Ringing in Ears
Tinnitus is defined as the perception of noise or ringing in the ears.
The noise may be heard in one ear, in both ears, or in the middle of the head, or it may be difficult to pinpoint its exact location.
The noise may be low, medium or high-pitched. There may be a single noise or two or more components. It may be continuous or it may come and go.
BUZZING IN THE EAR
The sound is not just restricted to ringing, it can also be buzzing, roaring, humming, hissing, whooshing, screeching or other sounds.
TINNITUS IS NOT A DISEASE OR AN ILLNESS
It is a symptom generated within a person’s own hearing (auditory) pathways. Tinnitus can occur at any age.
Everyone gets the occasional ringing in the ears, either without any clear trigger or after exposure to loud sounds. About 10% of us experience tinnitus frequently and approximately 5% of the adult population in the UK experience persistent or troublesome tinnitus.
Research shows that, whilst a large percentage of the population have tinnitus noises, a much smaller percentage are generally aware of them. This is because people are often able to get used to the noises– just as we can often get used to other noises around us (e.g. air conditioning or a clock ticking). In general, the noises we are most able to ignore are predictable, repetitive sounds that we perceive as non-threatening, uninteresting, and unimportant.
Come in and see one of our highly qualified Hearing Therapists who will be happy to advise you.
