At Audi Hearing, we believe that the first step towards managing your tinnitus effectively is understanding what kind of tinnitus you have. Isn’t it surprising that nearly one in every five Australians are troubled by some form of tinnitus at some point in their lives? A comprehensive understanding of the types of tinnitus, their roots, and possible management strategies is the first step towards better auditory health. In this article, we at Audi Hearing are here to assist you on this journey by unravelling the complexities of tinnitus and providing insights into our dedicated solutions.
Table of Contents
Objective Tinnitus
Objective tinnitus, one of the rarer forms of the condition, can actually be heard by the physician during an examination. Interestingly, this particular variety of tinnitus is usually sparked off by sounds generated from muscle contractions close to your ear, alterations within your ear canal, or potential problems with the blood flow in your face or neck region. You might perceive these sounds in a single ear, both ears or even seemingly from within your own head.
For further information on objective tinnitus, you can refer to this informative page by the Australian Government Department of Health.
Subjective Tinnitus
Subjective tinnitus, the most common form, can only be heard by the patient. It is often caused by exposure to loud noise, age-related hearing loss, ear injury, or a circulatory system disorder.
Find out more about tinnitus on our Tinnitus management page.
Pulsatile Tinnitus
Pulsatile tinnitus is often related to blood flow, either through normal or abnormal blood vessels near the ear. Causes of pulsatile tinnitus include high blood pressure, turbulence in blood flow causing a bruit, or irregular connections between a vein and an artery.
The Heart Foundation provides more comprehensive details about pulsatile tinnitus and its links with cardiovascular health.
Neurological Tinnitus
Neurological tinnitus usually results from disorders such as Meniere’s disease that affect the brain’s auditory functions. To delve deeper into neurological tinnitus and related disorders, visit our Neurological Services page.
Somatic Tinnitus
Somatic tinnitus is related to the sensory system. Interestingly, this variety of tinnitus may originate from disorders that aren’t directly associated with the ear or the auditory nerve, proving how interconnected our bodily systems truly are.
To get more insights on somatic tinnitus, the National Health and Medical Research Council is a highly reliable source.
Understanding Your Tinnitus Type for Effective Management
Every type of tinnitus comes with its unique set of hurdles. However, the initial stride towards effectively navigating this complex condition is to truly comprehend its nature and implications.
Audi Hearing is here to provide expert guidance and personalised treatment plans to help you on your path towards improved auditory health.
Understanding and Managing Objective Tinnitus
Objective tinnitus is rare, and usually caused by some physical source of sound within the body, like the noise from blood flow or muscle contractions. These sounds can often be heard by an examining physician using a stethoscope. It can be intermittent or constant, and its volume can fluctuate. It’s vital to visit a healthcare professional who can carry out thorough examinations and identify potential underlying causes.
Subjective Tinnitus and Its Management
Subjective tinnitus takes the lead as the most prevalent variant, impacting tens of thousands of Australians annually, akin to an uninvited guest appearing year after year.
It involves the perception of sound when no actual external noise is present. Its causes can vary significantly, ranging from noise-induced hearing loss and age-related hearing decline to certain medications and high blood pressure.
Managing subjective tinnitus can involve various treatment strategies, including sound therapy, counselling, and in some cases, medication.
Dealing with Pulsatile Tinnitus
Pulsatile tinnitus is a rhythmic noise that often keeps in tune with the person’s heartbeat. It’s generally caused by blood flow changes in the blood vessels near the ear or increased awareness of blood flow around the ear. This condition may be an indicator of circulatory system disorders that could require medical intervention.
To stand by those battling pulsatile tinnitus, we at Audi Hearing provide bespoke therapies designed to ease this particular manifestation of tinnitus and elevate the quality of your life.
Living with Neurological Tinnitus
To stand by those battling pulsatile tinnitus, we at Audi Hearing provide bespoke therapies designed to ease this particular manifestation of tinnitus and elevate the quality of your life.
The condition frequently tags along with symptoms like hearing loss and bouts of dizziness, making it a formidable adversary to one’s overall sense of well-being.
Somatic Tinnitus: A Sensory Challenge
Somatic tinnitus, linked to the sensory system, often occurs due to central crosstalk within the brain, resulting in the perception of sounds when none exist externally. For individuals dealing with this type, a combination of therapies may be recommended.
Conclusion
It’s crucial to bear in mind that tinnitus is more akin to a warning bell, not a disease unto itself. It’s a multifaceted condition with a multitude of variations, each carrying its own unique potential triggers and possible avenues of treatment.
At Audi Hearing, we’re committed to guiding you on your journey towards better auditory health. Reach out to us today to book an appointment with our hearing specialists.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common type of tinnitus?
Subjective tinnitus is the most common type, affecting up to 99% of tinnitus patients.
What can cause tinnitus to suddenly start?
Tinnitus can suddenly start due to various reasons including exposure to loud noise, sudden stress, or as a side effect of certain medications.
Can tinnitus be cured?
While there's currently no scientifically proven cure for tinnitus, many treatment options can help manage the symptoms effectively.
Can tinnitus go away on its own?
In some cases, tinnitus may resolve on its own. However, if it's caused by an underlying health condition, treatment may be required.
Is tinnitus linked to mental health?
Yes, continuous tinnitus can lead to stress, anxiety, and in some cases, depression.