Health Corner

Many people experience tinnitus, but should it be ignored? Will it affect hearing?

1. What is tinnitus? Does it affect hearing?

Tinnitus is a buzzing or hissing sound that occurs even when there's no source in the surrounding environment. It usually lasts for a few seconds and then stops. Both children and adults can experience tinnitus, but if it persists, you should seek medical attention immediately. Studies show that 90% of people with tinnitus also have hearing loss, so tinnitus may be a symptom of hearing loss.

Tinnitus is categorized into two main types: objective tinnitus and subjective tinnitus. The key difference between objective and subjective tinnitus lies in whether the tinnitus heard by the sufferer can also be heard by others using headphones. While objective tinnitus can be heard by others using headphones, subjective tinnitus is only audible to the sufferer.

2. What causes tinnitus?

The cause of tinnitus is unknown, but the following factors are associated with it:

• Exposing yourself to high-decibel levels for extended periods, such as at concerts or at construction sites.
• Hearing loss: Hearing loss gradually worsens with age and is also strongly associated with tinnitus.
• Ear diseases: Otitis media, inner ear infections, or excessive earwax blocking the ear canal can also affect hearing and cause tinnitus.
• Medication side effects: Some medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), certain antibiotics, and chemotherapy drugs, may cause tinnitus.
• Temporomandibular joint disorders: Head or neck injuries can damage the ear structure, impairing the transmission of sound signals to the brain and causing tinnitus.

3. Is tinnitus preventable?

To prevent tinnitus and protect your hearing, it's best to use earplugs in noisy environments or avoid prolonged exposure to loud noises. Also, pay attention to the volume when using headphones, and regular hearing tests are recommended.

Since hearing loss can be severe or minor, and long-term tinnitus can directly impact your quality of life, it's recommended to seek medical attention and get checked out as soon as possible.

Source:

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders

Hong Kong Department of Health Student Health Service - How Much Do You Know About Tinnitus?