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What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus or “ringing in the ears” is the term used to describe hearing sounds which are not present in the physical world.

Tinnitus is expected to affect almost two-thirds of Australians in their lifetime.

What does tinnitus sound like?

Tinnitus is commonly described as ringing, hissing, buzzing or clicking. It can sound like crickets, or like the hum of a computer fan or hard drive. It can be constant or occasional, loud or soft, mild or severe and can be heard in one or both ears or somewhere in the middle.

What can cause tinnitus?

The exact cause of tinnitus is not always known, but it is frequently associated with damage to the auditory system.

It may be the result of something simple like wax, the effect of medications or exposure to loud noise or music. It may be associated with other medical conditions affecting the auditory system, or part of a more complex interaction of factors including stress, anxiety or noise trauma.

Whilst these effects may be the catalyst for tinnitus, the ongoing nature of it is generated by the brain.

Research has shown that almost everyone develops temporary tinnitus in an abnormally quiet environment (such as a soundproof booth).

What is objective tinnitus?

Objective tinnitus has a physical source generated in or near the ear and may be audible to others. These sound sources can include the jaw, parts of the middle ear, such as the eustacian tube and middle ear muscles, the semi-circular canals and the blood supply to the ear.

What can I do to prevent tinnitus?

The number of causes of tinnitus means that it can be difficult to take preventative care, however simple safe listening practices that combat noise exposure can help reduce your risk of developing tinnitus. This includes:

Limiting your exposure to loud sounds or loud music.
If you work in a noisy environment , for example in a heavy industry or on a construction site, it is essential you wear the ear protection provided and adhere to the guidelines provided by your Health and Safety Officer.
Remembering that if you need to be heard and understood above loud noise and:
- Have control over the volume, for example if you are gaming or listening to music through your earbuds, try to turn down the loudness if you can.
- Do not have control over the volume, for example if you are at a concert, we recommend you wear hearing protection.

The best option for reducing your risk of developing tinnitus is to see an Audiology Australia Accredited Audiologist for a regular hearing check and advice.

Can you get rid of tinnitus?

Tinnitus is a symptom not a disease and can change over time. It is not something “to get rid of” but rather it is important to try to establish the cause of your individual tinnitus and manage it accordingly.

T is for Transforming Your Thinking

Most people will spontaneously habituate or adapt to their tinnitus over time. This means that you will gradually learn to accept your tinnitus, it will appear to fade into the background and you no longer notice it.

This process of acceptance involves a gradual increase in the periods of time where the tinnitus is not noticed, as well as a gradual reduction in the annoyance or distress it may cause.

The first step is to get in touch with an audiologist who can investigate your specific experience of tinnitus, discuss possible causes and work towards a management plan.

How can you manage your tinnitus?

There are many strategies and options to help you adjust to your individual tinnitus. These can be personalised by an audiologist to suit your individual coping style. They generally include:

Fitting hearing aids, because the amplification of external sounds can reduce tinnitus awareness
Sound enrichment strategies designed to support habituation to tinnitus in quiet situations
Counselling in cognitive management strategies such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) and ACT (Acceptance Commitment Therapy)
Training in stress management and relaxation.

T is for Tracking Your Progression

An Audiology Australia Accredited Audiologist can help you to see which strategy works for you and to fine-tune your actions accordingly.

What can an audiologist do for tinnitus?

An Accredited Audiology Australia Audiologist is trained to evaluate your tinnitus and talk with you about its impact. They can provide detailed information about your tinnitus including a discussion on possible causes, and develop a personalised management plan.

T is for Treatment

A hearing assessment is an essential component of a tinnitus evaluation. This is because even a very mild hearing loss will increase the “cognitive load” associated with communication leading to frustration, fatigue and stress which are all known to aggravate tinnitus.

After determining the possible causes of your tinnitus an audiologist will develop a personalised tinnitus management plan, including referral to other medical or allied health professionals as required.