What to Expect From Your Tinnitus Evaluation

Dealing with tinnitus can be a scary thing, whatever your age.

Tinnitus is more common among older people, appearing in about one in three among those between 60 and 69 years of age. Because hearing loss is the primary cause of tinnitus, and age-related hearing loss generally accelerates after the age of 60, this is not surprising.

The symptoms alone will usually be enough for a doctor to diagnose tinnitus. Unfortunately, there are times when no cause can be determined. Your doctor will try to find out whether your symptoms are caused by another condition as well to diagnose and treat your tinnitus.

Causes of Tinnitus

Identifying possible causes of tinnitus can eliminate or rule them out. It may be helpful to identify a disorder underlying your tinnitus if it changes or worsens. It may be necessary to perform imaging tests, including CT and MRI scans, to determine the cause of your tinnitus. Your doctor may draw blood to diagnose anemia, thyroid problems, heart disease, or vitamin deficiency depending on your health condition.

Describing the tinnitus noises you hear to your doctor as accurately as possible will help find the  underlying cause of your symptoms,

Tinnitus might be caused by muscle contraction in or around your ear if you hear clicking sounds. Pulsing or humming sounds usually come from high blood pressure or blood vessels (vascular), and you may notice them when you exercise or change positions. 

In case of low-pitched ringing in your ear, this may mean that you have blocked ear canals, Meniere’s disease, or stiff inner ear bones (otosclerosis).

Tinnitus in Your 20s and 30s

If you are in your 20s or 30s, you have less of a chance of getting tinnitus. However, there are certain things you should do to avoid getting tinnitus later in life.

A person suffering from depression, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder is particularly vulnerable to developing debilitating tinnitus. Mental health issues do not cause tinnitus itself, but the subjective nature of tinnitus reports is likely to worsen symptoms when mental health is poor.

Don’t forget to exercise, do things you enjoy, and spend time with friends and family to manage your stress and anxiety levels.

An ear infection can cause tinnitus. Make sure to avoid touching your ears with foreign objects and to avoid overusing ear cleaning products like cotton buds. Talk to a GP, nurse, or pharmacist if you are concerned about wax buildup in your ears.

Avoid situations where you may be exposed to trauma to your head/ears. You should wear good head and ear protection if you participate in contact sports.

Avoid loud noises as much as possible and keep the volume of your music turned down, especially when wearing headphones. 

Tinnitus in Your 40s or 50s

If you are in your 40s or 50s, the most common cause of tinnitus is excessive sound. To minimize your chances of getting tinnitus is vital to limit your sound exposure at home and in the workplace. 

Those working in construction, the military, public transportation, and the music industry are at risk for hearing loss and tinnitus. If possible, avoid loud sounds and environments.  Wear earplugs to protect yourself from loud noise exposure if you are working in an environment with a lot of noise. 

You should not ramp up your headphones’ volume to block out other external sounds if you listen to music through headphones. Keep the music volume at a safe level, allowing your ear canals to adapt.

Tinnitus in your 60s and Above

People aged 60 and above have the highest risk of tinnitus. Tinnitus may be more prevalent in older people due to age-related hearing loss. The symptoms of tinnitus can be minimized, however, with effective treatment.

The wear and tear that your body experiences as you age can affect your ability to function. The cochlea is a sensory organ found in your ear. This type of cell, also known as ‘hair cells,’ can be damaged by wear and tear. This gradual wear and tear often manifest as age-related hearing loss as you become older.

It’s essential to address age-related hearing loss as promptly as possible since ignoring it may result in social isolation and increased falls.

Although hearing loss is not reversible, it can be effectively treated. Age-related hearing loss, for instance, can be reduced by wearing appropriate hearing aids. These devices can help people hear sounds clearly and minimize the symptoms associated with the condition.

A person who suffers from tinnitus can be treated or minimize its symptoms, including ringing in the ears and buzzing. You will be asked about your medical history and examined to identify the cause of your tinnitus.

You will listen to specific sounds with earphones in soundproof rooms during a hearing exam while your ears are singled out. You will let the tester know when you hear certain sounds, and the staff will eventually compare your results with those considered normal for your age group.

To schedule a hearing appointment, visit us at Hearing Associates of Las Vegas today. It is never too late to start the journey towards healthy hearing.