What is tinnitus?

Have you ever noticed a persistent ringing, buzzing, or whooshing noise in your ears, even when there’s nothing around you making a sound? If so, you’re not alone. These noises can most likely be attributed to tinnitus, an issue faced by more than 35% of Canadians nationwide.  

Tinnitus, often characterized as a ringing in the ears, is the perception of sound when there is no external source. On its own, tinnitus is not a disease—it’s actually a potential symptom of a variety of conditions. If you are experiencing tinnitus, it can be a sign of another underlying issue with your auditory system. 

While tinnitus can be unsettling, understanding what it is, what causes it, and how it can be managed are important parts of being aware of your hearing health. Fortunately, there are many steps that can be taken to understand and manage the effects of tinnitus. 

Common tinnitus symptoms 

The specifics of tinnitus and its impact can vary greatly between individuals. From severity to perception, no two cases of tinnitus are the same. Here’s some of the most common shared experiences, as well as how they can vary: 

• Ringing, buzzing, or whooshing noises heard without an external source: The noises that are heard can vary in quality and sound. 

• Intermittent or consistent sounds: The sounds can generally either come and go or persist without stopping. 

• Perception of sound in one ear or both: It is possible for the noises that result from tinnitus to be heard in only one ear (unilateral) or in both ears (bilateral). 

• Difficulty focusing or sleeping: Due to the noise, individuals experiencing tinnitus can struggle with focus or sleep. 

• Heightened awareness of the sound in quiet environments: When it is otherwise quiet, the sound produced by tinnitus can become more noticeable. 

What are the causes of tinnitus? 

Tinnitus can be triggered by a variety of factors. Understanding the underlying causes of tinnitus can help you determine the best way to manage it. Some of these causes include: 

• Presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss: As we get older, sensory cells in our ears can naturally degrade, leading to both hearing loss and tinnitus. 

• Exposure to loud noise: Unexpected or prolonged exposure to loud environments, such as concerts, machinery, or headphones, can damage your ears and lead to hearing issues, including tinnitus. 

• Earwax blockage: Buildup of earwax can lead to irritation of the eardrum, which can result in temporary hearing loss. Both irritation and hearing loss can trigger tinnitus. 

• Certain medications: Many medications have various side effects, and some can cause tinnitus. Always be sure to discuss and understand potential issues and concerns with your primary healthcare provider. 

• Underlying health conditions: High blood pressure or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can trigger tinnitus. Cardiovascular health is also closely linked to hearing health. 

• Stress or anxiety: Feeling stressed or anxious can exacerbate tinnitus. Increased perception of tinnitus can lead to an increase in stress or anxiety, creating a challenging cycle for many. 

If you think you might have issues with your hearing for any reason, Connect Hearing offers a quick and easy hearing test to help you get a gauge of the quality of your hearing conveniently and effectively. 

Treating and managing tinnitus 

If you’re noticing any signs of tinnitus, a professional hearing assessment can be a wise next step. Audiologists and hearing care professionals can help diagnose tinnitus and identify the most suitable treatment or management strategies. 

While there is no cure for tinnitus, there are many ways to lessen its severity. Generally, the more common treatment methods are as follows: 

Hearing aids

If your tinnitus is a symptom of hearing loss, then hearing aids can effectively amplify external sounds, masking the prominence of tinnitus. There are even certain hearing aids with special features specifically designed to reduce the severity of tinnitus. 

Sound therapy

This method involves the use of gentle background music to mask the sounds that tinnitus produces. This form of therapy can help provide relief, especially during otherwise quiet times meant for focus or sleep. 

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

CBT is a form of therapy that is time-limited, problem-focused, and goal-oriented. Its primary aim is to help individuals identify, question, and alter their thoughts, patterns, and behaviours. For tinnitus, CBT can help individuals manage their emotional response to tinnitus, reducing their stress and improving their quality of life. 

Lifestyle modifications

Tinnitus can be easily influenced by external factors such as stress, caffeine, and alcohol intake, or exposure to loud noises. By reducing these factors, such as by drinking less coffee or wearing earplugs to concerts, the impact of tinnitus can be lessened. 

When and how to seek help for tinnitus 

If you're experiencing tinnitus—especially if it’s interfering with your daily life—you don’t have to face it alone. Tinnitus is a common condition, particularly among Canadian adults experiencing changes in their hearing, and there are effective ways to manage it. 

While mild, occasional tinnitus may not require treatment, it’s a good idea to seek professional support if: 

• The sound is persistent or worsening 

• It interferes with your sleep, focus, or daily activities 

• You also experience headaches, dizziness, or hearing loss 

• The sound appears suddenly or is noticeable in only one ear 

Speaking with a hearing care professional can bring clarity and peace of mind. It’s a key step in taking charge of your hearing health. To better understand tinnitus, including its causes, symptoms, and treatment options, you can explore our resources on hearing loss. 

If you're hearing persistent ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds, remember: you’re not alone. Connect Hearing is here to help you navigate tinnitus with personalized support and care.