Everything You Need to Know About the 4 Types of Tinnitus

Tinnitus is a symptom of an underlying condition characterized by the perception of sound in one or both ears in the absence of an external auditory stimulus. While there are many causes, tinnitus can be classified into four main types: objective, subjective, neurological and somatic. In this article, we will discuss each type in detail and outline the best ways to treat them.

Objective Tinnitus

Objective tinnitus is a rare type of tinnitus that is heard by both the person with the symptom of an underlying condition and those around them. It is caused by contractions of the muscles in the middle ear, resulting in vibrations detectable to listeners nearby. In some cases, it can be caused by blood vessel abnormalities or turbulent blood flow which can produce audible noises such as humming, buzzing or roaring.

It may also be associated with conditions such as Meniere’s disease or temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ). Treatments for objective tinnitus include hearing aids, tinnitus maskers and other forms of sound therapy.

Subjective Tinnitus

Subjective tinnitus is the most common type of tinnitus, and it is experienced only by the person with this type. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including age-related hearing loss, ear infections, exposure to loud noise, certain medications and jaw misalignment. Treatments for subjective tinnitus include sound therapy, changes in lifestyle and diet, counseling and medication.

Neurological Tinnitus

Neurological tinnitus is caused by damage to the auditory nerve or brain stem that results in an abnormal neural signal being sent to the brain. It is thought to be caused by a stroke, multiple sclerosis, head trauma or acoustic neuroma. Treatments for neurological tinnitus include sound therapy, lifestyle changes, medications and hearing aids with masking features.

Somatic Tinnitus

Somatic tinnitus is caused by problems in the neck or head muscles that are responsible for controlling balance and hearing. It can be associated with temporomandibular joint syndrome, whiplash, neck injuries or misalignment of the spine. Treatments for somatic tinnitus may involve relaxation techniques to reduce stress levels, physiotherapy to improve posture and muscle strength in the neck area, medication to reduce inflammation and sound therapy.

Getting Help from a Hearing Health Professional

In order to determine the best course of treatment for your tinnitus, it is important to seek advice from a hearing health professional. They will be able to assess your tinnitus and provide advice on lifestyle changes and treatment options that are most suitable for you.

No matter what type of tinnitus you have, it is important to talk to your hearing health professional about the best ways to manage and treat it. With the right treatment plan, you can reduce or even eliminate your symptoms. If you are experiencing any of these types of tinnitus, make sure to get an accurate diagnosis from a qualified hearing health professional to ensure that you receive the proper care and treatment. With getting the right treatment your tinnitus will be more manageable and a better quality of life.