Symptoms of Tinnitus can Linger and then Fade Away

Tinnitus is the perceived sound of buzzing, clicking, hissing, ringing, etc. with no outside source of the noise. Over 45 million Americans suffer from this condition, and 90 percent have some range of hearing loss. 

When it comes to tinnitus, sometimes the symptoms are tolerable and other days they are unbearable. The pitch and volume levels can change from day to day. It is not precisely known as to why the symptoms last long on some days, and don’t last long on other days. 

Common Causes of Tinnitus

A shift in a person’s hearing is a prevailing cause of tinnitus. The cause of these shifts may be:

• Aging
• Build up of earwax
• Changes in the bones of your ears
• Trauma from noise

Other Possible Causes of Hearing Loss:

• Atherosclerosis (A disease caused by plaque build up in your arteries, causing them to become hard and narrow.)
• Acoustic neuroma  
• Head trauma
• High blood pressure
• Issues with the carotid artery or jugular vein
• Meniere’s disease
• TMJ issues
• Tumor growing in the head or neck

In some cases there are no clear causes for tinnitus. The root cause can be treated, or it could be a sign of a serious condition related to high blood pressure or heart disease. Tinnitus may also be the side effect of a medication that you take.

Triggers for Tinnitus:

• Sometimes hearing a loud noise or repetitions of loud noises like concert music, fireworks, or a loud blast can provoke symptoms of tinnitus. The best recommendation to avoid experiencing tinnitus is to wear ear protection if you plan to be exposed to loud noises. You can enjoy listening to live music at a concert without harming your hearing by wearing earplugs.     

 

• You could also stand, or sit, as far away as you can from the sound source (speakers). When you go to see a fireworks display or live performance, don’t sit in the front row. When using hearing protection, also refrain from standing or sitting close to the sound source.        

 

• Powerful noises can come from your own home. Mowing the lawn, using power tools, wearing headphones with music played and dangerous volume levels, or standing by your washing machine while doing a load of laundry can cause noise-induced hearing loss.  Wear hearing protection when engaging in any of these tasks.  

 

• Intense sounds that you come in contact with while at work can also induce tinnitus. If you work with loud machines or in construction you should wear protection for your ears. Your employer should provide hearing protection, as long as you make them aware of your concerns. If you do work in a noisy environment, take a break once in a while and give your ears a rest from all of the sounds. 

 

• Shifts in air pressure can cause your ears to “pop”. Symptoms of tinnitus can worsen due to noises from the plane’s engine and from shifts in air pressure. It would be wise to bring a pair of ear plugs while you travel and some gum to chew in order to neutralize the air pressure.     

Medications that may Affect Your Hearing:

Some medications are classified as ototoxic. This means that they are toxic to the ears, particularly on the ear’s nerves. Common drugs are:

• Antibiotics
• Diuretics
• Over-the-counter pain relievers

If you notice symptoms of tinnitus contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation. There is no cure for tinnitus, but treatment options are available to ease the symptoms.   

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