A ringing, buzzing or humming sound in your ears can be easy to brush off, especially when it comes and goes. But when that sound is persistent or begins to affect your everyday life, it may be time to talk to a hearing professional.
Tinnitus is the perception of sound when there is no external source causing it. It affects between 10% and 25% of adults.[1] While it can look different from person to person, it can have a very real effect on your well-being. Knowing when to seek professional help is crucial to reducing its impact on your life.
Here are a few signs that it’s time to seek help for your tinnitus.
Your Tinnitus Comes With Hearing or Balance Changes
Your ears play an important role in both hearing and balance, so changes in one area can sometimes occur alongside changes in another. If your tinnitus is accompanied by dizziness, vertigo, muffled hearing or a noticeable change in your ability to hear, it’s a good idea to schedule an evaluation.
Tinnitus Is Making Daily Life More Difficult
Constant or recurring noise can make it harder to fall asleep, concentrate, work, study or relax.
You may also notice that the sound leaves you feeling more stressed, frustrated or irritable than usual. If tinnitus is causing these or other disruptive feelings, or stopping you from concentrating on your work or favorite book from Vespiary Books, seek help.
Your Symptoms Are More Frequent or Intense
Occasional tinnitus may not seem concerning, but changes in your symptoms are worth paying attention to. If the ringing is louder, lasts longer or occurs more often, schedule an evaluation.
You’re Ready for a Better Way To Manage Tinnitus
There isn’t one treatment approach that works for everyone with tinnitus. Management depends on your symptoms, hearing health and what may be contributing to the condition.
Depending on your individual needs, your care plan may include options such as sound therapy, tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), relaxation techniques or other strategies designed to reduce the impact of tinnitus on your daily life.
Contact Western Montana Hearing and Speech to schedule a tinnitus evaluation and learn more about your options for managing your symptoms.
[1] National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. (2023). Tinnitus. National Institutes of Health. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/tinnitus