What is tinnitus? Causes, symptoms and treatments
Tinnitus is the experience of sounds that have no external source. These sounds can be experienced as beeping, buzzing, roaring or humming. They can occur in one or both ears or feel like they are coming from inside the head.
The condition is common and can affect people of all ages, but occurs more often in people with hearing loss or those who have been exposed to high noise levels for a long time.
According to statistics, around 15% of the population experiences tinnitus in some form. For most people, the symptoms are mild, but around 3% are affected so much that everyday life becomes significantly difficult. This can lead to problems with sleep, concentration or social interaction.
Common causes of tinnitus
Tinnitus can have several causes, but the most common are:
- Hearing loss - often after prolonged exposure to high noise levels.
- Earwax - can block sound and give the experience of ringing in the ears.
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Stress and tension - especially in the neck and jaws (e.g. malocclusion or teeth grinding).
- Medical conditions - certain diseases and medications can trigger or worsen tinnitus.
The connection between tinnitus and hearing loss
Tinnitus does not cause hearing loss, but many people with hearing loss experience tinnitus more clearly. This is because the brain tries to compensate for lost sound impressions.
Hearing aids can make a big difference by amplifying ambient sounds and distracting from tinnitus, while improving communication and social quality of life.
Can tinnitus go away?
Tinnitus can sometimes be temporary and go away on its own, for example, due to ear infections, stress or short-term exposure to loud noises. A wax plug can also cause tinnitus, and when it is removed, the symptoms often go away.
In other cases, tinnitus is more long-lasting, especially if it is linked to hearing loss or other medical causes. Even then, there are methods that can relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.
Tinnitus treatment - relieve symptoms
Although tinnitus cannot always be cured, there are several methods to relieve the symptoms:
- Hearing aids- amplifies sound and makes tinnitus less noticeable.
- Relaxation & stress management - Yoga, meditation or deep breathing can help.
- Physiotherapy/massage - for muscle tension in the neck, shoulders or jaws.
- Medical treatment - for example, for anxiety or sleep problems.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) - helps manage stress and change the way you approach tinnitus.
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Noise Masker & Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) - masks the sound and trains the brain to ignore tinnitus.
Frequently asked questions about tinnitus
Can tinnitus come and go?
Yes, tinnitus can be temporary and disappear when the cause is treated, for example in the case of an infection or earwax plug.
Can tinnitus be caused by bite defects?
Yes, tension in the jaw and neck can contribute to tinnitus. In such cases, treatment with a bite splint or physiotherapy can help.
Will a wax plug go away on its own?
No, it should be removed professionally if it causes discomfort or affects hearing.
Is tinnitus dangerous?
Tinnitus itself is not dangerous, but it can be a sign of underlying problems such as hearing loss or high blood pressure, so it is a good idea to get checked out.
Is tinnitus hereditary?
Tinnitus itself is not hereditary, but some hearing loss - which is often associated with tinnitus - may have a genetic link.
Summary
Tinnitus is a common condition that can have many causes - from hearing loss to stress or earwax. Although the condition cannot always be cured, there are many ways to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.
We at Aktiv Hörsel Stockholm offer hearing tests , advice and the latest hearing aid technology that can reduce tinnitus and improve communication in everyday life. We also mold hearing protection to protect the ears.
👉 Contact us if you want to know more about how we can help you with tinnitus.
