4 Signs You Have Tinnitus

Are you experiencing a buzzing, ringing or whooshing sound that no one around you seems to hear? You may have tinnitus. This condition can be annoying and frustrating to deal with, but luckily there are a number of different treatments available to help you find relief. Visit a hearing care professional if you begin to exhibit any of the following common signs of tinnitus.

A recurring noise no one else can hear

The first sign is that you can hear a noise that no one else can that is recurring or may only happen once. This could be anything from a ringing to a buzzing, vibrating, whistling or whirring. It could even be a small piece of music playing on repeat in your head. It can literally be anything. The key is that only you and perhaps a hearing specialist will be able to hear that noise. Typically, tinnitus will start as a recurring issue. It could be on and off every couple of months, weeks or years. It could last a day, a week, or a month. Generally speaking, the longer it lasts, the more likely it is that it is permanent. If you only experience tinnitus for a short time, this can be seen a warning that you need to be more attentive about protecting your ears.

A constant noise

Eventually, tinnitus will usually become permanent, and the noise can even get louder as time goes on. Or, it can remain a constant volume. However, no matter what you do, you won’t be able to rid yourself of that noise. Blocking your ears won’t help because it’s inside your ears. You can drown it out with another loud noise, but this can damage your hearing more and make your condition worse. Be aware that it will also seem louder in quieter environments such as when you are trying to sleep. For this reason, a lot of people with tinnitus do struggle with insomnia.

Hearing loss

It’s important to be aware that tinnitus is not always a sign of hearing loss. However, it can be. It can point to the fact that you have lost a certain level or a pitch of hearing. If that’s the case, you will notice a noise that no one else can hear. But, you will also struggle to hear anyway, regardless of how loud your tinnitus actually is.

Tinnitus can be a difficult condition to live with. It can impact your ability to communicate, socialize and even get a good night’s rest. With the help of a hearing care provider, you can find the relief you need and enjoy your life – without the distraction of tinnitus.