Tinnitus is more common than you think. It affects around 20% of the population, and it’s more common among older adults.

However, what exactly are the symptoms of Tinnitus? Find out here.

Symptoms of Tinnitus

The most common symptom of Tinnitus is a ringing sound in the ear even if there is no external sound present. However, it could also cause you to hear other phantom noises such as:

  • Buzzing
  • Clicking
  • Humming
  • Hissing
  • Roaring

The noise heard by a person with Tinnitus can vary. It can be in low pitch while others might hear high squeals. At the same time, the noise can be heard in either or both ears.

In rare cases, Tinnitus can manifest as a whooshing sound or rhythmic pulsing that is similar to a heartbeat. These are referred to as pulsatile Tinnitus.

When to Call Your Doctor?

It’s possible to have Tinnitus and not be bothered with it at all. However, suppose your Tinnitus is significantly affecting your ability to function properly. In that case, it might be time for you to schedule a doctor’s appointment.

Also, you should visit a doctor when you develop Tinnitus. It does not resolve itself in a week after an episode of upper respiratory infection. 

If you experience dizziness or hearing loss due to suspected Tinnitus, then you should go to the doctor’s office as soon as possible. The same thing applies when you are experiencing signs of anxiety and depression because of your Tinnitus.

Tinnitus Diagnosis

Most of the time, Doctors Diagnose Tinnitus based on the symptoms experienced by the patient. However, doctors will also need to identify the root cause of your Tinnitus to treat the symptoms.

Doctors will examine your ears, neck, and head in these cases. They will also ask for your medical history. After that, you might need to do medical exams and tests based on your doctor’s recommendation. Some of the common tests when diagnosing Tinnitus include:

  • Imaging Test: Your doctor might request for you to take an imaging test to confirm the underlying cause of your Tinnitus. These imaging tests could be an MRI or CT scan.
  • Hearing Exam: During this test, you will be brought to a soundproof room, and you will be asked to wear earphones. The earphones transmit specific sounds on one ear at a time. You then have to indicate whether you hear the sound. The results of this test are compared to a baseline for people in your age group.
  • Movement: You can expect your doctor to give you a movement test. This would involve being asked to clench your jaw and move your eyes or other extremities. This test will help identify the underlying condition causing Tinnitus.
  • Lab Test: Your doctor might request for a blood test to check if you have anemia, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid problem, or heart disease.

During your doctor’s visit, make sure to be as detailed as possible when describing the type of noise you hear. The type of sound you hear can help identify the underlying cause of your Tinnitus.

Here’s what the common type of Tinnitus sound indicates:

  • Low-pitched ringing: This Tinnitus sound indicates ear canal blockage signs. It can also be caused by stiff inner ear bones or Meniere’s disease.
  • High-pitched ringing: This is the most common Tinnitus noise. There’s a high chance that it’s caused by medication, loud noise exposure, and hearing loss. It can also be due to acoustic neuroma.
  • Clicking: This suggests that the cause of your Tinnitus is muscle contraction inside the ear or around it.
  • Pulsing, rushing, or humming: This type of noise is commonly caused by blood vessel-related health problems like high blood pressure. This is usually more notable during workouts or when you suddenly change your body’s position.

Final Words

The most common symptom of Tinnitus is hearing a ringing sound that does not exist externally. However, Tinnitus can also be other noises such as pulsing, clicking, humming, and rushing. In addition, the volume of the noise can also vary; it can be a low or high pitch noise.

It’s quite easy to identify the symptoms of Tinnitus. However, what’s difficult to assess is what’s its underlying cause. This is why it’s highly recommended that you visit a doctor for it. Besides, it’s better to be safe than sorry later on.