Ringing, buzzing, or humming in your ears can make it difficult to focus, sleep, and enjoy your everyday activities. If you’ve ever experienced these sounds without an external source, you’re not alone. In fact, about 1 in 10 people report experiencing tinnitus symptoms. That’s about 10,000 people at every OSU Buckeyes game in The Shoe!

Let’s explore tinnitus causes, common symptoms, and practical solutions to help you find relief from that pesky ringing in your ears.

What Causes Tinnitus?

The persistent ringing, buzzing, or humming in your ears can stem from a variety of sources, both internal and external. Some cases of tinnitus can be temporary, while some causes of tinnitus indicate long-term health concerns. Here are a few common causes of tinnitus:

• Prolonged exposure to loud noises.
• Aging and age-related hearing loss.
• Head or neck injuries.
• Earwax buildup.
• Internal health concerns, like cardiovascular disease, Lyme disease, thyroid dysfunction, and tumors.
• Anxiety and/or depression.
• Certain “ototoxic” medications

Common Tinnitus Symptoms

Tinnitus presents itself in different ways, and the experience can vary from person to person. Some of the most reported symptoms include:

• Ringing, buzzing, hissing, or humming sounds in one or both ears
• Intermittent or constant noise that varies in volume
• Increased awareness of sounds in quiet environments
• Sleep disturbances or difficulty concentrating due to persistent ear noise

Can Hearing Aids Help Manage Tinnitus?

Hearing aids are one of the most effective tinnitus treatment options, especially for those with hearing loss. Many modern hearing aids come with tinnitus therapy features that help reduce the perception of ringing in the ears.

In addition to hearing aids, there are other treatment options that your audiologist can recommend to help reduce the discomfort you feel:

• Therapy devices: There are sound therapy devices that can be utilized to help manage tinnitus symptoms without providing other hearing benefits within hearing aids.
• White Noise: Turning on fans, radios, or other white noise sources at night has helped those struggling with sleep to get a good night's rest.
• Talk Therapy & Medications: Medications and talk therapy can relieve anxiety and emotional stress that is often accompanied by ringing in the ears.
• Neuomonics Tinnitus Therapy: This therapy combines hearing aids, counseling, and a variety of noise-masking strategies to reduce symptoms.

Are There Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Tinnitus Symptoms?

If you are experiencing tinnitus symptoms, we strongly recommend consulting with a local audiologist so you can find relief with professional tinnitus treatments. In addition to tinnitus retraining therapies, some lifestyle changes can help minimize the effects of your symptoms on your daily life, including:

• Reduce Exposure to Loud Noises: Wear ear protection in noisy environments to prevent further damage.
• Limit Caffeine and Alcohol: These substances can sometimes aggravate tinnitus symptoms like difficulty sleeping and lowered concentration.
• Improve Sleep Habits: A consistent sleep schedule and a quiet, dark bedroom can help manage tinnitus-related sleep disturbances.

Relieve the Ringing

You don’t have to live with the constant frustration of tinnitus. Our hearing specialists offer personalized tinnitus therapy options to help you find relief. Whether you need hearing aids with masking features or sound therapy solutions, we can guide you toward the best treatment plan for your needs. Book a tinnitus consultation today and take the first step toward a quieter life.