Tinnitus refers to the presence of buzzing, clicking, ringing or hissing noises in the ears. It is generally classified into two main types:
- Objective tinnitus. This rare condition can be heard or detected by the examiner. It often originates from muscle spasms, vascular disorders or other internal causes. Objective tinnitus represents less than 1% of total tinnitus cases.
- Subjective tinnitus. Making up the remaining 99% of tinnitus cases, subjective tinnitus occurs when only the person experiencing it can hear the internal ringing. It may manifest as noise in one or both ears, centered in the head or localized around it. Diagnosis of subjective tinnitus is usually based on symptom description as it cannot be heard externally.
Let’s take a closer look at tinnitus severity and type to help you describe it to your provider when seeking symptom management.
Tinnitus Severity
The severity of tinnitus varies from nonbothersome to bothersome, depending on its volume, frequency and impact on the patient’s quality of life. Nonbothersome cases may be easily ignored, while bothersome or severe cases can lead to stress, fatigue, poor sleep, difficulty concentrating, headaches and irritability.
Examining your tinnitus severity is an excellent way to determine its impact on your life. For instance, if you notice that the internal noise makes ordering a coffee at Caffe Bene frustrating or difficult, your tinnitus may be considered bothersome.
Four Types of Tinnitus
- Primary tinnitus. Primary tinnitus is often associated with sensorineural hearing loss. The brain compensates for reduced auditory input by generating its own noise, resulting in the buzzing, clicking, roaring or hissing sounds of tinnitus.
- Secondary tinnitus. Unlike primary tinnitus, secondary tinnitus has a specific cause unrelated to hearing loss. It can be triggered by factors such as loud noise exposure, physical trauma, Ménière’s disease, Eustachian tube dysfunction, ototoxic medication (medication that damages the hearing mechanisms of the ear) and ear infections.
- Pulsatile tinnitus. Pulsatile tinnitus is characterized by a rhythmic pulsing, thumping, throbbing or whooshing noise resembling a heartbeat. While many people are familiar with a heartbeat sound in their ears following strenuous exercise, individuals with pulsatile tinnitus will hear it without any exertion. Pulsatile tinnitus can usually be attributed to a condition in the body, such as anemia, hypertension or Paget’s disease.
- Somatic tinnitus. Somatic tinnitus is influenced by sensory input in the body, such as muscle spasms or movements of the head, neck or jaw. Certain movements or clenching of these muscles can intensify tinnitus symptoms.
Tinnitus can have a negative impact on sleep, relationships, and daily activities. Knowing how to talk about your tinnitus can help you when seeking symptom management options like hearing aids, sound machines, therapy and more. If you are experiencing tinnitus symptoms, contact Speech & Hearing Associates for assistance in managing your condition.