Tinnitus, identified as a persistent ringing or buzzing sensation in the ear, can be perplexing. The internal nature of the sound makes it difficult for others to perceive, leaving patients unsure about when they should seek assistance from an audiologist. To help prevent tinnitus from causing you unnecessary stress, pay attention to a few signs that it’s time to seek help.
Signs It’s Time to Address Your Tinnitus
Three signs it’s time to address your tinnitus include:
- Extended duration of symptoms. While some may experience fleeting episodes of tinnitus, lasting only minutes, others contend with its presence for prolonged periods. Temporary instances, such as those following exposure to loud noise, may not raise immediate concern. However, if the ringing persists for more than a week, seeking a professional assessment can help begin to manage your symptoms.
- Disruptive symptoms. Tinnitus varies in its impact, ranging from mildly bothersome to severely disruptive. Mild and infrequent ringing may not significantly interfere with daily life. In contrast, loud and frequent occurrences can disrupt sleep patterns and diminish the enjoyment of everyday activities like reading in Woodin Creek Park or going for a run. If tinnitus begins to impede your quality of life, seeking help can mitigate its adverse effects.
- Presence of other symptoms. Tinnitus often accompanies underlying conditions such as hearing loss, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders or ear injuries. Additionally, certain medications can contribute to its manifestation. Consulting with an audiologist is crucial if you experience symptoms associated with these conditions alongside tinnitus.
Options for Managing Tinnitus Symptoms
After diagnosis, management strategies aim to address the underlying cause and tinnitus symptoms. If an external source triggers tinnitus, treatment may involve addressing the root issue, such as seeking dental care for TMJ or exploring alternative medications. If the underlying cause does not have a cure, your audiologist may focus on symptom management.
Various techniques can help alleviate the impact of tinnitus, including sound masking, therapy and trigger avoidance. Hearing aids, for instance, not only amplify external sounds for improved communication but also offer tinnitus-masking features to reduce symptom severity.
Contact Hearing Advancement Center today to make an appointment with one of our specialists for a tinnitus management consultation.
