Are Hearing Loss and Tinnitus Related?

Tinnitus is a complex condition that can have many causes. Many people will respond to tinnitus treatments in different ways, so it’s important to spend time looking into your condition and consulting with professionals in order to fully understand what you’re experiencing. In this article, we will delve into the topic of tinnitus in relation to hearing loss.

We will seek to answer the most common questions surrounding tinnitus and hearing loss and will lay out exactly how the two are intertwined.

Are Hearing Loss and Tinnitus Related?

Tinnitus is a somewhat ambiguous condition. Many people do not understand what is happening when they begin experiencing tinnitus. Traditionally, tinnitus is known as a ringing or humming sound which seems to be heard in the ears but is actually being interpreted by the brain.

Many people experience confusion when first confronted with tinnitus. They don’t understand what is happening or why. In addition, they may be questioning what tinnitus has to do with their overall hearing. In fact, one of the most common questions asked by people experiencing tinnitus is: Are tinnitus and hearing loss related?

That is actually an excellent question and one which warrants further explanation. In order to fully understand the scope of tinnitus and what it has to do with hearing loss, it’s important to seek out the advice of an audiologist who specializes in the condition. They can evaluate your hearing and help you to understand the root cause of your tinnitus.

Tinnitus is a complex condition which can have many causes. Many people will respond to tinnitus treatments in different ways, so it’s important to spend time looking into your condition and consulting with professionals in order to fully understand what you’re experiencing. In this article, we will delve into the topic of tinnitus in relation to hearing loss. We will seek to answer the most common questions surrounding tinnitus and hearing loss and will lay out exactly how the two are intertwined.

What is Tinnitus?

Before we discuss whether or not hearing loss and tinnitus are connected, it’s essential that we define exactly what tinnitus is. Again, this is a somewhat misunderstood condition, and so it’s important to understand what it entails.

Tinnitus is a hearing condition which is characterized by a persistent or intermittent sound that only you can hear. It can manifest in many different ways. Some people experience tinnitus as a buzzing noise. Others may describe it as a ringing. Others still may say that their tinnitus sounds like a constant pulsing noise. There are virtually no limits to the way in which tinnitus can be interpreted, and it varies on a person-to-person basis.

Tinnitus is actually a much more common condition than many people may think. According to Mayo Clinic, approximately 15-20% of the population deals with some form of tinnitus. Additionally, there are many factors which may be causing your tinnitus. Some people experience age-related tinnitus, while others deal with it from exposure to loud sounds or even as a result of genetics.

Additionally, tinnitus can be an extremely disruptive condition. It can make it so that one cannot hear others when they are speaking. Simply put, the roar of the tinnitus may be too loud for other sounds to get through. Moreover, tinnitus is commonly linked with stress and a lack of focus. Because one doesn’t know if and when their tinnitus will stop or be reduced, it can be extremely stressful on a daily basis. In addition, it may be very difficult to concentrate on even simple daily tasks when dealing with tinnitus. The bulk of your focus may be on the condition itself, so you may find it hard to focus on work or even enjoy your normal leisure activities.

Is Tinnitus Linked to Hearing Loss?

The short answer is: Yes, tinnitus and hearing loss are closely related. However, it’s important to understand that if you’re experiencing tinnitus, you are likely also experiencing some form of hearing loss. Yet, the reverse is not necessarily true. If you are dealing with hearing loss, that doesn’t necessarily mean you will also begin to experience tinnitus.

According to the Hearing Loss Association of America, approximately 90 percent of people who experience tinnitus are also dealing with some form of hearing loss. In addition, tinnitus is often perceived in a way which accompanies your particular form of hearing loss. For example, if you cannot hear high-pitched sounds, then your tinnitus may actually manifest as a very high-pitched buzzing or ringing.

In particular, tinnitus and hearing loss are often related due to damage to the ear which has been caused by exposure to loud sounds. Because of this fact, hearing aids, which are traditionally only thought of as devices that help people hear better, can actually help with tinnitus as well. Hearing aids often work by amplifying sound. That is why they’re so effective for those experiencing hearing loss.

However, as previously stated, this same facet of hearing aids can be used to reduce the experience of tinnitus. By increasing the noises that are heard in the outside world, hearing aids simultaneously work to decrease the sound of tinnitus. In essence, they distract the wearer away from the sound of their tinnitus by making other sounds more prominent.

In addition, hearing aids simply make it easier for the wearer to hear sounds in general, which decreases the strain on themselves and their auditory system. Thus, the stress that usually accompanies tinnitus can decrease, which in return decreases the perception of tinnitus altogether.

Conclusion: Are Hearing Loss and Tinnitus Related?

Hearing loss and tinnitus are indeed closely linked to one another. While it’s not guaranteed that your tinnitus is accompanied by hearing loss, it is very likely. There are many reasons why tinnitus can occur, and it can indeed be a very disruptive and stressful condition. That’s why it’s so important to consult with an audiologist if you are experiencing ringing or buzzing in your ears.

If you or someone you love is experiencing symptoms that sound like tinnitus, there is hope. Be sure to reach out to a professional in your area in order to better understand your condition and begin feeling more like your old self.