“Hey it’s James Barrett here!
Recently, I caught up with an old friend, let’s call him Mike. Now, Mike’s a fantastic guy, always has been. But lately, something has been bothering him—a ringing in his ears enough to throw anyone off balance.
“James,” he confided, “is this tinnitus thing everyone’s talking about? Or am I just going crazy?”
Sound familiar? Maybe you’ve experienced that annoying whooshing or buzzing too. Don’t worry, you’re not alone!
Tinnitus affects millions of people worldwide, and it can be a real drag. But before you panic and start building a soundproof room (although that might be cool…), let’s explore further…
As I explained to him, tinnitus can sneak up on you in various ways. It can be a sudden, unwelcome guest, or a slow creeper gradually taking over your soundscape.
And there are actually two main types to consider:
Subjective Tinnitus
This is the most common type, and it’s like having a personal earworm – a ringing, buzzing, or thumping only you can hear. This often plagues folks who’ve spent a lot of time exposed to loud noises, like musicians, bartenders, or even military veterans.
Objective Tinnitus
This one’s rarer, but your doctor may be able to hear the culprit behind the noise! It can be caused by tiny problems in the middle ear bones, muscular quirks, or even circulation issues.
Now, here are things to look for (and listen for!) to see whether or not you have tinnitus.
Are You Hearing Ringing in Your Ears?
If you’re experiencing a ringing sound in one or both ears, especially in a quiet setting, it might be tinnitus. This ringing may also manifest as a buzzing noise.
First, ensure no appliances or devices around you produce these sounds. Additionally, confirm that you are the only one who can hear them. If both conditions apply, you might be dealing with tinnitus.
It’s essential to monitor this ringing. If it dissipates after a few hours, it could be a reaction to medication or a part of aging. However, if the ringing or buzzing persists, it’s advisable to consult an audiologist.
Do You Hear Thumping Sounds?
Thumping is another key indicator of tinnitus, specifically pulsatile tinnitus, which is linked to blood flow and blood vessels in the ears. This can sound like rhythmic thumping, similar to a drumbeat or bass guitar.
Are You Hearing Music That Isn't There?
Hearing phantom music—a tune that others aren’t listening to—is a common symptom of tinnitus. This isn’t about catching a song on the radio. It’s about perceiving musical patterns that aren’t actually there, which your brain interprets as real music.
If you notice melodies that others do not, seeing an audiologist could be a wise step.
Have You Noticed a Loss of Hearing?
If you find yourself repeatedly asking others to repeat themselves or turning up the volume on your TV, it could be more than just tinnitus at play— you might also be experiencing hearing loss.
Although hearing loss can arise from several causes, such as reactions to medications or natural aging, a sudden or unexplained deterioration in your hearing ability could be an early indicator of tinnitus.
Prompt consultation with an audiologist is crucial to manage or potentially halt its progression.
Get a Professional Examination
If you suspect that you might be experiencing tinnitus, it’s crucial to seek a professional examination as soon as possible. Tinnitus can be a complex condition with various underlying causes, some of which might require specialized treatment.
Beyond hearing loss, tinnitus can profoundly disrupt one’s life. It may lead to sleep deprivation, depression, anxiety, and fatigue, all of which can affect memory, increase stress, and impact work and personal life.
Early detection and treatment are key to managing tinnitus and improving one’s quality of life.
What were the first signs of tinnitus you noticed, and how did you initially respond? Share your experience by replying to me
