Tinnitus is not a disease. It is a symptom of other problems. There are signs of tinnitus including hearing loss, loud noise exposure, earwax buildup, stress, circulation issues, head injuries, or some medications. It can affect your sleep, focus, and mental well-being. That’s why it’s important to recognize the signs of tinnitus early and seek treatment. According to the American Tinnitus Association, approximately 25 million Americans—nearly 10% of the U.S. adult population—experience tinnitus to some degree. This statistic underscores how common and potentially serious the condition can be.Objective vs. Subjective Tinnitus: Understanding the Differences
Tinnitus comes in two main forms—objective and subjective—and understanding the difference is key to finding the right treatment.
Objective Tinnitus: Rare but Treatable
Objective tinnitus is uncommon and unique because it can be heard by both the patient and a doctor, usually with the help of a stethoscope. This form of tinnitus is often caused by underlying physical conditions, such as:
- Blood flow abnormalities (e.g., vascular malformations)
- Muscle spasms in the middle ear or soft palate
"Treble Health helped me turn down the sound of my tinnitus. Now I can breathe, and get on with my life!"
"Treble Health helped me turn down the sound of my tinnitus. Now I can breathe, and get on with my life!"
– Elisa
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The good news is that objective tinnitus is sometimes reversible. If the underlying issue is treated—whether through medication, surgery, or other medical interventions—the sound may lessen or even disappear completely.
Subjective Tinnitus: The Most Common Type
Subjective tinnitus is far more common and refers to sounds that only the person experiencing them can hear. These sounds can range from ringing and buzzing to hissing or roaring, and may be intermittent or constant.
Common causes of subjective tinnitus include:
- Exposure to loud noise
- Age-related hearing loss
- Ear damage or neurological issues
One subtype of subjective tinnitus is somatic tinnitus, which is triggered by muscle spasms or physical movements, often involving the neck or jaw. This form is sometimes referred to as conductive tinnitus, as it’s caused by mechanical or muscular problems near the ear, rather than by nerve damage.
Managing Subjective Tinnitus
While subjective tinnitus can be more complex to treat, there are several effective options. One popular approach is Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT), which combines sound therapy with counseling to help the brain ignore tinnitus sounds over time.
What are the Symptoms of Tinnitus?
One of the signs of tinnitus is described as ringing in the ears. Aside from that, patients can experience buzzing, hissing, or other sounds in the ears when there’s no external source. People with pulsatile tinnitus often hear a steady thumping, whooshing, or throbbing sound in one or both ears.
These sounds can affect one or both ears and may vary in pitch and volume, coming and going or remaining constant.
People may experience a fullness sensation or pressure in the ears. They may also develop an increased sensitivity to everyday sounds, a condition known as hyperacusis.
What Creates the Perception of Noise in the Ears?
Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the absence of an external auditory stimulus. Individuals with tinnitus often report hearing ringing, buzzing, hissing, or other phantom sounds, even when no actual sound is present. This occurs due to abnormal signaling between the ear and the brain, often triggered by ear damage resulting from exposure to loud noise, age-related hearing loss, or the use of ototoxic medications.
While tinnitus was once thought to be solely a disorder of the auditory system, emerging research has revealed that it involves complex interactions between auditory and non-auditory brain regions. Neuroimaging studies have identified altered activity in brain egions associated with emotional regulation, attention, and memory.
These findings suggest that tinnitus is not merely a problem of hearing, but a multisystem neural condition involving broader cognitive and emotional networks. Recognizing this complexity is critical for advancing the development of more effective, holistic treatment approaches that go beyond the ear to address the brain’s role in tinnitus perception.
Early Signs of Tinnitus
You might perceive phantom sounds—such as ringing, buzzing, hissing, or clicking—in one ear, both ears, or even within your head. These sounds can differ in pitch and volume, and may be constant or intermittent. In some cases, movements of the head, neck, or eyes, or touching certain areas, can alter the perception of these sounds, a phenomenon known as somatosensory tinnitus.
This form of tinnitus is associated with interactions between the somatosensory and auditory systems, and is present in a significant number of patients. Other Symptoms of Tinnitus
Many people first hear these sounds when it’s very quiet, like when they’re in bed at night or sitting in a quiet room. Noticing these early signs of tinnitus is important and also avoid ear infections. Getting help early can make it easier to treat. If you hear these sounds, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor.
