Tinnitus

Why do I have Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is a persistent ringing or buzzing sound in the ears. There are many potential ways you might be experiencing tinnitus, including:

1. Exposure to loud noise: Prolonged exposure to loud noise can damage the hair cells in your inner ear, which can result in tinnitus.
2. Aging: As you get older, your hearing may deteriorate, which can also lead to tinnitus.
3. Earwax blockage: A build-up of earwax can cause it by putting pressure on the eardrum or blocking sound from entering the ear canal.
4. Ear infections: Infections of the ear, including otitis media, can cause tinnitus.
5. Medications: Certain medications, including antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and antidepressants, can cause it as a side effect.
6. Head and neck injuries: Trauma to the head or neck can damage the inner ear or auditory nerve, leading to tinnitus.
7. Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, anaemia, and thyroid disorders, can cause tinnitus.

In the inner ear there are inner and outer hair cells which help us hear. These hairs send sounds to the brain for processing. The outer hair cells are more exposed and therefore more easily damaged. So, if this damage occurs, the outer hair cells cannot prevent sound signals reaching the inner hair cells. As a result, the brain receives unprompted sound signals.

Our inner ear contains a combination of cells that enable us to the hear the world around us. The outer hair cells are more exposed and vulnerable, so damage can lead to an influx of unprompted sound signals reaching our brain for processing.

These delicate hairs are there to create vital protection against noise-induced hearing loss in their role as gatekeepers between external sounds and our internal auditory system.

Sometimes the hearing system heightens these sound signals and subsequently we think we can hear noise. We call this noise tinnitus.

What are its effects?

At the moment there is no known cure for the condition, however treatments and help are available. At Buxton Hearing Centre, we have an in-depth consultation as well as a range of management techniques and tools to relieve tinnitus. We can also offer advice, guidance, and support.

Clare is a certified British Tinnitus Association (BTA) Tinnitus Advisor and Cognitive Tinnitus Therapy Professional offering management consultations. Buxton Hearing Centre is also a corporate member of the BTA.

After doing an initial assessment, which is essential to the success of therapy. Our goal becomes acquiring measurable data. Then we can identify and set realistic goals with desired outcomes. This forms the basis of your Individual Care Plan for ongoing treatment.

Make an appointment with us today and start your journey back to a quieter life!