What is Tinnitus? - How Can You Get Relief?

Have you ever heard a faucet running, a bell ringing or a timer buzzing and rushed all around the house looking for the source of the sound, only to find there was nothing causing it? Has this happened more than once? Does that hissing, roaring or ringing sensation make it hard to concentrate in quiet room or difficult to fall asleep?

The phantom sounds or sensations you were experiencing might be symptoms of a condition known as tinnitus (pronounced ti-NIGHT-us). “What is tinnitus?” you may ask. Simply put, tinnitus is a condition, not a disease, in which noises are “heard” from inside the ear rather than the outside environment.

People should be aware that there are several different types of tinnitus that vary in severity, cause, and frequency in the human population. The most common kind of tinnitus is also referred to as “ringing in the ears” and can be identified by a single, persistent sound, like someone holding down a key on high pitched organ. Pulsatile tinnitus is another common condition in which the ringing, buzzing or rushing sounds of the tinnitus pulsate with the beating of the heart.

A lesser known type of tinnitus involves beeping sounds, similar to that of an intermittent beeping, or musical note, like the kind heard in Morse code. An even more rare kind of tinnitus is known as "objective tinnitus," and can be heard by more than one individual. In most cases objective tinnitus is caused by a circulatory problem or muscle spasms in the ear.

Besides wondering “What is tinnitus?” you might also be wondering if there are other symptoms associated with the condition and whether certain people are more susceptible to tinnitus that others. The answer to both points is yes. Dizziness, severe headache, a sensation of stuffy or painful ears can also be associated with tinnitus.

In some cases, such as sinus infections or ear infections, these symptoms might provide clues as to what’s causing the temporary tinnitus. People that have a family history of hardened arteries or those that are taking large amounts of prescription medicine are more susceptible to tinnitus.

Because depression and hearing loss often accompany tinnitus, it is important to also consult your doctor. Make sure a hearing test is performed by a certified audiologist, especially if you’re experiencing a combination of symptoms that include hearing loss.

Because tinnitus can seem more severe in quiet environments, like a bedroom at night or church service, it can sometimes be helpful to add soft music or a fan to your environment to mask the symptoms.