Tinnitus – Frequently Asked Questions

What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus (which can be pronounced as either ‘tin-eye-tis’ or ‘tin-uh-tis’) refers to a ringing, roaring, or buzzing sound in one or both ears. This sound isn’t present in the environment, meaning other people can’t hear it - only the person with tinnitus can. Tinnitus can occur in in one ear or both ears. Some people may feel as though they hear the sound coming from the center of their head.

Tinnitus doesn’t sound the same for everyone. Some people may hear a high pitched ringing, and others may hear a cicada-like noise or rushing, roaring sound. It can vary in pitch and volume depending on the individual. Tinnitus can also pulse like a heartbeat. For some individuals, the sound may be constant, while for others, it may come and go throughout the day. Some people may only hear their tinnitus in quiet situations or when they feel stressed, while others might hear it all the time. Tinnitus can also sound like music.

What causes tinnitus?

Tinnitus does not have one single known source. A combination of many different factors can cause tinnitus. Usually, it is not possible to determine the exact cause. The following are a few potential causes of tinnitus:

• Hearing loss

• Exposure to loud noise

• Medications

• Alcohol

• Genetics

• Some autoimmune disorders (Crohn’s disease, Lyme disease, etc.)

• Stress or mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD

• Head injuries

In very few cases, tinnitus may be caused by a tumor in the ear (called a glomus tumor) or a tumor on the hearing nerve (called an acoustic neuroma.) According to John Hopkins Medicine,  acoustic neuromas are benign, meaning they do not spread throughout the body. They are also rare. About 1 in 100,000 people per year are diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma.

What are some signs that my tinnitus may be caused by a tumor?

The vast majority of people with tinnitus do not have a tumor. However, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, there are some signs that tinnitus may be related to a tumor:

• The tinnitus is only in one ear

• The tinnitus pulses with your heartbeat

• Your hearing is worse in one ear than the other

• You experience dizziness or vertigo frequently

If any of these symptoms above apply to you, contact your doctor. They may want to undergo testing (for example, a hearing test or an MRI.)

What types of medications have tinnitus as a side effect?
According to Mayo Clinic, the following types of drugs commonly have tinnitus noted as a side effect.

• Aspirin and NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen)
  In high doses, these drugs are known to cause tinnitus.

• Antidepressants
  While not all types of depression and anxiety medication are associated with tinnitus, many common drugs used to treat these conditions (tricyclic antidepressants, Xanax, Valium, and Ativan) are associated with tinnitus.

• Blood Pressure Lowering Medication
  Once again, not all medication meant to lower blood pressure causes tinnitus, multiple common blood pressure lowering drugs (like those containing ACE inhibitors and Amlodipine) are associated with tinnitus.

Please note this is not a comprehensive list. Other medications may also include tinnitus as a side effect. Talk to your doctor if you think one of your medications may be related to your tinnitus. Do not stop taking a medication without consulting the prescribing doctor.

I have tinnitus. Does that mean I also have hearing loss?

Not necessarily. It is possible for people with normal hearing to experience tinnitus. However, many individuals with tinnitus also have hearing loss. If you have tinnitus, it’s a good idea to have your hearing tested by an audiologist. Contact us to schedule your hearing and/or tinnitus evaluation today.

Can medications or vitamins cure tinnitus?

No medication or supplement has been scientifically proven to cure tinnitus. While there are currently many products on the market which claim to cure tinnitus, they have not been proven to be effective through clinical trials.

Do hearing aids cure tinnitus?

No. However, hearing aids can help. Some people report their tinnitus is quieter or less noticeable when they are wearing their hearing aids. Others report their tinnitus goes away completely while they wear hearing aids. However, for others, hearing aids have no effect on their tinnitus at all. Hearing aids can help many people manage their tinnitus better, however there is no guarantee they will solve the problem.

Why is my tinnitus worse in quiet situations?

Think of tinnitus as an annoying fly buzzing around your head. In a quiet room with no distractions, the fly’s buzzing will sound loud, and it will be harder to ignore. But if you’re having a conversation with someone, or if you’re in a busy, noisy location, then your attention is focused on what’s going on around you, not the sound of the fly’s buzzing. Tinnitus is similar. For most people, tinnitus is harder to ignore in quiet because there are no other sounds to focus on.

My tinnitus keeps me awake at night. What can I do to get better sleep?

One method for falling asleep with tinnitus is to listen to another sound at bedtime. A soothing, constant sound like white noise or nature sounds can distract you from the tinnitus and help you fall asleep. Even the sound of a fan running can be enough to cover up the tinnitus. There are many sound generators or noise machines available for purchase which produce steady, constant sounds that are easier to fall asleep to. Check out our online store for our preferred noise machines.

 What can I do to manage my tinnitus?

While there is no cure for tinnitus, there are some methods which can reduce how bothersome or irritating your tinnitus is. Here are a few: 

• Maintain a regular sleep schedule, with a goal of sleeping 8 hours per night.

• Reduce or eliminate salt, caffeine, and alcohol from your diet.

• Use meditation or mindfulness exercises when your tinnitus becomes bothersome.

• Manage stress. If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or if you’re simply feeling stressed out, consider seeking counseling or mental health services.

• Listen to a pleasant sound when your tinnitus is bothersome (this can be your favorite music, soothing nature sounds, or any other sound which you find pleasant.)

• Not sure where to find pleasant sounds? Check out the ReSound Relief app, which is available for Apple and Android devices. It includes a huge library of ambient sounds and nature sounds which you can mix and match to create your own custom-made relaxation tracks.  

Want more information about tinnitus?

For more information about tinnitus, its causes, and potential treatment options, you can review the following resources:

• This tinnitus informational fact sheet produced by the Veterans Affairs

• This American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) web page