Tinnitus (pronounced TIN-uh-tis) is typically described as “ringing” in the ears; however, tinnitus can include a variety of sounds, such as clicking, roaring, whooshing, or buzzing. Some people have even reported hearing more than one sound, and the pitch and loudness can vary as well. Tinnitus is often considered to be a sign of damage to the ear, causing a disruption in how sound is transmitted to, and processed in, the brain.
Approximately 10 percent of the adult population in the U.S. experiences tinnitus in any given year. For most people, the tinnitus is not considered bothersome because it does not interfere with sleep, concentration, and/or hearing. However, some people are so bothered by their tinnitus that it triggers anxiety, depression, or insomnia. It is important to seek help if tinnitus annoys or causes emotional anguish.
The causes of tinnitus vary widely: too much caffeine, not enough sleep, medication side effects, vascular problems, etc. In fact, approximately 80 percent of people with tinnitus have some hearing loss, so it is important to have testing to determine one’s hearing acuity. Once a person has been cleared of any underlying medical concerns, the next step would be to see an audiologist to have a complete audiometric evaluation and determine what the next steps for relief might include. For more information, go to the American Tinnitus Association’s website at https://www.ata.org/.