4 Signs You Have Tinnitus

Are you worried that you have tinnitus? Tinnitus is a condition that causes you to hear noises that are not actually there. There can be a variety of different root causes for this condition from a neurological issue to frequent exposure to loud noise. Before you book an appointment with an audiologist, here are some of the signs that you are suffering from this condition.

You can constantly hear a loud noise

It may not even be that loud but it will be constant or perhaps recurring. It could be anything from a high-pitched ringing to whistling, buzzing, whirring or even piece of music. It can be different for each individual and it can be very irritating. This noise won’t go away when you block your ears, but if it’s only affecting one ear it might be reduced if you lie on one side. The noise may also seem particularly loud at night. This will typically be because your surroundings are so quiet at night that it’s all you can hear.

You have trouble sleeping or concentrating

You might find that the noise you can hear is stopping you from getting a good night of sleep or concentrating at work and while you’re studying. Again, this is usually because the noise will seem louder in quiet environments. The volume won’t have changed at all, but it can be enough to impact your quality of life. This is usually the point where most people will go see an audiologist because the condition begins to affect their lifestyle. One thing you should not do is try to block out the noise with something louder such as music as this could just make the condition far worse.

You’re struggling to hear

As an audiologist will tell you, tinnitus can be a sign that you are suffering from some level of hearing loss. It may mean that you can no longer hear a certain pitch or frequency. If that is the case, you need to consult an audiologist. Typically, they will run a hearing test and check whether you are experiencing any level of hearing loss. They should also be able to tell you whether you are suffering from tinnitus. It’s quite common that someone close to you notices a reduction in your level of hearing before you do. You might be talking at a louder volume or straining to hear what they are saying in a typical environment.

The noise has been present for months

Many people hear a ringing in their ears after being exposed to a loud noise. This could be when you’re listening to music or after going to the cinema. This doesn’t mean you have tinnitus though you may want to watch the type of volumes you expose your ears to in future. A sign of tinnitus will be when that noise doesn’t go away and instead lasts for months. Tinnitus can last for nearly a year and may even be permanent. If you have had ringing in your ears or any sound for more than a few months, consult an audiologist.