At some point in their lives, up to 25% of the population will experience tinnitus, or ringing in the ears. Tinnitus can be mildly annoying, or it can be debilitating. For some, it dramatically impacts their quality of life.
There is a lot of misinformation and confusion about tinnitus. Here are some important facts to know about it.
Types of Tinnitus
Ringing of the ears is the most common definition of tinnitus, but there are actually various degrees and types of it. Mild tinnitus is one of the most common, and it’s the type that’s usually not treated because those who have it learn to adapt to the symptoms. There are high and low-frequency forms of tinnitus, as well. Tinnitus can be experienced differently by anyone but there are ways to address the symptoms.
Treating Tinnitus
Some believe that there’s nothing to be done about tinnitus, but that’s not usually the case. There are a number of treatments that ENTs can assist you with, and there are everyday measures you can take to help. For some individuals experiencing tinnitus, simply wearing ear protection or taking time to reduce stress through relaxation techniques can alleviate the symptoms. For others, sound therapy or hearing aids are helpful.
Unfortunately, there simply isn’t a medication that stops all symptoms of tinnitus. The only treatment forms that have proven to help are therapy and hearing aids. In fact, hearing aids are one of the most effective ways to manage tinnitus.
Causes of Tinnitus
There are many different causes of tinnitus, including hearing loss, exposure to loud noises, and more. Tinnitus can be an indicator of long-term hearing loss, so it’s important to address the symptoms early.
To learn more about tinnitus, treatment options, or hearing loss, contact Southwest Idaho ENT at (208) 336-4368 today!