Tinnitus is an internal perception of sound without an outside source. Approximately 10% to 25% of adults experience it,[1] and for some, the symptoms are little more than an occasional nuisance. For others, tinnitus can be so difficult to ignore that it interferes with everyday life.
Four Signs It’s Time To See a Specialist
Schedule an appointment with one of our specialists if any of the following are true of your tinnitus:
- It presents with other symptoms. Tinnitus can sometimes occur alongside other changes in your hearing or balance. Pay attention if the ringing or buzzing is accompanied by dizziness, vertigo or muffled hearing. Because the inner ear is involved in both hearing and balance, multiple symptoms may point to an underlying issue that deserves attention.
- You’re losing sleep. Tinnitus often becomes most noticeable when everything around you gets quiet. For some people, bedtime can turn into a frustrating cycle of listening to the ringing, struggling to fall asleep because of it and feeling exhausted the next day. If tinnitus is consistently keeping you awake, it’s time for professional help.
- You can’t concentrate. Tinnitus demands your attention when you’re trying to focus on something else, especially in quiet settings like the Cobb County Library. You may find yourself distracted at work, school or even during conversations with friends and family. When tinnitus competes with the activities that normally have your attention, professional support may help.
- The frequency or volume changes. Have you noticed that your tinnitus is louder than it used to be? Is it happening more often or lasting longer? Changes like these shouldn’t be ignored. An increase in tinnitus symptoms is a clear sign that you need expert help.
Schedule Your Tinnitus Evaluation
If tinnitus is getting worse, accompanied by other symptoms or affecting your sleep, concentration, mood or ability to enjoy the things you normally love, consider making an appointment with Advanced Hearing. Our team can evaluate your symptoms, discuss possible contributing factors and help you find a management approach that fits your needs.
[1] National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. (2023). Tinnitus. National Institutes of Health. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/tinnitus