04/02/2025                                                                            
                                    
                                                                            
                                            TINNITUS is the medical term for noises in the ears that do not come from an outside source. The sounds are often described as ringing, buzzing, pulsing, humming or rushing. They can be so soft you barely hear them or so loud that they seem to block out sounds in your environment. People with severe tinnitus might have trouble concentrating or sleeping. Over time this can lead to frustration and depression.
Anyone can get tinnitus but it’s most common in people between the ages of 40 and 80. It isn’t a disease and we don’t know exactly what causes it, however it can be a symptom of certain health/medical conditions. The more common causes are:
- Age related hearing loss: The brain is used to certain levels of sound stimulation, resulting in your hearing nerve being used to certain levels of activity. When hearing loss occurs, the brain receives less stimulation, but the hearing nerve may still fire at the same rate as usual. This can cause the individual to hear sounds that aren’t really there.
- Noise induced hearing loss: exposure to loud noises either singular (such as a gunshot) or over time (such as machinery, loud music)
- Ear injuries and trauma
- Ear conditions: earwax build up or infections causing blockages can result in temporary tinnitus
- Medications: certain drugs can cause tinnitus including some antibiotics, antidepressants, chemotherapy and non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs and aspirin.
Treatment depends on the cause. An audiologist can check for any issues and may suggest hearing tests, blood tests or MRI scanning. They may also recommend sound therapy which may help decrease how noticeable it is over time. In some cases where the cause is wax build up and blockage, an ear wax removal specialist (such as myself) can remove the debris. 
Tinnitus prevention is not always possible but there are steps you can take which may help reduce your risk. Using hearing protection, especially when working in construction or factory settings, during loud concerts, when using power tools or use of fi****ms. 
❌If you develop sudden hearing loss in addition to tinnitus, it is advisable to seek advice immediately❌
Send me a message, book online or call 07825 743250 to discuss your ear health👂