3 Common Symptoms of Tinnitus and What to Do About It

Most people understand tinnitus as a ringing, buzzing or humming in the ears depending on its severity. It can come in waves, perhaps seem more severe on certain weeks and less severe on others. It can be affected by medications you take, even weight you may gain or other health issues such as ear infections. Tinnitus can be a symptom of hearing loss, or not at all. While audiologists can absolutely inspect your ears and conduct a full, informative hearing evaluation, tinnitus is a subjective symptom of an underlying condition.

To address tinnitus, it’s important to first identify the specific issues you may be experiencing. An audiologist can help identify three common symptoms of tinnitus and offer some practical suggestions to help manage them. Consulting with an audiologist is essential for proper guidance.

Ringing In Your Ears

This is the most common symptom most people associate with tinnitus. A sound that seems to come from nowhere and everywhere at once. The pitch and even volume of it can change. For some people, it’s also less of a ringing and more of a hum, for others a buzz. You may be different. If it doesn’t have a clear external source and follows you around, that’s a sign worth paying attention to.

Sound therapy can help. A fan can be a helpful starting point for managing tinnitus, but if your symptoms are linked to hearing loss, hearing aids with sound masking features may be the most effective option. Some can find relief by listening to low-level music or ambient drones throughout the day or when symptoms are most noticeable. This can come in waves, perhaps you notice it after taking certain medication. Talk with your audiologist if you notice a ringing in your ears.

Distraction and Frustration

When you have a noise in your head with no external source, concentrating on other tasks can be challenging. You might catch yourself rereading the same paragraph or losing track during conversations and it could even affect your patience. A practical approach to managing daily tasks is to break them down into smaller, more manageable steps and take regular breaks to give your mind some rest. Additionally, many people find that mindfulness meditation can enhance their focus and help them feel less disturbed by distractions.

A Lack of Sleep

Feeling tired can amplify the frustration of tinnitus symptoms. When you’re fatigued, these sounds may seem more intense, creating a cycle. To reduce your symptoms and help you to sleep consider using sound masking, taking short naps when possible and incorporating exercise into your routine to help you sleep better at night. It’s also important to discuss potential aids with your audiologist that could assist in managing your symptoms. Prioritizing deep, restful sleep can significantly improve your overall quality of life, regardless of your health situation.

If you have noticed any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with an audiologist. They will be able to take a full evaluation of your hearing, to determine what is causing your tinnitus and which treatment will be suitable for your needs.