Have you ever heard a ringing, buzzing, or humming sound in your ears that no one else seems to notice? You might be surprised by how common that buzzing sensation is.
This sensation is called tinnitus, and it affects millions of people across the globe. Its effects vary. For some, it’s a mild annoyance. For others unfortunately, it can significantly interfere with day-to-day life.
The good news? You don’t have to deal with it alone. With the right support and personalised care, tinnitus treatment is accessible and within your grasp.
In this blog, we’ll explain what causes tinnitus, the different tinnitus treatments available, and how a tinnitus treatment clinic like Audience Hearing can help you find the relief you’ve long been waiting for.
Let’s dive right in!
What Is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus (pronounced TIN-uh-tus or tin-NIGHT-us) is the perception of sound without an external source. It might sound like:
- Ringing
- Buzzing
- Hissing
- Clicking
- Roaring
These sounds can come and go, or they may be constant. Tinnitus can affect one ear or both, and it may vary in volume and pitch. While it isn’t a condition in itself, it’s often a symptom of an underlying issue, such as hearing loss or ear damage.
What Causes Tinnitus?
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to what causes tinnitus, as it can be linked to many different factors. Some of the most common causes include:
1. Hearing Loss
As we get older, the tiny hair cells in the inner ear that help us hear can become damaged. This damage may send abnormal signals to the brain, leading to tinnitus.
2. Loud Noise Exposure
Working in noisy environments or listening to music at high volume can damage your hearing and trigger tinnitus.
3. Earwax Blockage
A buildup of earwax can block your ear canal and irritate the eardrum, sometimes leading to tinnitus.
4. Ear or Sinus Infections
Fluid buildup or inflammation from an infection may temporarily cause tinnitus.
5. Head or Neck Injuries
Accidents that affect the head, neck, or jaw can sometimes interfere with nerves or hearing pathways in the brain.
6. Medical Conditions and Medications
Tinnitus has also been linked to:
- High blood pressure
- Stress and anxiety
- Ménière’s disease
- Certain medications, like some antibiotics or painkillers
Since there are many possible tinnitus causes, it’s important to speak with a qualified hearing care professional who can assess your situation.
How Is Tinnitus Diagnosed?
At Audience Hearing, we take a thorough and caring approach. If you come to us with tinnitus concerns, we start by:
- Asking about your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history
- Checking for earwax buildup or other visible issues
- Performing a hearing test (audiometry) to assess your hearing range
- Referring you to a medical specialist if needed
- Understanding the cause of your tinnitus is the first step toward relief.
Tinnitus Treatment: What Are Your Options?
There’s no universal cure for tinnitus, but there are many tinnitus treatments that can help reduce its impact and improve your quality of life. The right treatment depends on your specific needs, symptoms, and hearing health.
1. Hearing Aids
If you have hearing loss, hearing aids can often help manage tinnitus. Many modern hearing aids come with built-in tinnitus masking features that play soft, soothing sounds to cover up the tinnitus noise.
2. Sound Therapy
This involves listening to gentle background noise, like white noise, ocean waves, or soft music. These sounds can help your brain focus less on the tinnitus and more on what’s around you.
3. Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT)
TRT combines sound therapy with counselling to help you “train” your brain to ignore the tinnitus sound. At Audience Hearing, our clinicians are specially trained with TNT and are able to help you reduce the emotional stress linked to tinnitus over time.
4. Relaxation and Stress Management
Stress can make tinnitus feel louder. Learning relaxation techniques, like deep breathing, meditation, or gentle exercise, can help calm your nervous system and ease symptoms.
5. Earwax Removal
If your tinnitus is caused by earwax, a simple removal procedure can bring quick relief. Our clinic offers safe and effective wax removal for eligible patients.
At Audience Hearing, our experienced clinicians will help you find the most suitable approach based on your symptoms, lifestyle, and preferences. You’re never just given a one-size-fits-all solution.
What to Expect from a Tinnitus Treatment
When you visit a clinic like Audience Hearing, you’ll receive a personalised and professional service that focuses on your needs. We understand that tinnitus can feel frustrating and overwhelming, especially if it affects your sleep, concentration, or peace of mind.
Our approach is:
- Patient-centred: We listen to your concerns without judgment.
- Evidence-based: We only recommend treatments supported by research and proven results.
- Supportive: We’re here to guide you every step of the way.
We also work alongside GPs and ear, nose, and throat specialists when necessary to ensure you receive complete care.
At Audience Hearing, our goal is to help you understand your tinnitus, find out what’s causing it, and build a treatment plan that works for you. We combine experience, advanced hearing technology, and genuine care to support you every step of the way.
Book a Tinnitus Consultation Today
If you’re tired of living with ringing or buzzing in your ears, help is just around the corner. Contact Audience Hearing to book a hearing assessment or tinnitus consultation. Our experienced team is ready to help you find answers to your concerns, and bring you the relief you deserve.
Book an appointment today to start your journey toward a clearer, calmer hearing.
