The Connection Between Tinnitus and Hearing Loss
Millions of people around the world experience tinnitus at some point in their life. Tinnitus is described as ringing inside your ear that no one else can hear. The actual sound differs for everyone. Some people hear a steady noise, and other people hear a pulsating noise. It can be both temporary or permanent. It can come and go depending on the environment around you. If you are one of the millions of people that has tinnitus, you may wonder if there is a connection to hearing loss.
Tinnitus and Hearing Loss
Approximately 90 percent of people with tinnitus also have hearing loss, and many of them may not even know it. Tinnitus usually is similar to the hearing loss you have. If you have high-frequency hearing loss, meaning you have difficulty hearing high-frequency sounds, then you will often hear a high-pitched ringing with your tinnitus. If you only have hearing loss in one ear, then you will only have tinnitus in the same ear. However, the good news is that a hearing aid can help make both conditions more manageable.
How Noise Contributes to Tinnitus and Hearing Loss
Loud sounds can damage the delicate hairs that are in the inner ear and the nerve that carries sounds to the brain. This is called noise-induced hearing loss. While tinnitus is the most common people aged 60 and older, it can happen to anyone at any age. If you are repeatedly exposed to loud noises, then you have a higher risk of developing tinnitus and noise-induced hearing loss. If you hear a loud sound when you are young and have temporary tinnitus, it can go away but then return when you are older.
How to Protect Your Ears from Tinnitus and Hearing Loss
When you know in advance that your ears will be exposed to loud noises, such as at a concert, on a long airplane flight, or at a party, make sure to protect your ears by wearing earplugs or noise-canceling headphones. It’s better to protect your ears than deal with the consequences later.
If you believe you have tinnitus, it is vital to get your ears examined by a hearing care professional. Beyond your potential tinnitus, you could also have undiagnosed hearing loss and hearing aids may help depending on the type of hearing loss you have. Contact Sound Hearing Now at 864-881-1663 to schedule an appointment at one of our four convenient locations in Simpsonville, Greer, Travelers Rest, and Greenville.
Is there a connection between Tinnitus and Hearing Loss?
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