Tinnitus
A hearing assessment with an audiologist is the first step in understanding tinnitus, the perception of ringing or other noise in the ears or head with no external sound.
What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the perception of ringing or other noise in the ears or head when there is no external sound. The word tinnitus derives from a Latin word meaning ‘ringing or tinkling like a bell’. Tinnitus is experienced as noises or ringing in the ears or head and affects people differently, so the description of the sound varies from person to person. People describe the sounds as ringing, buzzing, crickets or humming.
Tinnitus is commonly associated with hearing loss. Just about anything that causes harm or damage to the cochlea and the hearing nerve can result in the production of false signals which are interpreted by the brain as sounds. Other causes include stress, dental or jaw problems and medication side effects.
How common is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is very common. Ringing in the ears is a familiar experience, for example after exposure to loud noise at a night club or after using power tools. Other people have ringing in their ears 24-7 without a break.
How does tinnitus affect people?
Tinnitus affects people differently, and the effects include the following:
- Distress
- Mood swings and anxiety attacks
- Tension irritability or frustration
- Sleeping problems
- Poor concentration
What causes tinnitus?
Tinnitus has a range of causes, which include the following:
Exposure to too loud sounds
Degeneration of the hair cells (wear & tear) responsible for transmitting sound to the brain
Physical injury such as a blow or strike to the head or changes in barometric pressure during diving or air travel
Prescription and non-prescription drugs
Stress
Jaw or dental problems
Ear disease or infection
When to see an audiologist about tinnitus
Book a hearing assessment with an audiologist. It is the first step in understanding your tinnitus and checking how your hearing is. See your GP if your tinnitus is sudden, in one ear only or comes with dizziness. If you notice a sudden loss of hearing, see your GP or an emergency department the same day.
How does an audiologist assess tinnitus?
An audiologist starts by asking about your tinnitus and your hearing, then checks how your ears and hearing are working. Because tinnitus commonly goes hand in hand with hearing change, a hearing assessment is a sensible place to begin.
You are asked when the tinnitus started, whether it is in one ear or both, what it sounds like (ringing, buzzing, humming or something else), whether it is constant or comes and goes, and how much it affects your sleep, concentration or mood. Mention any noisy work or hobbies, past ear infections, head or neck injuries and any medications you take, because medications can be a cause of tinnitus. Keep taking your medications as prescribed and talk to your GP if you have questions about them.
What happens at a tinnitus appointment?
Your appointment is a conversation first and a set of tests second. After talking through your history, your audiologist will look in your ear canals and carry out a hearing assessment, which measures the softest sounds you can hear at different pitches and how clearly you understand speech. Middle ear function can be checked as well. The results are explained to you in plain language, and a report can be sent to your GP if you want one.
Your audiologist will talk through what they have found, answer your questions and explain the next steps that suit your situation, which can include a referral to your GP.
Does tinnitus mean something is seriously wrong?
Tinnitus is very common and is often linked with hearing changes or past noise exposure. Even so, it is worth having it checked, because a small number of cases need medical attention. Tinnitus that appears suddenly, affects only one ear, pulses in time with your heartbeat or comes with dizziness, ear pain or discharge needs to be looked at by your GP. If you notice sudden hearing loss, see your GP or an emergency department the same day.
Can children have tinnitus assessed?
Yes. If your child mentions ringing or buzzing in their ears, or you have concerns about their hearing, an audiologist can carry out a hearing assessment for children aged 3 years and over. The hearing tests page explains what a children’s assessment involves.
How do you book a tinnitus assessment?
Call the Rochedale South clinic on 07 3841 3764 or the Shailer Park clinic on 0478 282 561, or book an appointment online. No referral is needed to see an audiologist, although you are welcome to bring a referral from your GP if you have one. Individual circumstances differ, so an assessment is how you find out what applies to you.
DISCLAIMER:
The information on this website is provided for educational purposes only. We do not support, nor recommend any products or treatments without proper hearing diagnostic and proper hearing evaluation. All users must seek professional advice before beginning treatment as well as inform themselves of known side effects/risks associated with said procedure(s).
Frequently asked questions
What is tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the perception of ringing or other noise in the ears or head when there is no outside sound. People describe it as ringing, buzzing, humming or crickets. It affects people differently, and it is very common.
What causes tinnitus?
There are many possible causes, including loud noise exposure, wear and tear of the inner ear's hair cells, head injury, stress, jaw or dental problems, and ear disease or infection. It is often associated with hearing loss. An assessment helps you understand what may be involved in your case.
Who should I see first about my tinnitus?
A hearing assessment with an audiologist is a good first step in understanding your tinnitus and checking how your hearing is. See your GP if it is sudden, in one ear only or comes with dizziness.
What happens at a tinnitus appointment?
It starts as a conversation. Your audiologist asks when the tinnitus began, what it sounds like and how it affects your sleep, concentration or mood. They then look in your ears and carry out a hearing assessment, and explain the results in plain language.
Is it normal to hear ringing after a loud night out?
Short-lived ringing after loud noise, such as a night club or power tools, is a familiar experience. If it does not settle, or you notice it often, book a hearing assessment. If you notice a sudden loss of hearing, see your GP or an emergency department the same day.
Can tinnitus affect my sleep or mood?
It can for some people, causing distress, irritability, tension, poor concentration or trouble sleeping. It affects people differently. Tell your audiologist how it affects you so they can understand your situation and talk through the support options available.
Should I mention my medications at my appointment?
Yes, tell your audiologist about your health history, including any medications you take, so they have the full picture. If you have questions about a medication, speak with your GP or pharmacist. Your audiologist does not change your medications.
How do I book a tinnitus assessment?
Call Rochedale South on 07 3841 3764 or Shailer Park on 0478 282 561. Both clinics are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. A report can be sent to your GP if you would like one.