Understanding Tinnitus

Tinnitus is a common condition that is reported to affect between 12% to 30% of the global population.

Many individuals that experience tinnitus are not bothered by tinnitus sounds and do not require additional intervention. For others, it can have a negative impact on quality of life.

If you feel like you are being affected by your tinnitus, the following information may help to guide you in deciding what to do next.

• It is important to know that if you just recently acquired tinnitus, there is a chance that your tinnitus may resolve by itself or reduce in intensity or frequency.
• While tinnitus is commonly associated with hearing loss, it is not typically associated with other underlying physical problems.
• A hearing assessment is often recommended to test for hearing loss or check for any potential problems with auditory function.
• Tinnitus symptoms are often exacerbated by stress or loud noises. Some individuals can link the onset of their tinnitus to a specific episode of loud noise exposure or stressful period in their life. Effective management of stressors can help to reduce the prominence of tinnitus.
• If you feel like your tinnitus symptoms are affecting your quality of life and ability to perform daily functions (for example, maintaining regular sleeping patterns), then you may benefit from professional help.

If you feel that you require professional help to manage your tinnitus, there are several strategies that the audiologists at the Audiology Clinic of Northern Alberta can offer to help with tinnitus management. We prefer to assess individuals on a case-by-case basis and recommend that you start by scheduling a diagnostic hearing assessment with one of our qualified clinicians.

After the assessment, your clinician can review and make an appropriate recommendation. Possible management strategies may include the use of self-help materials, Tinnitus Retraining Therapy, Audiologist-Delivered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Tinnitus Management, Sound Therapy, hearing loss rehabilitation or referral to other medical professionals.

To book an appointment, please call the Audiology Clinic of Northern Alberta at 780-900-5127.

In some exceedingly rare cases, medical follow-up may be required if your tinnitus coincides with any of the follow symptoms:

• Injury or trauma to your body and/or head
• Weakness or paralysis of any muscles in the face
• Sudden unexplained hearing loss in one or both ears
• Vertigo (the feeling that the room is moving or spinning)
• Ear pain or drainage from your ears

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, please see your physician.

Learn More