Neosensory

Tinnitus Learning Center

Curated by the Neosensory Audiology Team

Understanding Tinnitus: a comprehensive guide

What is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the absence of any external source, and it can be frustrating and sometimes debilitating for those who experience it. Tinnitus is often described as a high-pitched ringing, buzzing, hissing, whistling, or clicking sound in the ears. The perceived sound can vary in pitch, volume, and quality, and can occur in one or both ears or simply feel like it is in your head. Tinnitus is not a disease itself, but rather a symptom of an underlying condition or problem within the auditory system.

Who is affected by Tinnitus?

Tinnitus affects an estimated 10-15% of the global population.

Tinnitus affects an estimated 10-15% of the global population. While it can affect people of all ages, it is more common in older adults, particularly those with age-related hearing loss or other conditions that impact the auditory system.

Here are some key statistics on who is affected by tinnitus:

Prevalence in the General Population:
- Approximately 10-15% of the global population experiences tinnitus to some degree.
- In the United States, around 50 million people suffer from tinnitus, with 20 million dealing with chronic tinnitus and 2 million experiencing debilitating cases.
Age:
- Tinnitus is more common in older adults. Around 30% of individuals over the age of 65 experience tinnitus.
- However, tinnitus can affect people of all ages, including children and adolescents, though it is less common in these groups.
Gender:
- Men are slightly more likely to experience tinnitus than women. This may be due in part to higher rates of noise exposure in traditionally male-dominated occupations.
Occupation:
- Individuals in occupations with high noise exposure, such as construction workers, musicians, military personnel, and factory workers, have a higher risk of developing tinnitus.
- Studies indicate that up to 70-85% of people with significant noise exposure in their jobs may experience tinnitus at some point.
Hearing Loss:
- Up to 90% of people with tinnitus also have some degree of hearing loss.
- Hearing loss due to aging (presbycusis) and noise-induced hearing loss are both major contributing factors.
Health Conditions:
- People with conditions such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and thyroid disorders are more likely to experience tinnitus.
- Approximately 40% of people with Meniere’s disease report tinnitus as a symptom.
Stress and Mental Health:
- Tinnitus is commonly associated with higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Estimates suggest that up to 45% of tinnitus sufferers may experience anxiety or depression.

Causes of Tinnitus

Tinnitus can affect anyone, but understanding the risk factors can help in prevention and management.

Tinnitus can affect anyone, but understanding the risk factors can help in prevention and management.

There are numerous potential causes of tinnitus, including:

Hearing Loss:
One of the most common causes of tinnitus is damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve, which can result from exposure to loud noises, aging, or other conditions that affect hearing.
Ear Disorders:
Certain ear disorders, such as Meniere’s disease, ear infections, or earwax buildup, can cause tinnitus.
Head and Neck Injuries:
Trauma to the head or neck can affect the bones, muscles, and nerves involved in hearing, leading to tinnitus.
Medications:
Certain medications, including some antibiotics, cancer drugs, diuretics, and antidepressants, can contribute to tinnitus as a side effect.
Cardiovascular Disorders:
Conditions that affect blood flow, such as high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, or anemia, can cause tinnitus due to turbulent blood flow around the ears.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders:
Problems with the jaw joint can lead to tinnitus in some cases.

Why is my tinnitus flaring up/fluctuating today?

Tinnitus can flare up for various reasons.

Tinnitus can flare up for various reasons. Here are some common factors that might contribute to an increase in tinnitus symptoms.

Stress and Anxiety: High levels of stress or anxiety can exacerbate tinnitus. The body’s response to stress can heighten your perception of tinnitus.
Loud Noise Exposure: Recent exposure to loud noises, such as concerts, machinery, or even loud environments, can aggravate tinnitus.
Dietary Factors: Certain foods and drinks, like caffeine, alcohol, and high-sodium foods, can trigger or worsen tinnitus for some people.
Medications: Some medications have side effects that include tinnitus or can make existing tinnitus worse. Check if you’ve started any new medications recently.
Hearing Changes: Any changes in your hearing, whether due to aging, ear infections, or earwax buildup, can impact tinnitus.
Fatigue: Lack of sleep or fatigue can make tinnitus more noticeable and bothersome.
Health Conditions: Underlying health issues such as high blood pressure, ear infections, or other medical conditions can influence tinnitus.
Jaw or Neck Issues: Problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) or neck issues can sometimes affect tinnitus.

If your tinnitus flare-up persists or significantly impacts your quality of life, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional to identify any specific triggers and discuss potential management strategies.

Impact of Tinnitus

While tinnitus itself is not a life-threatening condition, it can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life.

While tinnitus itself is not a life-threatening condition, it can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. The constant or intermittent perception of sound can lead to sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, increased stress and anxiety, and even depression in severe cases.

Additionally, tinnitus can interfere with daily activities, such as conversing with others or enjoying quiet moments, which can have a profound effect on personal and professional relationships, as well as overall well-being.

Tinnitus management and treatment

There are various management strategies and treatments that can help alleviate or reduce the impact of the condition.

While there is no one-size-fits-all cure for tinnitus, there are various management strategies and treatments that can help alleviate or reduce the impact of the condition:

Sound Therapy: Solutions such as sound machines, masking devices, or customized sound therapies can help distract from or mask the perceived sound of tinnitus.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely-used, evidence-based form of psychotherapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. CBT can help individuals develop coping strategies and techniques to manage the emotional and psychological impact of tinnitus.
Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT): Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) is a treatment method designed to help individuals manage and reduce the perception of tinnitus. TRT is based on the neurophysiological model of tinnitus and aims to retrain the brain to habituate to these sounds so that they become less noticeable and bothersome over time.
Hearing Aids: For individuals experiencing hearing loss, hearing aids offer more than just amplification. By effectively addressing hearing loss, they can also diminish the perception of tinnitus by supplying additional sound to the brain. In addition, certain hearing aids have customizable sound therapy programs tailored to individual tinnitus characteristics.
Medications: While there are no medications specifically designed to treat tinnitus, certain drugs may be prescribed to address underlying conditions or provide temporary relief.
Bimodal Stimulation: Bimodal stimulation is a cutting-edge therapy for tinnitus. By delivering synchronized auditory (sound) and somatosensory (touch) stimuli, this technique aims to promote neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. The auditory component typically involves listening to specific tones or sounds. The somatosensory component involves gentle electrical or mechanical stimulation, often delivered through the skin or the tongue. The stimuli are precisely timed to work together, enhancing the brain’s ability to integrate and process the signals.

Studies have shown that this method can significantly reduce the perceived intensity of tinnitus for many patients. Clinical trials and research studies have provided evidence supporting the efficacy of bimodal stimulation. Participants often report significant improvements in their tinnitus symptoms.

Bimodal stimulation represents a promising advancement in tinnitus treatment, offering hope to those who suffer from this often debilitating condition. As research continues, this approach may become a cornerstone of tinnitus therapy, providing relief to millions of individuals worldwide.