What Is Tinnitus?
Have you ever noticed a ringing, buzzing, or humming sound when nothing around you is actually making that sound? If so, you’ve experienced tinnitus. You’re far from alone, millions of people across the United States live with it every day.
At HEAR Wisconsin, we often meet people who are just beginning to notice tinnitus, as well as those who’ve been managing it for years. No matter where you fall on that spectrum, we’re here to help you understand what’s happening and what you can do about it.
Understanding Tinnitus
Tinnitus isn’t a disease, it’s a symptom of another condition. For some people, it’s a soft background hum that comes and goes. For others, it’s more constant and disruptive, making it harder to concentrate, get a good night’s sleep, or enjoy everyday activities.
It’s most commonly described as sounding like:
Ringing
Buzzing
Hissing
Roaring
Clicking
You can experience it in one ear or both, and it may be constant or intermittent.
What Causes Tinnitus?
There isn’t one single cause. Instead, it is often linked to several underlying conditions, including:
Hearing loss – When your brain doesn’t receive enough sound signals from the ear, it may fill in the gaps with sounds that are not there.
Noise exposure – Prolonged exposure to loud sounds (e.g. concerts, machinery, headphones).
Medical conditions – High blood pressure, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and even certain medications have all been linked to tinnitus.
Since tinnitus can have multiple causes, it’s important to talk with a hearing care professional to identify what’s happening in your specific case.
How to Lessen Your Risk of Tinnitus
While not every case of tinnitus can be prevented, there’s a lot you can do to protect your hearing.
Protect Your Ears from Loud Noise
Prolonged exposure to loud sounds is one of the most common causes of tinnitus. Everyday activities like attending concerts, mowing the lawn, using power tools, or even listening to music through headphones at high volumes can all damage the delicate hair cells in your inner ear. Once damaged, they don’t grow back. That damage can lead to tinnitus or even permanent hearing loss.
Here are some ways you can protect yourself:
Wear ear protection. Use earplugs or noise-reducing earmuffs in loud environments. Even inexpensive foam plugs can make a big difference.
Follow the 60/60 rule. When using headphones, keep the volume at no more than 60% of the maximum and limit listening time to 60 minutes at a stretch.
Be mindful of cumulative exposure. Even moderate noise (like a busy restaurant or vacuum cleaner) can contribute to hearing damage if you’re exposed for long periods daily.
Prioritize Regular Hearing Checkups
Because tinnitus is often linked to hearing loss, and hearing loss can happen so gradually you might not notice, regular hearing evaluations by a licensed Doctor of Audiology is essential. Detecting changes early gives you the best chance to protect your hearing and take preventive steps before tinnitus becomes a bigger problem.
When Should You See a Professional?
A brief ringing in your ears after a loud concert is common and usually fades on its own. But you should seek professional help if:
The sound is ongoing or getting worse.
It interferes with daily activities, concentration, or sleep.
You persistently only hear it in one ear.
You also experience hearing loss, dizziness, or pressure in the ear.
These may be signs of something more serious going on that needs attention.
Can Tinnitus Be Treated?
While there’s no single cure, there are effective ways to manage tinnitus so that it feels less overwhelming:
Hearing aids – Amplifying everyday sounds often reduces the contrast between external sound and tinnitus, making it less noticeable.
Sound therapy – Background noise (white noise machines, specialized apps) can mask tinnitus and make it feel less disruptive.
Counseling and education – Learning about tinnitus and strategies to manage it can ease stress and frustration.
Addressing underlying conditions – Treating hearing loss, managing blood pressure, or changing medications may help.
At HEAR Wisconsin, our Doctors of Audiology can evaluate whether hearing loss is contributing to tinnitus, and guide you toward the best management strategies for your situation.
Why Expert Care Matters
For those living with tinnitus, it is more than just an annoyance. It can be a sign of changes to your hearing health. With there being a well-known link between tinnitus and hearing loss, a comprehensive hearing exam is the best place to start. Getting answers early can bring peace of mind and open the door to treatment options that improve daily life.
If you or someone you love is struggling with persistent ringing in their ears, don’t ignore it or try to push through. Expert guidance can make all the difference.
Contact HEAR Wisconsin’s Audiology Clinic at 414-604-7219 to schedule a comprehensive hearing exam. Our team is here to help you understand tinnitus, manage its effects, and keep your hearing health at its best.