"Tinnitus, like dizziness, is among the greatest challenges, both for patients and doctors. Symptoms differ from person to person, and each may require individualized treatment. The most important message to convey to patients is that these phantom sounds can be controlled. It is essential to have a full assessment by an ENT and an audiologist." - Drew Sutton, MD, Board-Certified Otolaryngologist
Many people associate ear problems with a simple decrease in the ability to hear sounds.
While hearing loss is certainly a major cause of hearing disorders, the reality is that there is a wide variety of auditory conditions. Some make ears more sensitive to noise, while others cause people to hear sounds that do not exist.
Tinnitus is a disorder that causes the perception of sounds not actually present in the environment. These phantom sounds have several possible causes and manifest in many different ways depending on the person.
Here is an overview of the different sounds that tinnitus can take, its variable duration, its possible causes, and existing relief methods.
With this information, you will have a better understanding of tinnitus and be better equipped to deal with it.
What Tinnitus Can Sound Like
Tinnitus varies enormously from person to person. One of the main differences lies in the perceived sound: the volume, pitch, and type of sound change from one individual to another.
Knowing these different sounds allows you to be more attentive and identify tinnitus earlier, which promotes more effective management.
The Kettle Whistle
A very characteristic form of tinnitus concerns people who perceive a sound similar to that of a whistling kettle.
Characterized by a high-pitched whistle, this form of tinnitus can be difficult to live with. Constantly hearing what sounds like a boiling kettle inevitably becomes annoying and encroaches on daily life.
The Pure Tone Whistle
Pure tone whistling is one of the most frequent forms of tinnitus. Affected individuals perceive a single, constant note in volume and pitch. The best illustration of pure tone is actually the hearing test.
During a hearing assessment, audiologists use pure tones to evaluate your hearing acuity. People with pure tone tinnitus constantly hear one of these tones.
The Buzz
Buzzing is another form of tinnitus. It is often compared to the buzzing of an insect. For some, this form can be particularly distressing, especially if they already dislike insects.
In fact, the buzzing of certain insects like cicadas has even been associated with an increase in anxiety when they emerge from the ground every ten years or so. With buzzing tinnitus, it's better to consult sooner rather than later, especially if these sounds cause you anxiety.
The Rumble
Some people perceive a rumble. This sound is very similar to what you hear on an airplane, and it's hard to ignore. Most techniques used for other forms of tinnitus also work here.
The Whoosh
The whoosh is a form of tinnitus closely linked to a specific cause. If you've ever heard the sound of turbulent flow, you have a good idea of what affected individuals experience.
This form is closely related to a particular type of tinnitus called pulsatile tinnitus, caused by turbulent blood flow around the ear structures.
The Static
Static resembles the background noise of a poorly tuned television or radio. Its tone and volume can vary, but it generally evokes classic static crackle.
Other Forms of Tinnitus
The different possible sounds represent only a small part of the variability of tinnitus. The frequency of episodes and the affected ear are other elements that change from person to person.
Some people live with tinnitus constantly, while others only experience it occasionally. Furthermore, some feel it in only one ear, others in both.
Here's an overview of the frequency and presentation of tinnitus, and how they vary from person to person.
Intermittent Tinnitus
Intermittent tinnitus is characterized by symptoms that are more pronounced on some days and almost absent on others. There is usually a trigger that exacerbates tinnitus to the point of making it more noticeable.
It is easier to live with: avoiding triggers often allows for a life practically free of tinnitus.
Continuous Tinnitus
Continuous tinnitus is present constantly. You may pay less attention to it on some days, but its volume and tone remain constant. This is one of the most frequent forms. Management generally involves treating other underlying hearing problems or undergoing therapy to reduce its daily impact.
Unilateral Tinnitus
Unilateral tinnitus is perceived in only one ear. Much less common, it can signal more serious health complications, especially if it appears suddenly. It generally accompanies other hearing problems, such as unilateral hearing loss or chronic noise exposure on one side.
Bilateral Tinnitus
Bilateral tinnitus affects both ears. It is much more common than unilateral tinnitus, as most of the mechanisms advanced to explain the formation of classic tinnitus relate more to how the brain processes sounds than to sound originating from the ears themselves.
Possible Causes of Tinnitus
As you will have understood, tinnitus is a complex problem that affects many people. Given such a variety of presentations, there is no single cause. In reality, the vast majority of affected individuals fail to identify the exact origin of the sounds they hear.
That said, several causes are frequently encountered; here are some of them.
Hearing Loss
Hearing loss and tinnitus often go hand in hand, and it is thought that tinnitus arises as a result of hearing loss. The explanation advanced: as signals from a deficient ear weaken, the brain increases its sensitivity to these signals.
This mechanism is supposed to help the person hear better, but this increased sensitivity would lower the noise perception threshold, so that the absence of sound eventually becomes perceived as a specific tone.
Malformations and Blood Circulation
Another possible cause of tinnitus is a malformation or restriction of blood circulation in the ear, which causes the sound of turbulent blood flow to be heard.
Blood vessels pass very close to the hearing organs; when blood does not circulate freely and efficiently, the neighboring auditory system can pick up this flow as a sound, to the rhythm of the heartbeats.
This is typically the cause of a particular form called pulsatile tinnitus, characterized by rhythmic tinnitus that comes and goes. Blood restriction can result from a malformation present from birth or appear over time due to plaque deposits.
How to Relieve Tinnitus
Tinnitus is a multifaceted phenomenon, often resulting from several combined factors. In many cases, it is incurable, and management primarily aims to alleviate symptoms. Here is an overview of possible solutions.
Hearing Aids
Since tinnitus can be linked to hearing loss, wearing hearing aids can help reduce its symptoms. However, hearing aids represent a real investment, some costing thousands of dollars. CLARIA is a hearing aid brand that advocates a different philosophy: offering a much more financially accessible device, with many of the same features.
Sound Masking
Sound masking involves emitting sounds to cover unwanted noises. In the case of tinnitus, this can provide very valuable temporary relief.
Therapy
Therapy has proven very useful for people suffering from persistent tinnitus. Its main goal is to modify the relationship and reaction one has to their tinnitus. When it works, tinnitus is still present, but it no longer affects daily life.
Conclusion
In summary, tinnitus sounds very different from person to person. For some, it's a whistle; for others, a simple high-pitched tone. Whatever their sound, they can disrupt your daily life if not managed. Consulting a professional is the first step towards better managing your tinnitus.
Sources:
Cicadas bugging you? You’re not alone. Read these tips to dial down your anxiety | OSU Med
Approach to tinnitus management | NCBI
Tinnitus - Symptoms and causes | Mayo Clinic
