Tinnitus is the sensation of hearing ringing, buzzing, hissing, chirping, whistling, or other sounds. It can be intermittent or continuous, and it can vary in loudness. In some cases, the sound is in sync with your heartbeat.
Tinnitus is very common and affects approximately 36 million Americans. For most people, tinnitus is just an annoyance. For some people, the condition is so severe that it causes people to have difficulty concentrating and sleeping and may result in psychological distress.
What Causes Tinnitus
While there are several factors that can contribute to the development of tinnitus, there are a few common issues that can trigger symptoms.
Some instances of tinnitus can be caused by infections or blockages in the ear and will clear up after the underlying cause is treated. Another common cause of tinnitus is inner ear hair cell damage. The hairs in the ears react to sound waves and in some instances, the cells can release electrical signals that the brain interprets as sound.
We can perform an assessment to determine the specific cause of your tinnitus and develop treatment plans to help address the symptoms you’re facing.
Treating Tinnitus
Prior to any treatment, it is important to have a thorough examination and evaluation by an otolaryngologist. We’ll perform an in-depth assessment of your ears and ask you about your medical history to help develop the ideal treatment plan for your specific needs.
