According to the CDC, approximately 20 million Americans suffer from chronic tinnitus, with millions more experiencing mild symptoms. Tinnitus is a condition that can greatly affect your hearing, and should be taken seriously. But what can you do about it?

At Active Hearing Health, we are a hearing specialists Omaha clinic that help patients who may be suffering from tinnitus. Below, we go over some things you should know about this hearing condition. 

What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus is a condition in which there’s a hearing sensation present in your ears when there is no external sound around. In most cases, tinnitus is a subjective sound, meaning only the person who has it can hear it. Typically, sufferers describe the sound as “ringing in ears,” though others describe it as hissing, buzzing, whistling, roaring and even chirping.

Just as the sound may be different for each person, the effects of tinnitus are different for every individual, too. For some, it can come off and on, and many say it’s “not that bad”. For others, tinnitus never stops and can make daily life more difficult.

What causes tinnitus?

There are many things that can cause tinnitus in people, making it difficult to figure out why it’s happening to you. Below are the leading causes of tinnitus: 

Hearing loss

Hearing loss is the leading cause of tinnitus, especially in older individuals. However, hearing loss can happen to individuals of all ages. It’s important that if you notice hearing loss symptoms to schedule an appointment with a hearing specialist Omaha right away!

Loud noises

Another leading cause of tinnitus is being around loud noise for a long period of time. Being around heavy machinery, chain saws, firearms and loud music are some common sources of these noise related tinnitus and hearing loss causes. 

Head or neck injuries

Injuries to your head or neck are other ways someone can start experiencing tinnitus symptoms. Trauma to the head and neck can affect the inner ear, hearing nerves and brain function, all of which can cause tinnitus in one or both ears. 

What to do if you or someone you know has tinnitus?

Since the exact cause of tinnitus is not known, the ATA recommends you visit your primary care provider and a hearing healthcare professional for evaluation. This evaluation helps them determine if tinnitus is present and what may be causing it. Specialized tests are performed to evaluate the auditory system. Contact a hearing specialist Omaha to get tested. 

Although there is no exact cure for tinnitus, hearing aids have been seen to help reduce the symptoms. However, when you or a loved one notices symptoms of tinnitus, it’s best to get seen right away. Scheduling an appointment with a hearing specialist Omaha can significantly help with tinnitus and hearing loss conditions farther down the road!
 

Visit us!

If you are experiencing hearing loss, tinnitus or any other hearing impairment or condition in Omaha, visit our audiologists at Active Hearing Health! Contact us today to make an appointment.