What is tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the perception of sounds that have no external source. These sounds can be described as beeping, buzzing, roaring or humming and can be experienced in one or both ears, or feel like they are coming from inside the head.
The condition is relatively common and can affect people of all ages, but it occurs more often in people with hearing loss or those who have been exposed to high levels of noise for long periods. In some cases, tinnitus is temporary, while in others it can become a more long-term condition.
Statistics show that around 15% of the population experiences some form of tinnitus. For most people, the symptoms are mild and manageable, but for around 3% of those affected, the symptoms can significantly affect their daily lives. For example, it can lead to difficulties with concentration, sleep or fully enjoying social activities.
The sound experienced in tinnitus can vary greatly from person to person. It is common for the symptoms to change over time – sometimes they may disappear temporarily, and other times they become more noticeable for longer periods. The intensity can also be affected by factors such as the surrounding sound environment or the body's stress levels.
Can tinnitus go away?
Tinnitus can sometimes improve or even go away on its own, especially if the cause is temporary. This could be due to factors such as an infection, temporary stress, or short-term exposure to loud noises. In such cases, it is common for the symptoms to subside once the underlying cause is removed.
For example, tinnitus caused by a wax plug may go away when the plug is removed. However, for many people it is a long-term condition that may be related to hearing loss or other medical causes.
Although tinnitus does not always go away completely, there are methods and treatments that can alleviate the symptoms and make it easier to cope with. For some, this means the sounds become less noticeable, while others can experience an improved quality of life by learning to manage the symptoms in everyday life.
Common causes of tinnitus
Tinnitus can be caused by a number of different factors. Here are some of the most common:
- Hearing loss : Tinnitus is often linked to hearing damage, especially that which occurs after prolonged exposure to high noise levels.
- Earwax plug : A wax plug can block sound transmission and lead to a perceived whistling or ringing sound. When the plug is removed, the symptoms often disappear.
- Stress and tension : High stress, anxiety or muscle tension in the neck and jaw (e.g. due to a misaligned bite) can contribute to or worsen tinnitus.
- Medical conditions : Certain diseases and medications are identified as potential causes of tinnitus or may exacerbate symptoms.
Tinnitus and hearing loss – Can tinnitus affect hearing?
Tinnitus itself does not directly cause hearing loss, but it can often be linked to an existing hearing loss. Many people with hearing loss find that tinnitus feels more prominent. This is partly because the brain is trying to compensate for lost sound impressions, which can amplify the experience of tinnitus.
Early diagnosis is important if you are experiencing both tinnitus and hearing loss. A hearing test can help identify the cause and provide guidance on possible solutions.
Hearing aids can play a significant role in both hearing and tinnitus. By amplifying ambient sounds, the brain's focus on tinnitus is reduced, which can make the sound less unpleasant. At the same time, hearing aids can contribute to improved communication and social interaction, which enhances quality of life.
For many, the combination of tinnitus and hearing loss presents a challenge, especially in social settings or environments with background noise. Understanding the connection and getting the right support can make a big difference in everyday life.
Pulsatile tinnitus and sleep - Why do I hear a thumping sound in my ear?
Pulsatile tinnitus is characterized by a throbbing sound that often follows the rhythm of your heartbeat. This condition can occur for a number of reasons. Pulsatile tinnitus is usually associated with changes in blood flow, especially when you lie down. It is very often associated with stress. It can also be caused by tension in the neck and jaw or problems with your teeth, such as a misaligned bite.
Can tinnitus come and go?
Yes, tinnitus can be temporary and go away when the underlying cause is treated, such as an ear infection or short-term exposure to loud noise. It can also be caused by other factors, such as temporary changes in body fluid levels or temporary side effects from medications. For some, tinnitus can be exacerbated by stress or fatigue, making the sound more noticeable at certain times.
Can a wax plug go away on its own?
Earwax plugs do not go away on their own and should be professionally removed if they cause discomfort or affect hearing. If you suspect that your tinnitus is caused by a wax plug, you should make an appointment with a doctor or audiologist to receive the right treatment.
Can tinnitus be caused by malocclusion or teeth?
Yes, there is a link between tension in the jaw and neck (which can occur from a misaligned bite or teeth grinding) and tinnitus. Tension in these areas can affect nerves and blood flow, which in turn can cause or worsen tinnitus. If you are experiencing pain or stiffness in your jaw or neck, a dentist or occlusal specialist can help identify the cause and make recommendations for treatment, such as a mouth guard or physical therapy.
Tinnitus Treatment – What can you do to relieve the symptoms?
Although tinnitus cannot always be cured, there are several treatment options that can help relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. Here are some of the most common methods:
- Hearing aids – For people with both tinnitus and hearing loss, hearing aids can help amplify ambient sounds and distract from tinnitus. They can also improve hearing and make communication easier.
- Relaxation and stress management – Since stress often worsens tinnitus, techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing can help reduce tension in the body and relieve symptoms.
- Treating muscle tension – If tension in the neck, shoulders or jaws is contributing to tinnitus, physiotherapy or massage can relieve symptoms. In the case of jaw tension, treatment with an occlusal physiologist or dentist to examine the temporomandibular joints may also be helpful.
- Medical treatment – In some cases, medications can be used to relieve tinnitus, especially if there are contributing factors such as anxiety, depression, or sleep problems.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – CBT has been shown to be effective for many tinnitus sufferers, particularly in managing the stress and anxiety that often accompany the condition. The therapy helps you change your approach to tinnitus and alleviate the negative effects on your quality of life.
- Noise Maskers and Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) – A noise masker generates white noise that can mask tinnitus, helping the brain focus less on the sound. Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) is a treatment method where the brain learns to ignore the tinnitus sound over time.
Summary:
Tinnitus is a condition in which you hear sounds without an external source, which can vary in form and intensity. Common causes can include hearing loss, stress, earwax buildup, or muscle tension. For many, tinnitus is temporary or manageable, but for others it can interfere with everyday life.
Although tinnitus cannot always be cured, there are several ways to relieve the symptoms. As audiologists, we can help you with hearing tests, provide advice and recommend the latest hearing aid technology to both improve your hearing and reduce the experience of tinnitus. We offer personalized solutions to make your everyday life more comfortable and improve your quality of life.
Don't hesitate to contact us for a survey or if you have questions about how we can help you!
Frequently asked questions about tinnitus:
Can tinnitus go away? Yes, in some cases tinnitus can go away on its own, especially if it is caused by temporary factors such as infection or short-term exposure to loud noises.
What causes ringing in the ear? Tinnitus can have several causes, including hearing loss, earwax, stress, or muscle tension in the neck and jaw.
Can tinnitus be caused by bite defects? Yes, tension in the jaw or problems such as malocclusion or teeth grinding can contribute to tinnitus.
Can tinnitus come and go? Yes, for some people, tinnitus is temporary and may go away when the underlying cause, such as a wax plug or infection, is treated.
