Are you experiencing some kind of unusual ear noise and are unsure what to do or where to go next? If so, you’ve come to the right place! You are not alone; in fact, virtually everyone encounters this kind of hearing phenomenon at some point in their lives. One type of hearing disorder affecting the auditory system is called tinnitus, and tinnitus patients often experience a great deal of distress as a result of symptoms — symptoms that can include brief, unusual ear noises but most often include persistent ear noises. So what does it mean if you are experiencing unusual ear noises that are only brief and not persistent?
What you are experiencing is something audiologists refer to as transient ear noise. This has often been described as a brief ringing or whistling sound that may be followed by a brief decrease in hearing (<30 seconds). Usually, a transient ear noise episode happens in one ear only at a given time and may be accompanied by the feeling of a “clogged” ear.
While this may feel worrisome if it is something you experience, in most cases, there aren’t any lasting effects. True tinnitus is typically longer in duration, though it may fluctuate in how it sounds. Read on to better understand the differences between temporary, transient ear noise and tinnitus.
Tinnitus Or Transient Ear Noise?
Though you may have some tinnitus symptoms, you could actually be experiencing transient ear noise, sometimes referred to as TEN by audiologists. Virtually everyone experiences episodes of transient ear noise from time to time, and it does not necessarily signal any serious medical concerns. However, if you are experiencing any symptoms of persistent hearing loss or tinnitus, it is important to see an audiologist or an ear, nose, and throat specialist to evaluate the root of the issue. Happily, most cases of transient ear noise are not a significant cause for concern, and do not necessarily signal the need for extensive sound therapy or the presence of hearing loss.
"Treble Health helped me reduce my tinnitus by about 80%, and now I can live my life again!"
"Treble Health helped me reduce my tinnitus by about 80%, and now I can live my life again!"
– Steve D.
Book a free consultation to learn which Treble Health solution is right for you. Join Steve and thousands more who have found lasting tinnitus relief.
That being said, tinnitus is an umbrella term, referring to the perception of sound without an external source, often described as a ringing, buzzing or humming in the ears. Transient ear noise is technically under the umbrella of tinnitus, as it is a perception of hearing sound without an external source. TEN is a bit different, however, as it occurs usually randomly for very brief moments.
To differentiate between tinnitus and transient ear noise, we have to consider the sensation’s duration and frequency. Unlike tinnitus, transient ear noise generally disappears within seconds and will not require diagnostic testing, sound therapy, or other treatments. Tinnitus can have a variety of underlying pathologies, as well as accompanying hearing loss. If you are experiencing sounds in the ears, it is best to see an audiologist or physician to further evaluate the tinnitus and possible etiology. Meeting with professionals will help you not only understand but manage your tinnitus and hearing loss, whether through hearing aids, sound therapy, or another modality entirely.
Transient Ear Noise Explained
In most cases, transient ear noise is accompanied by a reduction in hearing and aural fullness or muffled sensation in the affected ear. A 2013 study (Almond, Patel & Rejali) investigated this phenomenon, regarding it as Transient Auditory Dysfunction (TAD), and reported this may occur with a prevalence of 20.5%. Based on their sample, representative of a general healthy population without other otological symptoms, the authors conclude this seems to be a common phenomenon, unlike more significant tinnitus conditions like pulsatile tinnitus.
Tinnitus Explained
Unlike TEN, tinnitus is defined as ringing, buzzing, or whistling that more than 50 million people in the United States alone experience! The vast majority of tinnitus cases originate in the auditory system. For some individuals, tinnitus can be annoying and bothersome and may even be accompanied by sudden hearing loss or occur as a result of loud noise exposure. While tinnitus often occurs without any other medical concerns, it is possible for there to be an underlying etiology or pathology causing the tinnitus.
People experiencing tinnitus sensations to undergo an audiological exam and possibly an evaluation by a physician if there are any medical red flags (i.e. new onset tinnitus, tinnitus in only one ear, dizziness, pain in the ears, etc.), as persistent ringing can signal the presence of age related hearing loss and other conditions. Better understanding your tinnitus and whether there is any accompanying hearing loss and/or underlying medical concerns is a crucial first step in the management of chronic tinnitus.
While tinnitus does not have a single “cure,” there are many different management options that can help successfully manage tinnitus treatment. In cases where there is accompanying hearing loss, hearing aids can be helpful for tinnitus patients. Sound therapy and other lifestyle modifications are also options for those with more severe tinnitus, hearing loss, and related conditions.
Why Is TEN Important To Understand?
It is important to understand that, first and foremost, TEN is nothing to worry about. It is a perfectly normal phenomenon that affects a large number of people with seemingly no harmful side effects or premonition of hearing loss or permanent auditory changes to come. Some tinnitus treatment modalities can be useful, while others will prove unnecessary to manage temporary sensations such as those found in TEN.
Unlike tinnitus, transient ear noise appears and then disappears within seconds and typically does not require diagnostic testing, sound therapy, or any other treatment. If it does cause you any anxiety, however, there is absolutely no harm in seeking out a medical professional to ensure that your auditory system is healthy. It is never too early for a baseline hearing test to rule out a common symptom of more serious conditions, and to make sure you receive an accurate diagnosis.
Managing Tinnitus With Treble Health
Rest assured: there is nothing to worry about if you experience symptoms of TEN. TEN can lead to concentration difficulties, and often comes as a result of noise exposure and other benign issues. At Treble Health, our audiologists understand the medical conditions, lifestyle factors, and environmental factors that can contribute to TEN and tinnitus, and have helped countless patients in finding relief from the sounds of tinnitus. If you have been experiencing ringing in your ears, phantom sound, or other symptoms of tinnitus for a few weeks or longer, schedule a complimentary telehealth consultation with one of our audiologists to start your path to tinnitus relief today.
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