1. You have headaches or blurred vision.
If you have tinnitus and also get headaches, blurry vision, or seizures, it might mean you have high blood pressure. High blood pressure can make it hard for blood to flow properly to your ears, causing sounds like ringing or pulsing. If high blood pressure keeps going on, it can harm blood vessels inside your ear and make tinnitus worse. Noticing early signs of tinnitus and keeping your blood pressure healthy are important to protect your ears and hearing.
2. There is an obvious hearing loss.
If you have hearing loss and also hear ringing or buzzing in your ears, it could mean your ears are getting damaged. Studies show that 48 million people in the U.S. and 477 million people around the world have hearing loss. Tinnitus is not just annoying—it’s an important sign that something might be wrong. Seeing a doctor or hearing specialist early can help protect your hearing and make life better.
3. Tinnitus after medication change.
Noticing ringing in your ears after starting a new medication could be a sign of drug-induced tinnitus. Some prescription and over-the-counter medications can harm the sensory cells in the inner ear, leading to tinnitus. These include antibiotics, antidepressants, or high-dose aspirin which can affect the inner ear and trigger these symptoms. If the noise persists, consult your doctor to review your prescriptions and protect your hearing health.
4. Tinnitus triggered after the gym or a night out.
Frequent signs of tinnitus, like ringing or buzzing in your ears after leaving loud places such as concerts, gyms, restaurants, or factories, could mean you’ve been around unsafe noise levels. Being in noisy places too often can cause hearing loss, which is a common reason for tinnitus. Ears at long or repeated exposure to sounds at or above 85 dBA can cause hearing loss.
To protect your ears you should wear earplugs, keep distance from speakers or machinery, and take regular breaks from exposure to loud noise. Taking these simple precautions can help prevent long-term hearing damage and reduce your risk of chronic tinnitus.
Note:
Most signs of tinnitus are subjective, meaning only the individual can hear the sounds. In rare cases, tinnitus can be objective, meaning a doctor can hear it too using a stethoscope. This is usually caused by blood flow or muscle problems. Understanding the specific characteristics of your tinnitus is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective management.
Should I Worry if I Have Tinnitus?
Experiencing tinnitus—often described as ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears—can be unsettling, but it’s not always a cause for alarm. In many cases, tinnitus is temporary and related to factors like loud noise exposure, stress, or earwax buildup. However, if the symptoms persist or worsen, it may indicate an underlying issue such as hearing loss, high blood pressure, or neurological conditions.
It is crucial to recognize the signs of tinnitus, such as phantom sounds in quiet environments or difficulty focusing due to ear noise. About 14.4% of adults worldwide have experienced tinnitus. Roughly 2% have experienced severe tinnitus, and almost 10% have experienced chronic tinnitus.
Not all cases are serious, but if tinnitus keeps getting worse or doesn’t go away, a doctor should check it. This helps find out if something else is causing it and what treatment can help.
What is the Best Treatment for Tinnitus?
The best treatment for tinnitus depends on the underlying cause, but common options include sound therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and hearing aids. Sound therapy can help mask the ringing sounds, while CBT addresses the emotional stress associated with tinnitus.
Sound Therapy
Treble Health’s The Complete Guide to Tinnitus Relief provides a thorough overview of tinnitus and its signs. While there is no one-size-fits-all cure, there are effective strategies to manage it. The guide outlines various treatment options, including sound therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and the use of hearing aids. Sound therapy helps mask or blend the tinnitus sounds, while CBT addresses the emotional impact of tinnitus, aiding individuals in coping with the condition.
On Improving Auditory Health
For those with hearing loss, hearing aids can improve auditory input and decrease the perception of tinnitus. The guide also highlights the importance of consulting with healthcare professionals to determine the most suitable treatment plan tailored to individual needs. Additionally, Treble Health offers personalized consultations to assist individuals in managing their tinnitus effectively when they have experienced signs of tinnitus.
Never Ignore the Warning Signs! Time to Book your Free Tinnitus Appointment Today!
If you’ve noticed early signs of tinnitus, like ringing, buzzing, or hissing in your ears, especially after being around loud noises or in quiet places, it might mean something is wrong. Don’t ignore these signs—get a hearing test to find out what’s going on.
At Treble Health, our expert audiologists specialize in holistic tinnitus care and understand how lifestyle factors, stress, and even blood sugar imbalances can contribute to tinnitus flare-ups. We’ve helped thousands regain control and find lasting relief.
Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen—early intervention is key. Schedule your free 20-minute telehealth consultation today to discuss your experience, get your questions answered, and learn about personalized therapy options designed just for you. Take the first step toward managing your tinnitus and improving your quality of life—book now before the signs progress.
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