What Type of Tinnitus Do You Have?

Tinnitus itself isn't a disease or a condition - but rather can be a symptom of many different illnesses or problems. This ringing, buzzing or ticking in the ears can sound like a constant hiss, like crickets chirping or like a high-pitched ringing. All are forms of tinnitus and, while not serious, are annoying and irritating nonetheless!

Ringing in the ears can happen in any part of the ear including the outer ear, middle ear and inner ear. It's also somewhat uncommon to experience a ringing that goes along with your heartbeat called pulsatile tinnitus. Ringing in the ears might also be caused by an ear infection or by certain medications such as antihistamines, blood pressure medicines or aspirin/ibuprofen.

Can You Hear That?

The most common form of tinnitus is called subjective tinnitus. You can hear it, but other people can't. Surprisingly, there's another form called objective tinnitus, where your doctor actually hears a sound when examining your ears carefully. Only a hearing test and a doctor's examination can determine the type of tinnitus you're suffering from. And, although the physician can tell you about what type of tinnitus you have, we still don't know exactly what causes it (apart from the obvious causes like loud music, trauma to the ear or infection).

Some scientists believe that as we age, the cochlea, which sends sound waves to the brain for it to interpret what we hear, sends mixed up signals and starts making its own buzzing or ringing sound to compensate. Most people experience tinnitus in both ears but it can happen in only one or the other.

Other forms of tinnitus include pulsatile tinnitus which relates to the flow of blood and circulatory system, and tinnitus caused by TMJ, a disorder of the jaw that can lead to popping, teeth-clenching and grinding.

Finding Natural Relief from Tinnitus

The good news is that there are several ways to find relief from tinnitus. What works for one person may not work for someone else, which is why it helps (and is completely safe) to experiment and see what helps you. Some people benefit from "white noise machines" that block out or mask the ringing and buzzing. Other people find that if they get enough sleep, reduce their salt intake and start exercising, the ringing goes away naturally. Still others have discovered peace and quiet through homeopathic remedies.

Understanding what type of tinnitus you have is the first step toward learning about the kind of treatment that works for you. Talk with your doctor and browse the articles here on our site for more information about easy ways to cure nearly every kind of tinnitus without surgery, expensive prescription drugs or hearing aids.