
  5. Tinnitus Frequency Match: Finds the frequency of the tinnitus sound.
  6. Tinnitus Masking Level: Finds out how much sound is needed to cover up the tinnitus.

Tinnitus Treatment Options

After the tests, we’ll talk to you about the different ways to manage tinnitus. We offer personalized care, which means we’ll find the treatment that works best for you. One of the treatments we use is called Tinnitus Retraining Therapy. This combines sound therapy with counseling to help you manage tinnitus better.

Lenire Tinnitus Treatment

Another option is the Lenire Tinnitus Treatment. This device uses mild electrical stimulation and sound therapy to reduce tinnitus symptoms. It’s easy to use and can be part of your treatment plan.

When to See a Specialist

If your tinnitus is not caused by a problem in your ear, we may refer you to another specialist for more tests.

What Happens If Tinnitus Is Not Treated?

Tinnitus, like many other hearing problems, can make life hard. People with tinnitus often find it hard to think, sleep, or enjoy quiet moments. If you don’t get help, tinnitus can lead to stress, sleepless nights, and even depression.

Tinnitus Evaluations in Huntsville and Madison, AL

Alabama Hearing Associates offers complete tinnitus evaluations to make sure you get the right treatment. With the right care, you can manage tinnitus and live a better, healthier life.

Contact Us Today

Alabama Hearing Associates has two locations, in Huntsville and Madison. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

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Dr. Jan Liles

Dr. Liles earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Montevallo and her master’s degree from the University of Alabama. From 1991 to 2001, she worked with two ENT medical practices and initiated one of the first newborn hearing screening programs in the state. In 2002, she was awarded a doctorate in audiology from the University of Florida. Dr. Liles and her longtime best friend, Dr. Sheehy, founded Alabama Hearing Associates in January 2002.