Tinnitus is surprisingly common, with around 18% of Australians experiencing this condition at some stage in their lives. It can also have a dramatic impact on people's quality of life, even if quite mild, as it can drive people to some level of irritation.
Most people describe tinnitus as a ringing, buzzing or whistling noise, although the sound and severity can vary widely. You may be relieved to know that tinnitus is not something you imagine - it is a physical condition.
Tinnitus causes
There are a number of possible causes of tinnitus:
- Hearing loss
- Excessive noise
- An issue in the hearing pathway
- Some medications like aspirin (in higher doses), diuretics and antibiotics
- Accumulated wax in the ear
- A medical condition
- Otosclerosis (calcification of the bones in the middle ear)
- Head or neck injuries
- Meniere's disease
While it can be difficult to identify the exact cause of someone's tinnitus, hearing loss is often present. Hearing loss can be age-related, or it can result from exposure to loud noise from things like live music, heavy equipment, chain saws or firearms. Tinnitus caused by short-term exposure to a loud concert usually goes away, however, if you are regularly exposed to loud sounds this may cause permanent damage.
Myths about tinnitus
There is no treatment for tinnitus.
False! Tinnitus can often be successfully treated. If tinnitus is bothering you, it is well worth having your hearing assessed. Some of our clinics in Sydney and Melbourne specialise in tinnitus treatment. Click here to book a FREE consultation.
Tinnitus causes deafness.
False! Some people who have tinnitus also suffer from hearing loss, but tinnitus doesn't cause hearing loss.
Tinnitus is always a symptom of a serious illness.
False! Even though tinnitus is occasionally triggered by an illness, it is rarely a symptom of a serious problem. Please talk to your GP if you have any concerns. Your GP may refer you to an Audiologist, Audiometrist or Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Specialist for further investigation.
