Everyone experiences occasional noises they can’t quite explain, but hearing a persistent ringing, buzzing or humming that no one else can hear is different. Known as tinnitus, this common symptom affects approximately 10% of the U.S. adult population.[1]
It may come and go, or it can become a constant presence that affects your everyday life.
Because tinnitus is an internal sound rather than something others can hear, it can be tempting to ignore it or simply hope it goes away. But certain changes or symptoms can signal that it’s time to talk with a hearing and tinnitus specialist. Here are a few signs to watch for.
Your Tinnitus Comes With Other Symptoms
Your ears play an important role in both hearing and balance, so changes in one system can sometimes be accompanied by changes in the other. If your tinnitus occurs alongside symptoms like dizziness, vertigo, muffled hearing or a noticeable change in your hearing, it’s worth having your ears evaluated.
Tinnitus Affects Your Daily Routine
For some people, the constant presence of ringing or buzzing makes it harder to fall asleep, concentrate at work or school, relax or enjoy conversations with their loved ones.
Over time, these disruptions can contribute to frustration, irritability and difficulty participating in activities you normally enjoy, like reading a book in Floyd Lamb Park or going to the movies. If tinnitus is beginning to dictate how you sleep, work or spend your free time, that’s a good reason to seek professional support.
Your Tinnitus Is Becoming More Noticeable
Changes in tinnitus can have a variety of causes, and understanding what’s behind those changes is an important part of determining how to manage them. Pay attention to changes in your tinnitus. If the sound is getting louder, popping up more frequently or lasting longer than it used to, schedule an evaluation with a specialist.
Managing Tinnitus
Your management plan should be tailored to your symptoms, hearing health and personal goals. Depending on your needs, treatment may include sound therapy or masking, tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or strategies for reducing stress, such as meditation, yoga or journaling.
If tinnitus is ringing in your ears a little too often for your taste, contact Nevada Ear + Sinus Institute to schedule your evaluation and management consultation.
[1] National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. (2024). Quick statistics about hearing. National Institutes of Health. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick-statistics-hearing
Call Nevada Ear + Sinus Institute at (702) 735-7668 for more information or to schedule an appointment.