What is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is a disorder of the mechanisms of the inner ear where a person may perceive or hear sounds with no external cause. Noises such as ringing, buzzing, whistling, hissing and roaring may be experienced in one or both ears. Affecting one in 10 people, the condition’s extremity and pitch can vary greatly from person to person.

While it is common for most people to experience temporary tinnitus at some point in their lives, for others, symptoms may present more severely and cause on-going distress. The onset of symptoms may be sudden or a gradual progression, worsening over time. In many cases, the signs of tinnitus will present following exposure to loud noise, after an illness, due to dietary changes or they may be triggered by certain medications.

Those over 55 who have already been diagnosed with age-related hearing loss are more likely to suffer from tinnitus. However, it can occur in people of all ages, even children. Tinnitus can be an extremely bothersome and unpleasant sensation. But it is important to remember that with the correct course of treatment from an audiology specialist, your symptoms and quality of life can improve.