Tinnitus is the experience of hearing sounds when there are no noises. Some people describe their tinnitus as ringing in the ears, while others say it sounds more like buzzing. For most people, tinnitus sounds are only heard by the person impacted by the condition. But in some cases, the ringing can even be heard by clinicians during an examination. 

The number of cases of tinnitus in Canada may be higher than you think. According to a Stats Canada study, 43% of Canadians between the ages 16 to 79 have experienced tinnitus. Over a third of these people have experienced tinnitus within the last year.

Although there is no cure for tinnitus, there are treatments that can improve your quality of life if you experience these unwanted sounds – including hearing aids.

Tinnitus 101

Tinnitus is the experience of hearing sounds that don’t come from an external source. Depending on the person, it can range from being mildly annoying to completely debilitating.

Impacts and Symptoms

Although it is often described as a ringing, tinnitus can also present as a buzzing, whistling, humming, clicking or pulsing sound.

Around 9.2 million Canadians suffer from tinnitus. For many people, they don’t even realize they “hear” unwanted sounds until the condition is described to them.

For others, the impacts of tinnitus have a major impact. Around 7% of Canadians struggle with their daily routines due to their tinnitus. This is because tinnitus impacts both daytime and nighttime activities and impacts sleep, concentration and mood.

Here are some common tinnitus sounds and the conditions they are associated with:

• High-pitched ringing: This is often caused by exposure to loud noises, hearing loss or medication. This is also the most common sound heard by those experiencing tinnitus. High-pitched ringing in one ear can also be caused by acoustic neuroma.
• Low-pitched ringing: This may be caused by otosclerosis, ear canal blockages, or Meniere's disease.
• Pulsing, ringing or humming: These sounds may be noticeable when moving positions between standing and sitting. They are caused by blood vessel related conditions such as high blood pressure.
• Clicking: Muscle spasms in and around the ear often cause clicking.

Causes of Tinnitus

Tinnitus can either come on spontaneously with no known cause, but it is more commonly associated with hearing loss. When the small hair-like cells found in the cochlea of the inner ear are damaged from exposure to loud noises, the ears are unable to collect clear auditory signals. The brain then becomes confused by these signals, which can produce the sensation of tinnitus.

Tinnitus is also associated with other conditions like cardiovascular disease, old age, earwax buildup, and head or neck trauma. Certain types of medications can also contribute to tinnitus. For many people, a combination of factors contribute to their experience with tinnitus.

Tinnitus Treatments

There is currently no cure for tinnitus, but there are ways to manage the unwanted sounds. The treatments differ from person to person, but it often includes cochlear implants, therapy and hearing aids.

If your tinnitus is caused by an underlying health condition, treating the condition may improve your tinnitus. Blood vessel conditions for example can be treated with surgery or medication, and earwax buildup can be treated with professional earwax removal.

Tinnitus symptoms can also be reduced with white noise. Often white noise machines or rain sounds can distract the brain from tinnitus. Some white noise devices can even be worn in the ear.

Tinnitus can be treated with counselling. Tinnitus retraining therapy uses sound masking devices and counseling to help train patients to notice their tinnitus less, and feel less distressed when they do. Cognitive behavioral therapy can also treat the anxiety and depression that's often associated with tinnitus.

Hearing Aids for Tinnitus

Hearing aids are an accessible tool for not only treating hearing loss, but for treating tinnitus. There are three main reasons why hearing aids treat tinnitus:

• Sound masking: Just as tinnitus symptoms can be masked with white noise, they can also be masked with background noises. Hearing aids can be programmed to amplify certain background noises, which distract the brain from tinnitus symptoms. Sound masking is especially helpful if your hearing loss has the same frequency as your tinnitus.
• Improve auditory stimulation: Hearing aids can increase sound volume, which provides the brain with more auditory stimulation. This increased stimulation can improve overall brain health and can help treat tinnitus.
• Helps manage hearing loss: The most common cause of tinnitus is hearing loss. This is why hearing aids can treat both hearing loss and tinnitus simultaneously.

Are you suffering from tinnitus and wonder if hearing aids are right for you? Book an appointment for a hearing test with us today.

At Hearing Care Clinic we are dedicated to providing personalized and friendly service. We will work with you to learn about your hearing and to find the best solution that's tailored to your budget and lifestyle.