Different Ways People Experience Tinnitus

Tinnitus is unique to every individual. Even if two people describe their tinnitus similarly, such as a high-pitched ringing, they may still perceive it very differently.

Sometimes people experience multiple sounds interchangeably. For example, they may hear a whooshing sound intertwined with a humming or roaring sound. Tinnitus can also impact people in various ways. Some people describe their tinnitus as a minor annoyance, while others experience high stress and difficulty focusing.

Because tinnitus can vary from person to person, it’s important to take the time to understand more about the different variables common with this condition and discuss what can be done if you’re experiencing tinnitus.

Subjective Tinnitus Vs. Objective Tinnitus

There are two main types of tinnitus: subjective and objective. Subjective tinnitus is far more common. Subjective tinnitus can only be heard by you. This kind of tinnitus can be intermittent or persistent. It can result from exposure to loud noise, aging, and other factors.

Subjective tinnitus also has several subcategories, such as somatic tinnitus, which involves physical movement and touch. This form of tinnitus is often caused by muscle spasms in the neck or ear. It is also known as conductive tinnitus because it results from outer-ear issues rather than sensory or neurological sources. Subjective tinnitus can be treated with options such as tinnitus retraining therapy. However, it is often permanent.

Additionally, objective tinnitus is much rarer. Objective tinnitus usually results from a vascular disorder or muscle contractions. This type of tinnitus can often be treated by correcting the abnormalities that are leading to the sound. Sometimes treatment can even result in a permanent fix. This form of tinnitus is also unique because it can be heard by an outside observer–typically a medical professional using a stethoscope.

Perception of Tinnitus

People also perceive tinnitus in different ways. In general, there are three main ways that people may perceive their tinnitus, including:

1. Pulsatile Tinnitus: This is tinnitus that is perceived as a pulsing sound. It is often in sync with your heartbeat. Pulsatile tinnitus is rhythmic, and it is often described as a whooshing sound. It is usually caused by vascular abnormalities or disorders but can also come from “normal” causes of tinnitus, such as exposure to loud noise.

2. Tonal Tinnitus: Tonal tinnitus is often continuous, but may be intermittent as well. This perception of tinnitus may consist of a single sound, or it may present as overlapping sounds that are mixed together. This is a common perception of tinnitus and is typically associated with buzzing, whistling, or ringing noises.

3. Musical Tinnitus: Musical tinnitus is also known as Musical Ear Syndrome. This type of tinnitus can also be referred to as auditory hallucinations, which can be extremely convincing. People with this form of tinnitus may be fully convinced that music is playing until it becomes apparent that no sound source exists. While musical tinnitus may sound cute or even pleasant, being serenaded continuously by a song you can’t stop can cause stress, anxiety, and difficulty focusing.

The Impact of Tinnitus

Just as people perceive tinnitus differently, people also experience the impact of tinnitus in different ways. For some people, tinnitus is hardly bothersome. These people typically have intermittent, mild tinnitus and can live their lives with little disruption.

However, for others, tinnitus can significantly affect their daily lives. Many people report difficulty focusing or completing everyday tasks because of their tinnitus. Additionally, some people find they can’t connect with others because communication is so challenging. They may even isolate themselves from friends and family to avoid the challenge of communicating.

Tinnitus also often leads to stress and anxiety. People who experience stress due to tinnitus are often deeply bothered by the sound and may feel hopeless about the prospect of improvement.

Unfortunately, the relationship between stress and tinnitus is destructive, as stress can worsen tinnitus. As a result, people may stress even more, creating a vicious cycle. Researchers have well documented the relationship between stress and tinnitus. Research shows a direct link between tinnitus duration and stress severity.

How Can Tinnitus Be Treated?

Because tinnitus can be so bothersome, people are always curious about whether or not their tinnitus can be “cured.” If you are experiencing the very rare “objective tinnitus,” then there is a chance that there is a physical issue leading to tinnitus that can be corrected.

However, for most people, once tinnitus begins, it lasts a lifetime. Luckily, though your tinnitus may never disappear completely, treatment options can help reduce your symptoms.

One of the most promising tinnitus treatment options is tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT). TRT requires at least 12-24 months to be most effective but can prove hugely beneficial if you are committed and consistent with your treatment.

Tinnitus retraining therapy retrains your brain and how you perceive your tinnitus. Thus, TRT is only appropriate for subjective tinnitus. However, this is the most common form of tinnitus, which makes TRT suitable for most people.

TRT combines sound therapy and directive counseling, both of which can help with tinnitus on their own. One study published by the National Institutes of Health showed that “Seventy percent of patients treated with hearing aids and counseling [TRT] reported moderate to significant improvement in tinnitus severity.”

Everyone’s Tinnitus Is Unique. We Can Help.

Tinnitus can be a very bothersome condition for many people. It can interfere with our ability to concentrate, perform our jobs, and connect with others. Tinnitus has a strong connection to stress and anxiety. As a result, people experiencing high levels of stress often find their tinnitus worsens.

Tinnitus is unique to every individual. Some experience intermittent tinnitus, while others experience it persistently. Additionally, the sounds that people hear vary greatly, from roaring to buzzing to crackling. People may also respond differently to treatment options. However, tinnitus retraining therapy has proven very successful for many patients.

To evaluate your tinnitus, take our Tinnitus Impact Survey. You can also schedule an appointment with one of our experienced, compassionate audiologists to start your tinnitus treatment plan. Sound Relief Hearing Center has 9 convenient locations in Colorado and Arizona. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

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