Tinnitus is the perception of ringing, buzzing or other sounds in the ears when no sound is present. However, in some rare instances, a person’s tinnitus can be heard by a hearing specialist during an examination.
This is known as objective tinnitus and is a less common form of tinnitus.
What is Objective Tinnitus?
Unlike subjective tinnitus, which only the individual with symptoms hears, objective tinnitus is caused by actual physical sounds within the body, such as blood flow or muscle contractions, that can be detected by others.
This condition is usually linked to specific underlying causes that make these sounds audible, including vascular issues, muscle spasms or middle ear problems.
Symptoms of Objective Tinnitus
The symptoms of objective tinnitus can vary, but common signs include:
- Hearing a rhythmic sound that may match the heartbeat, also known as pulsatile tinnitus
- A whooshing or pulsing sound that can be heard in one or both ears
- A sound that fluctuates in pitch, intensity or frequency
- Noises that are synchronized with bodily functions, like heartbeat or jaw movement
Since objective tinnitus is detectable by a healthcare provider, they may be able to hear the sound during a physical examination or special tests, which can help confirm the diagnosis.
Symptom Management
Once diagnosed, it’s important to take the following steps:
- See a doctor: A doctor can perform a thorough examination to determine the cause of your tinnitus. They may use special instruments to listen for sounds in your ear.
- Get an imaging study: If a vascular issue or structural abnormality is suspected, your doctor may recommend imaging tests like an MRI or CT scan to identify underlying conditions.
- Undergo hearing tests: A hearing test can help rule out hearing loss as a contributing factor to your tinnitus.
Symptom management may include medications, muscle relaxants or physical therapy, hearing aids or sound therapy and, in some cases, surgery. A doctor will help navigate the management options based on the diagnosis.
If you experience symptoms related to objective tinnitus, schedule an appointment with Speech & Hearing Associates to be evaluated and explore management options today.