Tinnitus impacts between 41-90% of people with sudden sensorineural hearing loss.
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(Kuhn, Heman-Ackah, Shaikh, & Roehm, 2011)
WHAT IS TINNITUS?
Tinnitus is "the perception of noises in the head and/or ear which have no external source... those living with the condition may have to endure a ringing, buzzing, hissing, whistling or other noise. The sensation can be constant or intermittent and it can vary in volume."
(British Tinnitus Association, n.d.)
(Hear-it.org, n.d.)
HIGH-PITCH RINGING
LOW RINGING
LOW PULSING
STATIC
STATIC + WHISTLE
ZIPPER/POUNDING
MOTOR
LASER
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"What is the most difficult aspect of your hearing loss?"
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SSHL support group members identify tinnitus as one of the most difficult aspects of their hearing loss.
WHAT CAN HELP?
While many people report that it is more bothersome than the actual hearing loss, tinnitus can be managed, and improve, with time and treatment.
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If tinnitus makes it hard to sleep, try using a fan or another white noise machine at night
Play soft music during the day to distract yourself from the tinnitus
Hearing aids can help with tinnitus, especially if they have a masking program
Counseling can help you to learn coping techniques
Join a support group
(Mayo Clinic Staff, 2019)