Do you hear ringing or buzzing in your ears?

Have you suddenly started hearing a high-pitched ringing, buzzing or tone in your ears? It could be tinnitus.

What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus is the perception of sound when there is no external sound source producing it. It may sound like whistling, ringing, buzzing, humming or other noises, and can be experienced in one or both ears – or as a sound that seems to come from “inside the head”. Tinnitus can be constant or come and go.

Tinnitus can develop for several different reasons. It may be associated with noise exposure and noise-induced hearing damage, or other forms of hearing loss. However, it is entirely possible to experience tinnitus without having measurable hearing loss. Tinnitus can also occur in connection with other conditions or be influenced by factors such as stress, lack of sleep and general strain.

Why does the sound occur?

Our hearing is an advanced system in which the ears, auditory nerve and brain work together continuously to detect and interpret sound. When there is a change in auditory input – for example, following noise-induced hearing damage or as a result of hearing loss – the brain’s way of processing sound may also change. This can contribute to the development of tinnitus.

This does not necessarily mean that anything dangerous is happening in the ears or brain. Tinnitus is usually not a sign of serious illness, and for many people, it becomes less noticeable over time.

Why can tinnitus feel so different from person to person?

Some people barely notice their tinnitus, while others find it extremely distressing. This is not necessarily because the sound itself is “louder”.

Attention, stress, sleep and worry can all influence how prominent tinnitus feels. When you start listening for the sound, checking whether it is still there or worrying about what it means, your brain may become more attentive to it. As a result, tinnitus can feel louder and more intrusive.

That is why it is important to try not to monitor or “test” your tinnitus all the time.

What can you do?

The most important thing is to shift your attention away from tinnitus and continue with your normal activities.

Try to:

• Stay active and do things you enjoy.

• Avoid sitting in completely silent environments if tinnitus becomes more noticeable in silence.

• Use comfortable background sounds, such as soft music, the radio, nature sounds or a fan.

• Prioritise sleep and rest.

• Try to reduce stress and tension.

• Avoid unnecessarily loud noise, but do not protect your ears from all everyday sounds.

  
  

Sound can be particularly helpful when tinnitus becomes more noticeable in quiet environments, for example at bedtime. The goal is not necessarily to drown out the tinnitus, but to give your brain other sounds to focus on.

If you also have hearing loss, hearing aids may be part of the solution. By making environmental sounds clearer, the contrast between tinnitus and silence can be reduced, potentially making the tinnitus less noticeable.

When should you get your tinnitus checked?

If you have developed new tinnitus, especially if it is persistent or bothersome, it may be a good idea to have your hearing assessed. A hearing test can help identify whether you have hearing loss that may be associated with your tinnitus.

If tinnitus develops suddenly alongside sudden hearing loss, you should seek medical attention promptly. The same applies if your tinnitus is pulsatile and follows your heartbeat, or if it occurs alongside other new neurological symptoms.

Tinnitus is not dangerous

It can be uncomfortable and frightening to suddenly hear a sound that nobody else can hear. However, for the vast majority of people, tinnitus is not dangerous.

The best thing you can do is avoid fighting the sound or trying to control it all the time. Shift your focus, use other sounds when helpful, and continue living your life as normally as possible.

The less attention and significance your brain gives to tinnitus, the less noticeable it may gradually become.

Need help or guidance?

Please feel free to contact us at AudioPlus. We can assess your hearing, carry out a tinnitus assessment, talk to you about your tinnitus, and help you find effective strategies and solutions for managing it.

Our Managing Director, Jorid Løkken, is a qualified audiologist and tinnitus therapist, so we have strong expertise in tinnitus and how it can affect everyday life.

Contact AudioPlus – we’re happy to help! You can also reach us by phone on 990 99 779.

Kind regards, All of us at AudioPlus Norge AS