How to Recognise the First Signs of Tinnitus

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 from tinnitus. 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. 

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.

1. A constant ringing in both ears
2. You hear a loud thumping in both ears or ringing in one ear
3. You hear music
4. There is an obvious hearing loss

References

1.  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.