When to See an Audiologist About Tinnitus

Tinnitus describes a condition where you hear noises that do not have an external source. People with tinnitus hear sounds inside their ears such as hissing, clicking, buzzing or throbbing. Some people have tinnitus in both of their ears, but you can also experience the condition in just one ear.

What Are the Causes of Tinnitus?

Tinnitus can be caused by damage to the ear, the damage may be associated with an infection or hearing loss. The condition can also be caused by injuries of the head, circulation issues or taking certain medication. In some cases, tinnitus is caused by jaw disorders and TMJ.

For some people, tinnitus symptoms will gradually disappear on their own. For others, tinnitus is an ongoing condition that requires medical treatment. Thankfully there are several treatment options available.

When Should You See an Audiologist About Tinnitus?

If you experience mild tinnitus the condition may not cause you too much bother. However, under most circumstances, it’s best to see an audiologist. You should certainly see your audiologist about tinnitus if:

• Your condition is interfering with your daily life.
• You’re experiencing tinnitus in just one ear.
• The sound begins very suddenly or goes up and down in volume.
• You are also experiencing dizziness or hearing loss.
• The tinnitus sound closely resembles your heartbeat.

Sometimes tinnitus can also be a sign of an ear infection. If you’re experiencing a ringing sound and you also have discharge coming out of your ear, you probably have an infection. You’ll need to see an audiologist, who may prescribe antibiotics if necessary.

How Is Tinnitus Diagnosed?

When you visit your audiologist, they will start off by asking you about your symptoms. Your audiologist will examine your ears, jaw, nose and throat, they may also listen around your neck with a stethoscope. You’ll likely have a hearing test, also referred to as a pure tone audiogram test. You might also undergo a tympanometry test; this is designed to measure your ear pressure.

What Treatment Is Available for Tinnitus?

There are various treatment options for people who have tinnitus. Patients may be offered hearing aids that have special masking features, other options include tinnitus retraining therapy or sound machines.

Individuals may have one treatment option or a combination of several. The best thing to do is to book an appointment with your audiologist. Your audiologist will be able to diagnose your condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment. In some cases, tinnitus is caused by an underlying health condition. If your audiologist suspects an underlying condition, they may refer you for a CT or MRI scan.

Contact Your Audiologist

If you think you are experiencing tinnitus you make an appointment as soon as you can. They’ll be able to provide advice and support, to help you manage the condition and reduce the symptoms. It’s advisable to address your symptoms as early as possible. To learn more about tinnitus, contact your local audiology center.