If you suffer from constant ringing in the ears, contact City Hearing to see our qualified audiologist in Melbourne.
Almost one in every five Australians experience an enduring or episodic “ringing in the ears” known as tinnitus. Tinnitus is a condition characterised by ringing or roaring sound, in one or both ears; it may be soft or loud noise, low or high pitched. Some people have constant ringing in the ears, while for others it happens at random times and for short periods.
Tinnitus is not a disease; it is commonly a symptom of an auditory or sensory problem in the hearing process sometimes caused by a stressful event on the ear. There are many reasons why people develop this condition, but research has identified the following as potential causes of tinnitus:
- exposure to extreme noise
- certain medications
- stress and fatigue
- caffeine
- smoking, and
- alcohol
Another simple cause can be a wax build-up in the ears. Sometimes, tinnitus can be caused by Temporo-mandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction. If the sound or intensity of your tinnitus changes by clenching your jaws or moving your neck or head, this may be the case. However, it can also have a more serious cause such as a tumour located on the hearing nerve; that is why we advise anyone with symptoms of tinnitus to seek medical diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible.
While no one knows the exact cause of tinnitus it is often accompanied by hearing loss of some kind that is why consulting our experienced audiologists is the first step towards confirming the diagnosis and providing relief.
Unfortunately, there is no known cure for the condition. However, as there are varying causes for tinnitus, management depends on the cause and how much it affects the individual. It is important to let us ascertain the cause of your tinnitus so that we can ensure the right treatment.
Our Tinnitus Specialist can offer understanding, support and treatment to help you with what can be a frustrating condition. Counselling or advice on lifestyle factors may assist in managing chronic tinnitus, alleviating the severity of the condition and preventing tinnitus with lifestyle changes. In some cases, simply wearing hearing devices that create a different kind of external sound will help by “masking” the ringing in your ears. We encourage you to contact us today as our audiologists are trained in diagnosis and rehabilitation so that you can be sure you are getting the best care possible.
