What Causes Noises in Your Head-What is Tinnitus #1
What causes noises in your head? Well, it’s called tinnitus or ringing in the ears and in this post I’m talking about what causes it. Coming up!
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Hi, I’m Dr. Derek, audiologist with Pro Fit Hearing.com bringing you the best insight into today’s latest hearing aids and audio technology to improve your life! If you have concerns about your hearing, always consult with your local physician or audiologist.
Welcome to Question of the Day, Friday where I answer your hearing healthcare and audio technology question.
Do you have noises in your head? Today, I’m talking about 7 possible causes.
Noise, buzzing, ringing in the ears…however you describe it, it’s called tinnitus. It is a sound that only you are hearing. It is not a sound that is occurring in your environment. It may come and go or be a constant sound that you hear. Tinnitus can occur in one ear or both ears. It may also sound like it’s “in your head”. It’s often more noticeable in quiet places.
First, if you have tinnitus make sure you ask your physician about it and then have a hearing evaluation by your local audiologist. Once a cause for the tinnitus is identified, your provider can make recommendations on how to best treat it.
What causes noises in your head? Here’s 7 possible causes for the noise or tinnitus you hear.
#1: Sensorineural hearing loss
Sensorineural hearing loss is permanent damage to the hair cells inside the ear. This damage can cause tinnitus with people that have mild or greater sensorineural hearing loss. You may even experience tinnitus when your hearing test results are in the normal range. For adults, normal hearing test results are anywhere from -10 dB to 25 dB. That’s a wide range of normal and if your hearing did get worse but is still “normal”, it’s possible that you may have tinnitus.
#2: Noise exposure
Excessive noise can cause sensorineural hearing loss over time. You may even notice that your ears ring after a loud concert. If so, make sure to avoid loud sound or wear hearing protection like earplugs or earmuffs. Your ears may ring right after a loud concert and then stop, however repeated exposure to loud noise can cause tinnitus to return and not go away.
#3: Otosclerosis
This is an abnormal bone growth in the middle ear that causes conductive hearing loss. This restricts how sound transmits through the ear. Tinnitus may be more noticeable.
#4: Eustation tube dysfunction, ear infection, or middle ear fluid
The eustation tube regulates air pressure inside the middle ear. If this tube does not open and close regularly or if there are any other disruptions to the middle ear like an ear infection or fluid, this can negatively affect your hearing and you may notice tinnitus. An Ear Nose and Throat physician (ENT doctor) can treat this condition.
#5: Ototoxic medications
Any medication that is ototoxic, meaning toxic to the inner ear, may cause sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus. Make sure to ask your physician if you experience any tinnitus or hearing changes after taking medication.
#6: Muscle spasms in the middle ear
The middle ear is where the eardrum and ear bones are located. Any changes in the function of the middle ear can contribute to the sensation of tinnitus.
#7: TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder)
TMJ can cause pain in the joint connecting the jaw and skull. It can also be related to tinnitus. Consult with your physician or dentist for more guidance on this condition.
Remember that if you have noises in your head or ears, go see your physician to rule out any medical cause. An audiologist can evaluate your hearing to determine if hearing loss exists. Your provider can assist you in treatment of the symptoms you experience.
So for today’s question, did any of these possible causes of noises in your head surprise you? If so, which one? I’d love to know your thoughts, so please comment below. Do you have a question you’d like answered on Question of the Day, Friday? Let’s connect in the comments below.
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Remember, Pro Fit Hearing brings you the best insight into today’s latest hearing aids and audio technology to improve your life! If you have concerns about your hearing, always consult with your local physician or audiologist.
-Dr. Derek
For Tinnitus Part 2 visit: https://profithearing.com/what-causes-noises-in-your-head-what-is-tinnitus-2/
Tinnitus Resources
American Tinnitus Association https://www.ata.org
Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tinnitus/symptoms-causes/syc-20350156