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How to Recognise the First Signs of Tinnitus
How to Recognise the First Signs of Tinnitus
10 min.
tinnitus
Publication Date: 23 June 2023
Tinnitus is common, but it’s important to recognise signs early so that it doesn’t become more serious or permanent. Here are things to look for (and listen for!) to see whether or not you have tinnitus.
How to Recognise the First Signs of Tinnitus
If you’ve been experiencing hearing loss or ringing in your ears, you may be suffering fromtinnitus. It’s common in people that spend their professional career around loud noises, such as firefighters, rock stars, and those that spend time around jet engines.Tinnitus can come on very suddenly or slowly and there are a few different kinds of tinnitus.It’s most common in older adults, though it can develop at any age. The most common age for Tinnitus onset is 60-69 years old and it affects roughly 15% of all people1.
There are two main kinds of tinnitus:
Subjective tinnitus
This is the most common and is caused by damage in your outer, middle, or inner ear. Typically subjective tinnitus is caused by exposure to loud noise over a period of time.
Objective tinnitus This type of tinnitus can actually be heard by a doctor. It is less common than subjective tinnitus and can be caused by damage to your middle ear bone, a blood vessel problem, or muscle contractions.Tinnitus is common, but it’s important to recognise signs early so that it doesn’t become more serious or permanent. An audiologist, for example, can assess the kind of tinnitus you may have and let you know if it’s permanent or if there are measures you can take to ensure it doesn’t become permanent. Here are things to look for (and listen for!) to see whether or not you have tinnitus.
- A constant ringing in both ears
- You hear a loud thumping in both ears or ringing in one ear
- You hear music
- There is an obvious hearing loss
If you are experiencing any or all of the symptoms above, it’s time to make an appointment with an ear specialist.Not only will you get more information about why you are going through what you are experiencing, but you may have an opportunity to lessen the potential long-term damage to your hearing.The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. You should not use the information as a substitute for, nor should it replace, professional medical advice. If you have any questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other health-care professional.
References
- Jamil Al-Swiahb, Shi Nae Park. Characterization of tinnitus in different age groups: A retrospective review. Noise Health. 2016 Jul-Aug; 18(83): 214–219.
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