What Is Tinnitus

When it comes to finding ways to treat your tinnitus, one of the most important things you can ever learn is what tinnitus actually is.  Getting to grips with all facets of tinnitus before seeking a treatment will certainly go a long way towards helping reduce your tinnitus symptoms.

Many people have suffered with tinnitus for years without having a clear understanding of what it really is.

By definition, tinnitus is a noise that originates in the ear instead of from the outside environment. Sometimes the noise may be generated inside the ear and is audible to a doctor or someone standing close to the person. Sometimes, there is no audible sound to be heard to anyone other than the person who is suffering from the tinnitus.

Tinnitus can be present in both ears or just in one ear. Most people refer to the tinnitus noises they experience as a ringing in the ear but there are many different noises actually heard.

  • Humming

  • Buzzing

  • Swishing

  • Running water

  • High Pitched Whining Sounds and many more

It is not uncommon to hear a combination of the noise listed above

It’s also important to know that there are different types of tinnitus. Don’t believe that all tinnitus is the same and that there is no relief to be had.

Here are examples and basic descriptions of the types:

Tonal tinnitus- With tonal tinnitus you experience the same sound continuously Only hearing one specifiv noise or pitch? That’s called tonal tinnitus.

Pulsatile tinnitus- Can you hear your “heart beating in your ears”? That’s pulsatile tinnitus.

Subjective tinnitus- this is where only the patient can hear the noises.

Other common tinnitus sounds experienced are cicada like noises, screeching, humming and tapping.

Any and all of these sounds and symptoms could be tinnitus so don’t feel locked into one specific definition of what tinnitus is. It’s this type of close-minded thinking that holds people back in finding the treatment they need and deserve.

The data found here is for research purposes only. No advice is implied. With all health problems it is recommended for you to consult a doctor when considering medical advice.