Tinnitus is a condition where a person experiences ringing or buzzing sounds in their ears without any external source of the sound. It can be caused by various factors such as exposure to loud sounds or ear infections. There are two types of tinnitus: subjective and objective. In this discussion, we will explore the characteristics and differences between these two types of tinnitus.
Tinnitus Overview
Tinnitus is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears that can be constant or intermittent. Tinnitus can be caused by a variety of factors, including exposure to loud noises, ear infections, and certain medications. While there is no cure for tinnitus, there are many ways to manage the symptoms and prevent them from getting worse.
Objective Tinnitus
Objective tinnitus is a type of tinnitus that can be heard by others. It is caused by physical abnormalities in the ear, such as muscle spasms or vascular abnormalities. Objective tinnitus is relatively rare, accounting for only about 5% of all cases of tinnitus. It can be detected by a healthcare professional using a stethoscope.
Key takeaway: Tinnitus is a condition characterized by
a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears that can be constant or intermittent. There are two types of tinnitus: objective tinnitus and subjective tinnitus. Objective tinnitus can be heard by others and is caused by physical abnormalities in the ear, while subjective tinnitus can only be heard by the person experiencing it and is
the most common type. While there is no cure for tinnitus, there are many ways to manage the symptoms and prevent them from getting worse. These ways include protecting the ears from loud noises, avoiding exposure to loud music, and taking medications or supplements that can help reduce symptoms.
Causes of Objective Tinnitus
Objective tinnitus can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Middle ear infections
- Eustachian tube dysfunction
- High blood pressure
- Atherosclerosis
- Head and neck tumors
Subjective Tinnitus
Subjective tinnitus is the most common type of tinnitus, accounting for about 95% of all cases. Only the person experiencing the tinnitus can hear the sound, and it is often described as a ringing, buzzing, hissing, or whistling sound. Subjective tinnitus can be caused by a variety of factors, including exposure to loud noises, ear infections, and certain medications.
One key takeaway from this text is that there are two types of tinnitus: objective and subjective. Objective tinnitus can be heard by others and is caused by physical abnormalities in the ear, while subjective tinnitus is more common and can only be heard by the person experiencing it. Tinnitus can be caused by a variety of factors and while there is no cure, there are many ways to manage the symptoms through protecting the ears, taking certain medications or supplements, managing stress and anxiety, and Using white noise machines or relaxation techniques. It is important to see a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.
Causes of Subjective Tinnitus
Subjective tinnitus can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Exposure to loud noises
- Age-related hearing loss
- Ear infections
- Certain medications, such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and sedatives
- Meniere’s disease
- Head and neck injuries
Diagnosis and Treatment
Both types of tinnitus can be diagnosed by a healthcare professional using a variety of tests, including a physical exam, hearing test, and imaging tests. While there is no cure for tinnitus, there are many ways to manage the symptoms and prevent them from getting worse.
Management of Tinnitus Symptoms
Some ways to manage tinnitus symptoms include:
- Protecting your ears from loud noises
- Avoiding exposure to loud music and other sources of noise pollution
- Taking medications or supplements that can help reduce tinnitus symptoms, such as antihistamines, antidepressants, and zinc supplements
- Managing stress and anxiety through cognitive-behavioral therapy and other forms of therapy
- Using white noise machines, practicing relaxation techniques, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol
FAQs: What are two types of tinnitus?
What is tinnitus?
Tinnitus is a sensation of hearing sound when there is no external sound present. It can manifest as ringing, buzzing, humming, hissing or other sounds that are not coming from an external source.
What are the two types of tinnitus?
The two main types are subjective tinnitus and objective tinnitus. Subjective tinnitus is the most common type and occurs when only the patient can hear the sound. Objective tinnitus is less common and occurs when a sound can be heard by an observer, such as a doctor, using specialized equipment.
What causes tinnitus?
There are many possible causes of tinnitus, including exposure to loud noises, age-related hearing loss, ear infections or blockages, head and neck injuries, and certain medications.
How is tinnitus diagnosed?
Tinnitus is usually diagnosed through a physical examination of the ears and a series of tests to evaluate the patient’s hearing.
How is tinnitus treated?
There is no cure for tinnitus, but there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms. These can include hearing aids, sound therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and medications to reduce anxiety or depression associated with tinnitus.
Can tinnitus go away on its own?
In some cases, tinnitus may go away on its own, particularly if it is a result of a temporary condition such as exposure to loud noise. However, in most cases, tinnitus is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management.
