Are you having the perception of auditory sensation in the absence of any external stimulation or other sounds, chances are you are more likely suffering from Tinnitus. Follow this entire blog to learn about what are its causes and also the possible effects concerning it. Although many individuals suffer from Tinnitus symptoms, and many do not even know the medical term what practitioners call it. The condition takes its place when we consciously hear a sound that does not come from any outer source.

What is Tinnitus?

In simple words, we can say the Noise that can be heard inside the ear or the head of the person concerned without any outer stimulation. That means no sound from the external world, but a sensation occurs inside the mind, ear or head. For example – ringing in their ears, echos, wheezing, buzzing, and other mostly high-pitched, shrill and repetitive annoying sounds. The internal auditory sensation could be ringing or other head noises that are not produced by an external source as already discussed.

Tinnitus can occur in one or both ears, range from very low to very high pitch and may be continuous or intermittent. Tinnitus strikes in any person at any age, regardless of a healthy diet or an active lifestyle. For some, the noise is heard regularly, and for others, it is continually without cessation.

Is there any hearing loss?

There is no actual hearing loss for the person suffering from mind-boggling Tinnitus, but the only problem associated with it is the continuous effect of the repetitive and continuous sounds which eventually distract the person from clearly perceiving or interpreting the sounds from their surroundings. For people with the worst cases, the tinnitus provides virtually no quiet time for them during all waking hours, which also causes sleeping difficulty.

Most cases report that sound is heard in the head, but some experts commonly believe it is caused by psychological conditions, most probably depression and anxiety.

What are its causes?

One of the possible mechanisms is loud noise damaging inner ear hair cells causes different neurons to get activated, which activate the auditory cortex and give the perception of sound. Exposure to loud noise such as those from heavy equipment, chain saws and firearms, multiple sclerosis, head injury, earwax blockage and ear bone changes are the principal and the usual cause of noise-related hearing loss. Another reason for causing can be ear conditions such as muscle contractions in the middle ear, ear canal blockage or ear infections. Some other factors include anaemia, hypertension, hypothyroidism, head trauma and injury.

Dawn Effects:

Knowing the underlying factor for the noise is a prominent step to treating the symptoms because Tinnitus can considerably affect the quality of life of the person suffering from it. Even the regular activities like walking down on the street can be severely risky due to the difficulty in focusing on and cognitive ability brought about by the distracting noises. Not enough, these auditory distractions on a day-to-day social, professional and personal basis can cause severe headaches, dizziness, lack of sleep, and hopelessness ultimately hindering and hampering the person’s quality of life.

Treatment Discussion:

Since many underlying factors/conditions are associated with tinnitus, and it is quite challenging to pinpoint pathophysiology behind it as there have been various possible mechanisms at any level of the auditory system. A complete medical and audiological assessment should be performed to patients, and concerns must be addressed by a qualified Audiology scientist for obtaining the best results from tinnitus. If you are living somewhere in Dublin, contact our professional Audiology scientist Dr. Deepak Kumar at Audiology Clinic and get the proper audiological evaluation to help demonstrate information regarding cause and treatment.

The Audiology Clinic is a private independent diagnostic audiology practice. The specialists at the audiology clinic provide prevention, assessment and management of people with hearing, tinnitus and balance (vertigo/dizziness) disorders. All patients attending the audiology clinic are seen by Doctor of Audiology Dr Deepak Kumar.