Understanding tinnitus

• Posted on: Aug 15 2020
• By: The ENT and Allergy Centers of Texas

According to the statistics from the American Tinnitus Association, over 45 million Americans in the United States struggle with tinnitus. This condition, which is characterized by noises in the ear, is considered one of the more common health conditions seen by doctors. For some patients, the buzzing or ringing is temporary and comes and goes. For others, the noise is severe enough to impact their hearing and make it almost impossible for them to concentrate or function properly through a normal workday. In situations such as this, it is essential that patients get a proper diagnosis by an ENT professional and speak to the team at The ENT and Allergy Centers of Texas.

What is tinnitus?

The most common type of tinnitus is subjective tinnitus. This is a sound that only the patient can hear. The sounds that a person may hear if they have tinnitus may include hissing, ringing, buzzing, clicking, or roaring noises that range from low to high. For patients with severe tinnitus, the sound can be disruptive and make it difficult to hear actual noises. Some patients experience the sound all the time or might notice that it comes and goes.

What causes tinnitus?

There are many other conditions that may exist that can cause tinnitus, including patients who have had head or neck injuries, TMJ disorders, or obstructions in the middle ear. Additionally, it can be caused by loud, continual noises that have damaged the ear. This is why it is so important to protect the ears from noises, especially for those who work in careers that have loud or piercing sounds. For example, musicians, hunters, and those who are involved in motorsports that do not protect their ears may have a much higher chance of developing tinnitus than those working or enjoying hobbies in quieter environments.

Obtain a definitive diagnosis of tinnitus with the help of our team at The ENT and Allergy Centers of Texas

If you or someone you care for is suffering from tinnitus, please contact The ENT and Allergy Centers of Texas at (972) 984-1050 to schedule an evaluation with one of our experienced providers. We have several office locations throughout the cities of McKinney, Plano, Allen, and Celina, TX and are always accepting new patients.

Posted in: Tinnitus