Tinnitus Overview
Tinnitus is a common symptom of hearing loss.
Tinnitus Causes
Hearing Loss
One of the most common causes of tinnitus, it is estimated that 90% of all tinnitus occurs with hearing loss. Hearing loss typically results from damage to the cochlear hair cells. These cells help convert sound waves into signals for the hearing nerve to carry to the brain. When the auditory pathways or circuits in the brain do not receive the messages they anticipate from the cochlea, the mind, in fact, 'turns the volume up on those pathways in an attempt to locate a signal. This is comparable to when you turn up the volume on a car radio to hear the music better. The noise it results in is what we call tinnitus — a high-pitched sound if the hearing loss is high-frequency and low-pitched if it is low-frequency.
Ear Obstructions
Physical blockages in the ear can prevent sound from being fully absorbed and processed. This includes an accumulation of ear wax, dirt or other substances, and bone growths. These obstructions prevent sound from traveling through the ear canal and to the inner ear. It can also lead to bacteria building up in the ears which produce infection or irritation and this can trigger tinnitus.
Inner Ear Disorders
This includes Meniere's disease which occurs when fluid accumulates in the cochlea. This produces different symptoms including pressure in the ears, dizziness, and tinnitus. Other causes of tinnitus include head injuries, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), autoimmune conditions, hyperthyroidism, and specific types of medications.
Early Signs of Tinnitus
Thumping sound in the ears
Tinnitus sounds can vary from ringing to clicking but it can also sound like a thumping noise. This can mirror one’s pulse and this type of tinnitus is referred to as pulsatile tinnitus.
Hearing music
In addition to hearing these specific sounds, tinnitus can also involve hearing music when no music is actually playing. People often mistake this as background noise rather than tinnitus.
Challenges with hearing
Tinnitus can strain communication because it makes it challenging to hear clearly. This can impact conversations and spending time with others.
Tinnitus Treatment
Treating hearing loss
This is a type of sound therapy that involves a process of retraining the brain to interpret tinnitus differently. TRT focuses on having the brain reclassify tinnitus as mundane and neutral - similar to how we interpret background noise.
Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT)
Because a major cause of tinnitus is hearing loss, having your hearing assessed is an important first step. Hearing loss is most commonly treated with hearing aids. These devices are designed to provide the ears and brain with ample support, maximizing hearing capacity. Hearing aids also alleviate symptoms including tinnitus. Also, today’s hearing aids also offer tinnitus masking features which are designed to provide ambient noise; reducing the presence and impact of tinnitus.
Danny Bartels2023-12-13I am so happy with my Phonak Lumity hearing aids that I purchased this year at Mid-Florida Hearing. Bart, Zack and Ashley have all been very helpful and wonderful to work with!
Nancy Bohne2023-12-11I was treated with care, respect, and understanding in ordering the suggested best hearing aids for my situation. Mid Florida Hearing is a trusted and experienced business that doesn't move away on us... And I purchased all future adjustments to my Ponak Lumity product. Super business and operators! Owners that are experts at hearing lose. Checkups were very helpful thanks to all the friendly employees
da gi2023-12-07They are spot on, professional, understanding and caring. My wife and I both highly recommend them.
Don McGinnis2023-12-05Great service & excellent hearing aids!!
gail spencer hole2023-12-05Zach and Ashley are the best in customer service that you will ever find! Service after the sale describes this business to a tee. They are always friendly, happy to see you, and ready to solve any problem you may be experiencing with your hearing aides. This business is way above the rest.
stephanie waites2023-11-16Zach and Ashley helped me with my hearing test and purchasing new hearing aids and I cannot praise them enough. They went above and beyond for me, made themselves available to accommodate my heavy work schedule to fit me in for adjustments and provided the best customer experience I’ve had to date. My father has the same congenital hearing loss and purchased his new hearing aids in alabama and he did not get half the assistance and follow up care that I have received.. and my top of the line hearing aids were almost 2k cheaper then what he paid. Highly recommend this company!!
Debbie Baas2023-11-16They have always taken very good care of me and now my mother. I’m on my third pair now. Highly recommend ! Thank you.
Phillip Montalvo2023-11-04Excellent customer service (always with a smile) ... just walk in and they will help you.
Dave Loria2023-11-03I looked at 4 different hearing aid companies, and am so glad I went with Mid Florida Hearing. Saved money and excellent service. A great combination.
Charlotte Jacunski2023-10-24Zack did a awesome job. Great place!! Very happy !!
Danny Bartels2023-12-13I am so happy with my Phonak Lumity hearing aids that I purchased this year at Mid-Florida Hearing. Bart, Zack and Ashley have all been very helpful and wonderful to work with!Nancy Bohne2023-12-11I was treated with care, respect, and understanding in ordering the suggested best hearing aids for my situation. Mid Florida Hearing is a trusted and experienced business that doesn't move away on us... And I purchased all future adjustments to my Ponak Lumity product. Super business and operators! Owners that are experts at hearing lose. Checkups were very helpful thanks to all the friendly employeesda gi2023-12-07They are spot on, professional, understanding and caring. My wife and I both highly recommend them.Don McGinnis2023-12-05Great service & excellent hearing aids!!gail spencer hole2023-12-05Zach and Ashley are the best in customer service that you will ever find! Service after the sale describes this business to a tee. They are always friendly, happy to see you, and ready to solve any problem you may be experiencing with your hearing aides. This business is way above the rest.stephanie waites2023-11-16Zach and Ashley helped me with my hearing test and purchasing new hearing aids and I cannot praise them enough. They went above and beyond for me, made themselves available to accommodate my heavy work schedule to fit me in for adjustments and provided the best customer experience I’ve had to date. My father has the same congenital hearing loss and purchased his new hearing aids in alabama and he did not get half the assistance and follow up care that I have received.. and my top of the line hearing aids were almost 2k cheaper then what he paid. Highly recommend this company!!Debbie Baas2023-11-16They have always taken very good care of me and now my mother. I’m on my third pair now. Highly recommend ! Thank you.Phillip Montalvo2023-11-04Excellent customer service (always with a smile) ... just walk in and they will help you.Dave Loria2023-11-03I looked at 4 different hearing aid companies, and am so glad I went with Mid Florida Hearing. Saved money and excellent service. A great combination.Charlotte Jacunski2023-10-24Zack did a awesome job. Great place!! Very happy !!