Tinnitus Mate rongonga ā-hinengaro
Tinnitus is when you hear sounds in your ears or head that do not come from your surroundings. It results from changes in your hearing or nervous system. There are different forms of tinnitus and many different causes.
Causes of tinnitus
The exact cause of tinnitus is usually not clear though it is often linked with hearing loss.
Tinnitus triggers
Many things can trigger tinnitus, including:
- ageing
- loud music or noise
- medicines
- ear wax
- infections
- an injury
- illnesses such as diabetes or Ménière's disease.
Anxiety, depression and stress can make tinnitus more of a problem.
Symptoms of tinnitus
Different people experience tinnitus differently. People with tinnitus commonly hear:
- ringing
- buzzing
- whistling sounds.
Often, the sound is high pitched but it can be pulsing, clicking or gurgling. Music or voices may sometimes be heard.
Diagnosing tinnitus
Tinnitus is not usually serious. But if it is new, it is a good idea to get your healthcare provider or an audiologist (hearing specialist) to check it. This is especially important if:
- your tinnitus is just in one ear
- your tinnitus pulses in rhythm with your heartbeat
- you have sudden hearing loss.
Your healthcare provider will look in your ears and will usually suggest a full diagnostic hearing test with an audiologist.
Sometimes you will need further tests to find the underlying cause, such as blood tests or a scan.
Self care for tinnitus
There are things you can do to manage your tinnitus.
- Reduce your exposure to loud sounds.
- Reduce how much alcohol or caffeine you drink.
- Quit smoking.
- Avoid complete silence.
- Manage stress — stress can cause tinnitus and make it worse.
- Try relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, calming breathing techniques and progressive muscle relaxation.
Treating tinnitus
Most people can cope with their tinnitus using simple self help measures.
If a cause such as too much ear wax or a side effect from a medicine is found, correcting this may improve your tinnitus.
If your tinnitus is an ongoing problem, your options may include:
- getting information about tinnitus and learning ways to cope with it (information counselling)
- hearing aids
- sound devices to desensitise you to the sound
- counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for stress.
An audiologist who specialises in tinnitus management can help advise on what might suit you.