Tinnitus Assessment for Adults

What is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is the perception of internal sounds within the ears or head in the absence of any external source. These sounds are often described as ringing, buzzing, or other various forms. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 278 million people worldwide are affected by tinnitus. It is a common experience that would usually last for only a short time. 

On the other hand, chronic tinnitus, which lasts for more than six months affects almost 5% of the population. For these individuals, it can lead to distress, disruption in sleep and concentration, reducing a person’s quality of life.

Type of Tinnitus

Subjective tinnitus: the most common type of tinnitus characterised by sounds perceived solely by the affected individual. Common descriptions of subjective tinnitus include ringing, hissing, and high-pitched tones.

Objective tinnitus: a rarer condition in which the sounds perceived by the affected individual can also be heard or detected by the examiner and others.

What causes Tinnitus?

Tinnitus, not a disease itself, is often a sign of damage within the hearing system or the brain (subjective tinnitus). Common triggers include age-related hearing loss, trauma, or exposure to loud noise, prompting the brain to generate noise to compensate for reduced sound signals. In some instances, it may result from ear infections, excess earwax, or medication side effects.

On the other hand, objective tinnitus often results from specific physical abnormalities in the body, such as vascular or muscular issues. It requires medical evaluation to identify and address the underlying causes.

Tinnitus Management

A comprehensive approach typically starts with the ENT specialist conducting a physical examination to identify any underlying medical causes. Additionally, a hearing test is performed to assess if the auditory system is connected to the underlying issue. Depending on the case, other healthcare professionals may be enlisted to assist in diagnosis and management.

The aim of tinnitus management is to achieve habituation. Habituation is a term used to describe the process of reducing the perception and impact of tinnitus on a person's life. It involves training the brain to ignore the sound of tinnitus and treat it as a non-threatening signal, similar to the way the brain processes background noise.

Typically, this requires an integrated approach involving sound therapy, counselling as well as relaxation strategies and amplification if required. Through this service, individuals can gain a deeper comprehension of their condition and better management of their reaction towards tinnitus.