The most common cause of tinnitus is damage to the sensory cells in the cochlea. This is the snail shell-like organ in the inner ear where sounds are converted into electrical signals. Damage to the hair cells here causes tinnitus and hearing loss.
Tinnitus can often be caused by working in, or being exposed to, loud sounds so prevention is better than cure. Tinnitus can also be caused by an ear infection, excessive ear wax, medication and anxiety.
Hearing protection is the best way to prevent hearing loss and tinnitus. At Hearing Services Cornwall we have a range of products such as musicians ear defenders, sleep plugs and electronic shooting plugs to help you. Just call us on 0787 218 3742 or email ears11@sky.com for more information.
When thinking about discussing your tinnitus with us at Hearing Services Cornwall please consider some of the following points.
When did you first notice tinnitus? Was there a specific cause or incident?
Do you have hearing problems that started around the same time?
Is it worse at certain times of the day?
Is your tinnitus high or low pitch? Is it loud or soft?
Are there certain situations that make it worse?
Is it in one or both ears?
Is it worse if you're stressed or tired?
Is there a trigger such as coffee, alcohol or medication?
Tinnitus is usually accompanied by hearing loss so wearing hearing aids will often reduce or minimize the irritating or annoying sounds in your head. Many hearing aids also have tinnitus programs that give you relief sounds to choose from.
Some people use white noise players that sit next to their bed and play sound that has no discernible features. This background noise helps to mask the tinnitus sounds inside their head, helping distract them while they fall asleep. To discuss your tinnitus or hearing loss with Hearing Services Cornwall please ring 0787 218 3742 or email ears11@sky.com
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