Commonly known as “ringing in the ears,” tinnitus can actually come in many forms. Any persistent sound that does not originate outside the body is considered tinnitus. Some people experience tinnitus as a ringing sound, indeed, but others hear a buzzing, humming, whirring, whooshing, or even a clicking sound. In order to understand more about this quite common condition, we need to take a look deep inside the features of the ear. Once we have a better sense of how tinnitus occurs, we can understand better how to prevent it.
How does tinnitus occur?
Tinnitus comes in two different forms. The less common of the two forms is called objective tinnitus, and it occurs due to a sound in the body close to the ear canal. A condition of the blood vessels or the bones of the head can cause a sound that a doctor or specialist can hear, as well. That sound actually is part of the body, so it can be diagnosed and cured in some instances. However, the more common form of tinnitus is called subjective tinnitus. This condition is the experience of sound that only the individual can hear. That sound exists in the hearing process for the individual, but it does not originate outside the body.
How can this be? Taking a closer look at the process of hearing will illuminate how subjective tinnitus occurs. Inside the cochlea of the inner ear, tiny hair like organelles called stereocilia are responsible for sensing subtle differences in sound. They pick up on vibrations coming from the outside world and transform these vibrations into electrical impulses that can be sent along to the brain. When the stereocilia are in good working order, each perceives only a single frequency, or pitch, of sound. However, the very sensitivity that enables the stereocilia to perceive sound also makes them prone to damage. In the case of hearing loss, the stereocilia can be damaged and turned permanently “off.”
However, in the case of tinnitus, one or several of the stereocilia can be damaged in a way that turns them permanently “on.” This constant perception of sound occurs within the ears in a way that only the individual can hear.
Is there a cure for tinnitus?
Just as with sensorineural hearing loss, once these stereocilia are bent, broken, or otherwise damaged, there is no known cure to restore their functioning. However, treatment options are ever-improving to reduce or eliminate the sound of tinnitus. Many at-home DIY treatments are available for tinnitus.
Most people notice tinnitus most when it is very quiet, and the minutes before falling asleep can be the loudest time for a person with tinnitus. In order to dampen or distract from these sounds, some people like to sleep with a fan blowing in the background or a white noise machine. Some experience relief from playing a television at low volume in the background or using a nature sound machine to mask the experience of tinnitus. The variety of frequencies can sometimes capture a tone that will cancel out the subjective experience of tinnitus.
Although these remedies can provide some relief, advanced treatment is available through your hearing health care provider. Many of the latest hearing aids can produce a sound that effectively cancels out the frequency of tinnitus sound. When the same pitch is played in a reverse phasing pattern of the soundwave, it can make it seem as if the sound does not exist. Playing these background sounds has a range of effectiveness, but many people experience some relief from this form of treatment.
Is there a relationship between tinnitus and hearing loss?
Many people experience tinnitus and hearing loss at the same time. Just as the stereocilia can be turned into the “on” position, others can be damaged in a way that creates the “off” position, as well. If you have tinnitus, it might be a warning sign that you can benefit from a hearing test, as well. Though you might not realize it, some frequencies might not be perceptible to you any longer.
Don’t delay getting a hearing test if you have tinnitus. This exam is the first step on the path toward treatment for both conditions. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
