Tinnitus is a medical term that describes hearing sounds from within your body. Although it is commonly described as ringing in the ears, some people may also hear whistling, buzzing, or humming. Learn more about the condition and when to get a hearing test by using this guide.

What Is Tinnitus? 

Causes

Tinnitus develops due to underlying health problems. For example, ear and sinus infections increase pressure around the eardrum, which causes ringing in the ears. Furthermore, medical conditions such as high blood pressure and artery hardening cause the blood in your veins and arteries to move faster. This causes rhythmic thumping and whooshing sounds in the ears, called pulsatile tinnitus. However, some cases are triggered by prolonged exposure to extreme noises, too much earwax, age-related hearing loss, medications like NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), and diuretics. 

Symptoms

The first symptom is ringing in the ears. However, tinnitus may produce phantom noises such as clicking, hissing, and roaring. Most people suffer from subjective tinnitus, where they’re the only one who hears the noises, which may vary from low roars to loud squeals. Others experience objective tinnitus, which produces sounds from turbulent blood flow due to hypertension and small tumors in the ears.

How Is Tinnitus Diagnosed and Treated? 

Tests 

• Hearing Test: Before treating Tinnitus, an audiologist uses a hearing test or audiometry to determine which sounds you can hear. This test allows the practitioner to identify possible causes of Tinnitus.
• Tympanometry: This test allows a doctor to measure how well your middle ear works. It can rule out tinnitus caused by aging and long exposure to noise.

Treatment

• Hearing Aids: If you have Tinnitus associated with age-related hearing loss, a listening device makes outside noise louder and minimizes the ringing of the ears. This small electronic device converts sound waves into electrical signals and amplifies them through a speaker in your ear. 
• Sound Therapy: If the underlying cause is not identified, listening to neutral sounds can suppress tinnitus. These include relaxing nature sounds such as ocean waves and rainfall. 

If you’re experiencing loud ringing in your ear, contact Solbrig Hearing Center in Kerrville, TX. For over 15 years, this team of audiologists has provided state-of-the-art listening devices to help improve their patients' hearing. Additionally, they perform tests to identify the causes of hearing loss. Visit their website for more information about their services, and call (830) 895-5900 to make an appointment.