Tinnitus and Hearing Loss: Are These Two Conditions in Any Way Connected?

Tinnitus is a condition that entails hearing or perceiving a sound, usually described as a buzzing, hissing, or ringing inside the ears. These sorts of sounds can be quite irritating, making tinnitus a frustrating condition for one to live with. In cases that are extreme, Tinnitus can influence hearing loss and the loss of concentration.

What Causes Tinnitus?

More often than not, tinnitus is associated with the same factors causing hearing loss, and that’s why a huge fraction of those suffering from this condition also report hearing loss of some sort. Exposure to loud noise is one of the most common causes of tinnitus, especially if you work in areas such as the construction sites.

Illnesses and head injuries may as well result in tinnitus, so it’s imperative to consult your physician when you start to experience symptoms of tinnitus.

How is Tinnitus Connected to Hearing Loss?

musician with tinnitus earplug

As mentioned, people experiencing tinnitus usually suffer from some sort of hearing loss, and a connection has been made between how a person experiences tinnitus and the nature of hearing loss.

Your hearing gives you lots of other background noises (TV, weather, conversations, and traffic) thus, you are automatically distracted from the tinnitus sounds. Those who routinely experience this condition can attest to the fact that tinnitus is more severe when life is quiet; especially during the night.

Studies have shown that people with noise or age-related hearing loss tend to hear continuous high pitched sounds, while people suffering from hearing loss as a result of illnesses such as Meniere’s disease tend to experience varied noises or low hum.

Is Tinnitus Curable?

There isn’t an ultimate cure for tinnitus, but one can obtain some relief from it. Relaxation techniques have shown to be useful in helping to alleviate the problem, and some therapies (e.g. the white noise therapy) have been helpful for most sufferers. Nevertheless, the use of digital hearing aid in either or both ears is also helpful in relieving the symptoms of tinnitus.

It is advisable to talk to an experienced audiologist if you suspect you may be suffering from tinnitus. These professionals can subject you to a free hearing test to determine the degree of your impairment. Moreover, an audiologist provides various treatment options so you can decide which one best fits your condition.

Considering preventive measures like wearing ear muffs when in a noisy place can also be a vital step to ensuring that you do not suffer from hearing loss or tinnitus.

Bottom Line

Tinnitus may also be a symptom of hearing loss. People who are exposed to loud noises for a long period can experience tinnitus and hearing loss. Your Cochlea contains sensitive and delicate hair cells which could get damaged due to exposure to loud noises. When that happens, it can result in the lack of clarity in your hearing, thus triggering tinnitus. It is always advisable to seek medical attention whenever such symptoms begin to manifest. You can visit miracle-ear.com/hearing-aids to learn more about the treatment options available to you.

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