What is tinnitus? It refers to the perception of sound when there is no external source, often caused by tinnitus causes such as hearing loss and earwax buildup. While there are some rare causes that require further investigation, it's important to note that tinnitus is common and considered 'normal' for many individuals. The inner ear sends signals to the brain, allowing us to hear sounds, but this process is interactive. The brain also sends electrical impulses back to the inner ear, influencing its response. In quiet environments or when hearing is compromised due to conditions like earwax or hearing loss, brain cells may amplify internal signals to compensate for the absence of external sound. For about 5-15% of people, tinnitus is a constant issue, and for 1-3%, it leads to sleepless nights, impaired task performance, and significant distress. There is a notable difference between those who experience tinnitus occasionally in quiet settings and those who have endured a relentless barrage of noise for a decade or longer, which has severely impacted their quality of life.
The common response to a complaint about tinnitus, which raises the question of what is tinnitus, has often been that 'there is no treatment' and 'you've got to learn to live with it'. This approach has sadly resulted in patients remaining untreated and even experiencing a worsening of their symptoms. To understand the tinnitus causes that may be affecting you, the first step is an Initial Assessment. Not every patient needs or responds to every type of treatment. Contact me for an Initial Assessment so that I can tailor appropriate treatment specifically for you. I am a member of Tinnitus UK.