Tinnitus

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Tinnitus is the medical term used to describe the perception of sound when no actual external noise is present. While many refer to it as “ringing in the ear”, tinnitus can manifest in many ways including buzzing, hissing, swooshing and clicking.

The exact physical cause of tinnitus is still undetermined. However, there are many things that can cause tinnitus:

  • Comorbid diseases and medical conditions
  • Age
  • Exposure to loud noises
  • Obstructions in the ear
  • Head, neck, jaw, and brain injuries
  • Acute barotrauma (sudden and extreme changes in air or water pressure)
  • Ototoxic medication

Currently, there is no known cure for tinnitus: nothing has been shown to actually make the sound stop. However, there are ways to manage tinnitus and provide relief. The ATA recommends that anyone with tinnitus should see a hearing professional about tinnitus.

Yes. Certain hearing aids can help relieve tinnitus symptoms, especially if those symptoms are caused by hearing loss.

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