Tinnitus can sound like ringing, buzzing, clicking or even whooshing in the ears. The symptom affects approximately 50 million people in the United States. While tinnitus is common, not all tinnitus is the same.
Let’s examine three main categories of tinnitus and what makes each unique.
Subjective Tinnitus
Subjective tinnitus is the type most people are familiar with. It’s a sound only the person experiencing it can hear.
It’s often caused by:
- Age-related hearing loss
- Noise exposure (like loud music or machinery)
- Earwax buildup
- Certain medications
This tinnitus usually stems from damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve. For many, the ringing comes and goes. For others, it sticks around and may grow louder in quiet environments or during periods of stress.
Objective Tinnitus
Objective tinnitus is much less common, making up less than 1% of cases. Unlike subjective tinnitus, your tinnitus specialist may be able to hear the sound using a stethoscope.
It’s often linked to physical sources inside the body, including but not limited to:
- Blood vessel issues or high blood pressure
- Muscle spasms in the middle ear
- Eustachian tube dysfunction
Pulsatile tinnitus, which sounds like whooshing or pulsing, is one common form of objective tinnitus. Treating the underlying cause of objective tinnitus may help alleviate the noise.
Somatic Tinnitus
Somatic tinnitus, also called somatosensory tinnitus, is related to movement and sensory input from other parts of the body, like the head, neck and jaw.
People with this type of tinnitus might notice their symptoms change when they:
- Turn their head
- Clench their jaw
- Move their shoulders or arms
- Press on certain areas of their neck
Somatic tinnitus often overlaps with TMJ disorders (issues with the joint that controls jaw movement), neck injuries or issues with the spine. It may respond well to physical therapy, chiropractic care or dental treatment, depending on the underlying cause.
Seek Tinnitus Help Today
Understanding the type of tinnitus you’re dealing with is the first step toward relief. Treatment or management options vary widely depending on the cause. Some people benefit from hearing aids or sound therapy, which mask the internal ringing. Others may need medical intervention or exercises to ease their symptoms.
Knowing the type of tinnitus you’re dealing with opens up better management options. Don’t wait to seek help. Contact Arizona Hearing Specialists today to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.