Understanding Tinnitus and How It Relates to Hearing Loss
At Optimal Hearing we get asked about tinnitus all the time. If you've ever heard a constant ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in your ears that no one else can hear, you might be one of the millions dealing with tinnitus. It is estimated that 1 in 7 people in the UK have tinnitus, which is over 7 million adults. While most have some experience of tinnitus as an after effect of a concert or a nightclub, for these 7 million tinnitus is a more permanent condition that often goes hand-in-hand with hearing loss. Let’s dive into this mysterious phenomenon, how it relates to hearing loss, and how hearing aids might help you manage.
What is tinnitus?
Aside from a word that many struggle to pronounce, Tinnitus (pronounced "tin-it-us") is the perception of sound when no external noise is present. It’s not a disease in itself, but rather a symptom of a different or underlying issue. The sounds you might hear vary from ringing, buzzing, clicking, hissing, or even roaring. These sounds can be constant or intermittent, soft or loud. While some people experience tinnitus in one ear, others hear it in both.
The connection between tinnitus and hearing Loss
Hearing loss is one of the leading causes of tinnitus. It’s not that the hearing loss itself creates the ringing in your ears, but rather that it disrupts the way your brain processes sound. When your hearing deteriorates, the brain tries to compensate by creating its own “sound.” This can lead to the perception of phantom noises or tinnitus.
The types of hearing loss most commonly associated with tinnitus are:
Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Wear and tear over time (presbycusis) often leads to tinnitus. As the hearing system gradually weakens, tinnitus may appear as an unwelcome sidekick. For many this can be the first sign to have a hearing wellness check. It occurs when there is damage to the inner ear (hair cells in the cochlea) or auditory nerve. The brain can misinterprets the loss of sound as a constant noise, like ringing or buzzing.
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss: If you’ve spent time in noisy environments (think concerts, industrial settings, or blasting music with earbuds), any damage from loud sounds doesn’t just affect hearing; it can trigger those annoying phantom sounds as well.
It is estimated that 90% of people with hearing loss have some form of tinnitus.
What else causes tinnitus?
Besides hearing loss, there are several other factors that can contribute to tinnitus:
Ear infections or blockages: Blockages in the ear canal, or issues in your middle ear can alter the function of your hearing, sometimes leading to tinnitus. At it’s most basic level, earwax moving in the ear canal or positioned against the eardrum will often cause some sensations of sound, as well as discomfort.
Health conditions: High blood pressure, diabetes, or even jaw issues can also lead to tinnitus, although this is less common than hearing-related causes.
How hearing aids can help tinnitus
You might be wondering: If tinnitus is linked to hearing loss, can hearing aids help? The answer is yes, they can! Here’s how:
Amplifying External Sounds: Hearing aids can amplify external sounds, making your brain focus more on the real world and less on the phantom noises. By improving your overall hearing, they can reduce the prominence of tinnitus.
Masking Tinnitus: Many modern hearing aids come with **tinnitus masking features** that emit soothing sounds (like white noise or nature sounds) directly into the ear, helping to mask the ringing and provide relief. This can be especially helpful when you're in quiet environments or trying to sleep.
Rewiring the Brain: Over time, hearing aids can help retrain the brain to process sound in a way that reduces the perception of tinnitus. For some individuals, this might even lead to long-term relief.
Managing tinnitus beyond hearing aids
While hearing aids can be a game-changer, there are other strategies to manage tinnitus:
Sound therapy: Using sounds from nature or white noise machines can distract from tinnitus and make it less noticeable.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT can help you shift your mindset and cope better with tinnitus, especially when combined with hearing aids or sound therapy.
Protect Your Hearing: Wear ear protection when exposed to loud environments. Whether it's a concert or construction work, taking precautions can prevent further hearing loss—and thus, potentially lessen the chances of worsening tinnitus.
Final thoughts
Tinnitus might not be the most glamorous topic, but it’s important to understand its connection to hearing loss. Whether you’ve been living with the constant buzz or it’s a recent development, there may be a solution for you. If your tinnitus is related to hearing loss, hearing aids could be a simple and effective solution. Not only can they improve your hearing, communication and reduce listening fatigue, they can also provide relief from the phantom sounds that come with it.
Remember, you’re not alone in this. If tinnitus becomes a persistent issue, or if your hearing seems to be getting worse, it’s always a good idea to consult with an audiologist as a starting point. Many report instant relief from tinnitus when they wear professionally fitted hearing aids.