Introduction
Understanding Tinnitus
It's more common than you think. According to Tinnitus Australia, one in three people have experienced tinnitus at some point. Sometimes it's temporary – like when you've been to a loud concert. But if it's caused by hearing loss, it might stick around longer.
Usually, the first thing you'll notice is a ringing, buzzing, or whooshing sound. It might feel like it's in your ear, but it's actually coming from inside your head. Sometimes you might also feel like your ears are blocked or have a bit of a dizzy spell.
Decoding the sounds of Tinnitus
What Does Tinnitus Sound Like?
If you're hearing a persistent ringing, buzzing, or whooshing sound that seems to come from within your head, you might be experiencing tinnitus. It's a common condition where you perceive sounds even though there's no external source. The intensity and characteristics of tinnitus can vary. It might affect one or both ears, and the perceived volume can range from subtle to quite loud. The pitch can also vary, from a low roar to a high-pitched squeal.
Ringing (high or low pitch)
Hissing
Buzzing
Whistling
Roaring
Humming
Pulsing
Learn about tinnitus symptoms
Types of Tinnitus
Pulsatile and musical variations
Think you might have tinnitus? It's not one-size-fits-all. Understanding the type of tinnitus you have is key to finding the right solution. Some types are linked to underlying causes that can be treated, while others might require different management strategies. Check out our comprehensive guide on the different types of tinnitus.
Pulsatile Tinnitus
Do you hear a rhythmic whooshing, thumping, or pulsing in your ear that seems to beat in time with your heart? That's pulsatile tinnitus. It's less common than other types of tinnitus, where the sound is constant, but it can be just as bothersome.Musical Tinnitus
Imagine hearing music or singing that no one else can hear. That's musical tinnitus, also known as Musical Hallucinations or Musical Ear Syndrome. It's a rarer and often more intense form of tinnitus that can develop in people who have had regular tinnitus for a while.
How Is Tinnitus Evaluated?
Because tinnitus involves a sound that only you can hear, there is no single test that can scientifically test for it. All tests that can help diagnose tinnitus involve a subjective response from the person being tested. Here are the kinds of tests that you may be asked to perform with a hearing healthcare professional to get a tinnitus diagnosis.
A tinnitus questionnaire with screening questions usually comes first. It helps the hearing care professional conducting the evaluation to get a better idea of the nature of your possible tinnitus. They will use the answers to give you certain tests that make the most sense for your treatment.
- Questionnaires, where you are asked a series of questions about your condition, history, and nature of your symptoms.
- Standard hearing assessment, because tinnitus can be associated with hearing loss.
- Physical examination of your ears, to look for blockages or physical trauma that are affecting your ears.
- Movement tests, such as your eyes, jaw, neck and other parts to see if your symptoms change.
- Pitch match test, which plays different pitches of sound to try and match the sound you hear in your ears.
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Bloom Hearing are tinnitus specialists
Did you know that tinnitus affects about 18% of Australians? It's a common condition, and thankfully, there are ways to manage it and find relief.
Once you've been diagnosed with tinnitus, your Bloom Hearing audiologist will discuss the best treatment options for you. If hearing loss is a factor, hearing aids or masking devices can often help. For those who aren't candidates for hearing aids, there are other effective approaches, such as counselling and Tinnitus Retraining Therapy, which can help you manage your tinnitus and improve your quality of life.
Once you've been diagnosed with tinnitus, your Bloom Hearing audiologist will discuss the best treatment options for you. If hearing loss is a factor, hearing aids or masking devices can often help. For those who aren't candidates for hearing aids, there are other effective approaches, such as counselling and Tinnitus Retraining Therapy, which can help you manage your tinnitus and improve your quality of life.
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