Top Indications You May Have Tinnitus

Tinnitus is not a single condition, but rather a symptom that can be related to an underlying condition. For that reason, people can experience it in different ways and you might not be sure whether your experience is classified as tinnitus. Here are some of the most common signs you have it, which should prompt you to visit an audiologist.

You hear unexplained noises

Your experience of tinnitus can be very different to another living with it. It can sound different and be present at different times. However, the single best sign is that you can hear noises that others can’t, whether in your head or in your ear. This might be ringing, buzzing, humming, or just about anything else. Just because no-one else can hear it doesn’t mean that it’s imaginary, however. There a wide range of potential causes.

You are becoming more sensitive to noise

Sensitivity to noise, also known as hyperacusis, is one of the most common symptoms accompanying tinnitus. Even if you’re not fully aware of the presence of the sound of tinnitus itself, it can make other noises much more disruptive. In particular, it can make your hearing especially sensitive when it is otherwise quiet, such as at night when you’re trying to sleep. Hyperacusis and tinnitus can both be caused by exposure to loud noise. Your audiologist can inspect your ear and see if there are any physical signs of such damage.

You can hear your own heartbeat

If you can hear the rhythm of your own heartbeat, this is still a form of tinnitus. It is called pulsatile tinnitus. While it might not specifically be related to your heart health, it is often related to conditions like hypertension and cardiovascular disease. It can also be related to ear health conditions like a perforated eardrum or an ear infection, which your audiologist can help you diagnose and treat.

You have musical hallucinations

If you have been suffering from undiagnosed tinnitus for a long time or you have extensive hearing loss, then you might not hear ringing, but snippets of songs or melodies instead. This can be exacerbated by other issues like stress and epilepsy so it’s important you provide your medical history when making an appointment with the audiologist.

You have other issues with your hearing

Tinnitus is very often related to other hearing and ear health issues. Age-related hearing loss and noise-induced hearing loss are two common examples. Other conditions like ear infections, Meniere’s disease and earwax buildup can cause tinnitus, too. Your audiologist may be able to diagnose and treat these issues, which may lessen the effect of your tinnitus. However, many people suffer from tinnitus even after the initial cause is treated.

If you experience any noises that others can’t hear, you should make an appointment with your audiologist. They may be able to help you find the underlying cause and treat it in some cases, but they can also offer different coping strategies, such as sound therapy and tinnitus-masking hearing aids.