When Should You See an Audiologist About Tinnitus?

Do you think you might be suffering from tinnitus? Tinnitus is a condition that can seem frightening at first but is actually not life-threatening. However, you may still need to consult an audiologist. There are a few reasons that this might be the best option. First, though, it is essential to understand what tinnitus is and how it can impact your life. There are a few things to be aware of here.

What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus is a condition that causes you to hear noises that are not there. The noise in question can be anything from a buzzing to whining or whistling. There have even been reports of people hearing clips of music playing on repeat. One of the things that makes tinnitus frightening is that no one else will be able to hear the noise. It can make you feel like you are crazy. However, don’t panic because this is actually a physical issue.

Your ears may have been damaged after exposure to loud noises. This is the most common cause of tinnitus. Unfortunately, the condition is not curable, and it can get worse over time. But it is also not life-threatening and will typically not have any complications other than to your hearing.

Although many people do experience tinnitus with hearing loss.

When should you see an audiologist?

You should see an audiologist if tinnitus has lasted longer than three months. There is an occurrence that is known as temporary tinnitus. Temporary tinnitus will correct itself within a specific time period and fade away. However, with tinnitus, the longer it lasts, the more likely it is to be permanent. If tinnitus is still coming and going, then you can take steps to prevent further damage to your ears and ensure that it doesn’t become permanent. This can be incredibly useful.

It’s worth noting that if you do not take any steps, tinnitus will usually become permanent over a certain period of time.

You should also see an audiologist if your tinnitus is getting worse rather than better. This can be an issue where the noise grows louder and becomes a more prevalent aspect of your life. Though not considered a serious issue, tinnitus can cause problems with both depression and anxiety. In rare cases, it can even cause suicidal thoughts, so it’s worth getting support.

Finally, you should make sure that you are visiting an audiologist if your tinnitus is presenting with other symptoms. This could include hearing loss, or it might be problems with balance. You might have even been having severe pain in your ears or migraines. You may also want to go and see an audiologist if tinnitus is starting to have a negative impact on your life.

Why should you always see an audiologist?

Some experts suggest that you always go to see an audiologist when you notice tinnitus. Why is this? While tinnitus is usually caused by exposure to loud noise, this isn’t always the case. It could be neurological, and if that’s the case, it may be the first sign that you have a tumor or a similar medical condition. It’s also possible that it’s caused by a growth in your ear. Although these possibilities are far rarer, they are not entirely out of the question. The only way to know for sure is to get checked out by an audiologist.

As with various other medical health issues, it’s always best to identify and check the issue earlier rather than later. Your audiologist will be able to put your mind at ease and ensure that you don’t have to panic about a possible underlying medical condition.

Treatment for tinnitus

While tinnitus is not curable, it can be treated and effectively managed. In some cases, tinnitus can be caused by a buildup of earwax or even medication. Your audiologist will be able to identify an issue like this and ensure that the right steps are taken. If your tinnitus can not be treated in this way, they can provide you with hearing aids. Hearing aids offer masking technology which can block the sound. The benefit of this is that you will be able to reduce the impact that tinnitus has on your life. They might also recommend a sound box that works in roughly the same way.

As noted, tinnitus can present with hearing loss, so hearing aids can also often be necessary and worth considering.

We hope this helps you understand everything you need to know about tinnitus. If you want to learn more, then contact Cosmetic Hearing Solutions at 571-312-7345 to gain expert advice and support.