Tinnitus in Victoria

Tinnitus is the term given for a broad range of noises heard in the head or ears. It is often referred to as a "ringing," "hissing" or "buzzing" sound. On occasions, it can even be pulsating.

Most people will experience tinnitus in one form or another at some time in their life, even if only for a few moments once in a while. Most people have experienced a little "ringing" in the ears for a short time after being exposed to loud noises. Working in loud surroundings or going to a concert can cause temporary tinnitus, which generally disappears by the next day.

However, there are times when tinnitus is more persistent and lasts much longer or even permanently. Tinnitus is often associated with a degree of hearing loss, although this is not always the case.

Despite much research, tinnitus is not completely understood yet; however, there are a number of triggers that we know can initiate the onset of tinnitus.

• Middle and inner infections
• Exposure to loud noises
• Jaw problems (TMJ)
• Some medicines
• Other substances
• Stress and anxiety

Tinnitus in itself is not an illness as such but is often representative of another condition. It is because of this cause-and-effect relationship that one should be wary if tinnitus starts up "out of the blue", so to speak, without any specific event that could account for it. Whilst tinnitus is relatively common, it is estimated that 10 per cent to 20 per cent of the population have some degree of tinnitus; it should be noted that unilateral (one-sided) tinnitus is generally regarded as requiring further investigation.

So, a full hearing assessment is a good place to start in managing your tinnitus.

Whilst there are no cures just yet, there are a variety of options available for a tinnitus sufferer.

• Consult your doctor to see whether you need to have your tinnitus investigated medically.
• Evaluate your lifestyle. We know that there are a number of lifestyle choices that can increase the frequency or intensity of tinnitus. For some individuals, it can be drinking too much coffee or tea, excessive chocolate, nicotine, etc.
• Reduce stress in your life wherever possible. Learn relaxation techniques like yoga, tai chi or meditation classes. Sounds a little "way out"? However, it does work. I know because I have endured tinnitus in both ears for 15+ years.
• If you have trouble sleeping because of your tinnitus, then introduce some soothing sounds. There are numerous CDs with sounds of the ocean or the forest, etc. If this disturbs your partner, you can have a pillow speaker (very flat) or an earpiece connected to your CD player.
• If you have hearing loss along with your tinnitus, a hearing device may help. It allows you to hear other sounds (natural) and will distract you from your tinnitus whilst helping you to communicate more effectively with family and friends.

If you would like to learn more about tinnitus, then visit the Tinnitus Association of Victoria.