AUDIOLOGY

Dr. Jane Kukula, AuD

Q:I have a humming noise in my ear. What is it?

A:Noises in the ears is called tinnitus. The Better Hearing Institute defines tinnitus as “the perception of a sound that has no external source.” The noise can take on several forms. Some people report ringing, humming, buzzing, clicking or cricket-like sounds.

At times tinnitus may be a combination of sounds or sounds that change in pitch or loudness. It can be constant or intermittent, in one ear, both ears, or in the head. It may be hard to pin point where it is heard.

Occasionally people will hear music, singing or voices. This is an auditory hallucination. In this case there is typically something causing the phenomena. Often it is a side effect of a medication you may be taking or can be the result of neural activity in the brain. There are many causes. At times the cause in not known. The most common causes include hearing loss and exposure to loud sounds. Sometimes is presents following a head injury, stroke or can be a side effect of some medications. While there is typically no “cure” for tinnitus there are ways to manage it. For most people, masking is successful at covering up or hiding the tinnitus. Since tinnitus usually presents with hearing loss, hearing aids are often used. Keep an open mind if your audiologist suggests you try them. They are the single most successful tool in managing tinnitus.

Having your hearing and tinnitus evaluated is the first step to determining potential cause and treatment and a personal treatment plan. Call to schedule an appointment. Life Sounds Great! Enjoy Every Moment.

The Hearing Center Advanced Audiology

Concepts 8897 Mentor Avenue Mentor, 44060 440-205-8848