Tinnitus is the perception of sound without an external source. While it might initially seem like your ears are playing tricks on you, tinnitus is a very real symptom, affecting approximately 10 to 25% of adults. While the symptom is common, it doesn’t sound the same for everybody. Let’s break down the different sounds and types of tinnitus to help you identify it.
How People Experience the Sound of Tinnitus
Tinnitus is highly individual. The specific sound you hear can depend on the cause, your hearing loss and how your brain processes sound. People often describe tinnitus in one or more of the following ways:
- Ringing: A persistent, high-pitched tone that can be sharp or dull
- Buzzing: A low hum or droning sound, like faulty electrical wiring
- Clicking: Intermittent, mechanical sounds, sometimes rhythmic
- Roaring: a deep, ocean-like rush of sound
- Hissing: Similar to steam or air escaping
- Pulsing: A rhythmic thump or whoosh that seems to match your heartbeat (often more noticeable after exercise)
These sounds can be constant or occasional, soft or loud. For some people, they can be highly distracting or even distressing.
Understanding the Two Main Types of Tinnitus
Tinnitus is typically classified into two categories: subjective and objective.
Subjective Tinnitus
With subjective tinnitus, only the patient can hear the sound. It’s often tied to hearing loss. Most cases of tinnitus are subjective.
Objective Tinnitus
Much less common, objective tinnitus can occasionally be heard by a healthcare provider using a stethoscope. It’s usually related to internal bodily functions, like blood flow or muscle movements in the ear.
How Can I Manage Tinnitus?
Managing tinnitus starts with understanding what’s causing it. While tinnitus has no known cure, there are several effective strategies for reducing its impact, including hearing aids and sound machines to mask the internal ringing, cognitive behavioral therapy to reframe your emotional response and relaxation techniques like classes at Urban Fit Yoga or nightly reading to minimize stress.
We’re here to help you better understand your tinnitus and offer real solutions for symptom relief. Contact Hearing Systems today to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.