10 common questions people have about tinnitus (and yes, you’ve likely had it)

This article is brought to you by Miracle Ear, a full-service hearing aid center in Idaho Falls. Miracle Ear identifies the reasons behind your hearing loss, provides personalized solutions, finds simple ways to improve your quality of life. Click here to find out more.

Tinnitus. Some say “tin-a-tus,” others say “tin-eye-tus.” Either way, it’s annoying.

Tinnitus refers to ringing in the ears when no other sound is present. It can sound like hissing, roaring, pulsing, whooshing, chirping, whistling or clicking.

Here are 10 commonly asked questions about the pesky problem.

1. Is tinnitus common?

Yes. Almost everyone has experienced periods of mild ringing or other sounds in the ear. One-third of adults experience tinnitus at some time in their lives and about 10 to 15 percent of adults have prolonged tinnitus requiring medical evaluation.

2. Is tinnitus a disease?

No. Just as fever or headache go together with many different illnesses, tinnitus is a symptom common to many problems.

3. So what causes tinnitus?

A number of health conditions can cause or worsen tinnitus – including age-related hearing loss, exposure to loud noise, earwax blockage, ear bone changes and more. In many cases, an exact cause is never found.

4. Why is my tinnitus worse at night?

During the day, the distractions of activities and the sounds around you make your tinnitus less noticeable. When your surroundings are quiet, your tinnitus can seem louder and more bothersome. Fatigue and stress may also make your tinnitus worse.

5. Will a hearing aid help my tinnitus?

If you have hearing loss, there is a good chance a hearing aid will both relieve your tinnitus and help you hear.

6. Should I see an audiologist about my tinnitus?

Your hearing should be tested by an audiologist to see if hearing loss is present. Since tinnitus can be associated with a number of hearing-related conditions, the evaluation can help provide information about the cause and treatment options for you.

7. How is the cause of tinnitus diagnosed?

You should have a medical examination with special attention given to conditions associated with tinnitus. You should also receive a full hearing evaluation by an audiologist to see if hearing loss may be causing your tinnitus.

8. What is a tinnitus masker?

Tinnitus maskers look like hearing aids and produce sounds that “mask,” or cover up, the tinnitus. The masking sound acts as a distracter and is usually more tolerable than the tinnitus. If you have a hearing loss as well as tinnitus, the masker and your hearing aid may operate together as one instrument.

9. Are there other devices that can help me?

Sound machines that provide a steady background of comforting noise can be useful at night or in a quiet environment. Fish tanks, fans, low-volume music, and indoor waterfalls can also be helpful. There are even mobile apps that offer a variety of masking sounds that may reduce the annoyance of tinnitus.

10. Can tinnitus be prevented?

In many cases, tinnitus is the result of something that can’t be prevented. However, some precautions can help prevent certain kinds of tinnitus. Use hearing protection, turn down the volume and take care of your cardiovascular health.

Information gathered from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association, the Mayo Clinic and the American Tinnitus Association.