News post
Tinnitus week
Although it's not the case for everyone, many people have a terrible experience starting their tinnitus journey. Unfortunately, this can have a severe impact on how you manage your condition and your mental health.
What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is a term for the sensation of hearing a sound in the absence of an external sound. Symptoms can include hearing different types of sounds like a ringing, whooshing, humming or buzzing in the ear. These can be continuous sounds, or they can come and go.
Types of Tinnitus
Some people have tinnitus that has a musical quality and can seem like a familiar tune or song. This generally occurs in older people who have a hearing loss and a strong musical interest. This type of tinnitus is known as musical tinnitus or musical hallucination. Pulsatile tinnitus is a rhythmical noise that usually has the same rate as the heart - often caused by a change in blood flow in the vessels near the ear or a change of awareness of that blood flow.
Who gets tinnitus?
Tinnitus is very common and is reported in all age groups, even young children. About 30% of people will experience tinnitus at some point in their lives, but the number of people who live with persistent tinnitus is approximately 13%. Tinnitus is more common in people who have hearing loss or other ear problems, but it can also be found in people that have normal hearing.
What should you do?
If you think you might have tinnitus, speak to your GP. They may refer you to an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Surgeon who will be able to help you further. Some hospitals have hearing therapists or specially trained audiologists available to offer more support if you need it.
If you would like more information about tinnitus than visit the BTA website here. BTA is an independent charity supporting thousands of people who experience tinnitus and advice medical professionals worldwide.
