It’s Tinnitus Awareness Week (February 1–7)

Have you ever noticed a ringing, buzzing, humming, or clicking sound in your ears when everything around you is quiet? If so, you’re not alone. During Tinnitus Awareness Week (February 1–7), hearing health professionals are drawing attention to a condition that affects millions of people and can severely impact daily life.

What Is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is the perception of sound when there is no external source. While many people associate it with ringing, tinnitus can present in many ways, including hissing, pulsing, thumping, or rushing sounds. These sensations may be occasional or constant, soft or intrusive, and may affect one or both ears.

Tinnitus is surprisingly common. Research suggests that roughly 10–15% of people experience it at some point, and the vast majority of those individuals also have some level of hearing loss. Tinnitus itself isn’t a disease; it’s a symptom that signals changes within the auditory system.

What Causes Tinnitus?

There is no single cause of tinnitus, which is why experiences vary so widely from person to person. The most common contributors include age-related hearing changes and prolonged exposure to loud noise. When the brain receives less sound input than it expects, it may compensate by generating sound internally.

Other possible triggers include earwax blockages, ear infections, head or neck injuries, jaw joint (TMJ) disorders, inner ear conditions, blood vessel changes, and certain medications. Stress, poor sleep, and overall health can also intensify how noticeable tinnitus feels, creating a frustrating cycle for some people.

How Is Tinnitus Evaluated and Treated?

Because tinnitus affects everyone differently, evaluation is highly individualized. Audiologists assess hearing, discuss medical history, and explore how tinnitus is impacting daily activities, concentration, and sleep.

Although there is no universal cure, there are many effective management options. Treatment plans may include hearing aids, sound therapy, masking techniques, counseling approaches, and lifestyle strategies designed to reduce stress and improve sleep quality. When an underlying cause can be identified, addressing it often brings meaningful relief.

When Should You Seek Professional Help?

It’s time to reach out to a hearing healthcare provider if tinnitus lasts longer than a week, worsens over time, or is accompanied by hearing loss, dizziness, balance issues, or a pulsing sound that matches your heartbeat. Sudden hearing changes should always be evaluated promptly.

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Taking the Next Step 

Living with tinnitus can feel overwhelming, but expert care can make a significant difference. The caring team of professionals at Advanced Audiology Associates provides comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans designed to help patients better understand and manage tinnitus. If you or someone you love is experiencing ringing or other unexplained ear sounds, now is the perfect time to take action. During Tinnitus Awareness Week, and all year long, your hearing health matters. Reaching out is the first step toward clarity, comfort, and peace of mind.

Visit hearingonthecape.com to learn more or call one of our offices to learn more:

• Yarmouth Port Office: (508) 385-5222

• Marstons Mills Office: (508) 539-9780