Tinnitus is defined as the perception of sound in the head when no external sound is present. There are two types of tinnitus. Subjective tinnitus describes head noises that are audible only to the patient. Objective tinnitus describes head noises that are audible to both the patient and others. Ringing or head noises can occur in one or both ears and can be perceived to be inside or outside the ear. Tinnitus is is often a warning sign for hearing loss. There are over 200 potential causes of tinnitus ranging from diet to brain trauma.
Researchers theorize that the origin of tinnitus lies in the brain. As the brain receives less auditory stimuli (due to hearing loss), it begins generating the sounds we describe as tinnitus. The "sounds" of tinnitus vary. Many people describe what they hear as tonal, swooshing, roaring, or chirping sounds. Others describe the sound as white noise.
To hear what tinnitus sounds like, click here.
Whatever the case, tinnitus is a real condition that often causes anxiety, stress, and loss of sleep. However, relief from tinnitus is possible. More in the next blog....
For more information on tinnitus relief, visit our website.
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