What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus ("TIN-a-tus" or "Tin-EYE-tus") is the perception of sound in the head when no outside sound is present. It is typically referred to as "ringing in the ears," but other forms of sound such as hissing, roaring, pulsing, whooshing, chirping, whistling and clicking have been described by people with tinnitus. The best treatment of tinnitus is to eliminate the underlying cause; however, diagnosis can be very difficult.
Tinnitus can occur in one ear or both ears, and can be perceived to be occurring inside or outside the ear. Tinnitus can be a symptom of a condition that causes hearing loss, or it can exist without any hearing loss.
Are hearing aids appropriate for treating tinnitus?
If you or your family member experiences tinnitus, hearing aids may be an excellent solution for masking the annoying noises associated with tinnitus. Masking is generally successful because the masking sound and the tinnitus sound are vastly different in quality. Tinnitus usually produces a shrill, high-pitched, unpleasant tone while tinnitus-masking sounds are typically soothing.
Find more information about tinnitus at the American Tinnitus Association.
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