Understanding Tinnitus Types: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments, And Prevention

Tinnitus is the perception of sound when no external sound is present—commonly described as ringing in the ears, but it can also sound like buzzing, hissing, clicking, or beeping. It can be constant or intermittent and vary in loudness. For some, it’s just a mild nuisance; for others, it can be extremely disruptive.

5 Most Common Types of Tinnitus

Tinnitus is classified into different types based on its causes, symptoms, and characteristics. Understanding the types of tinnitus helps in targeted diagnosis and treatment.

1. Subjective Tinnitus

Subjective tinnitus is the most common type, where only the affected individual can hear the sound.

Symptoms And Causes:

• Sounds perceived include ringing, buzzing, humming, or hissing.
• The noise can occur in one or both ears or inside the head.
• It often accompanies hearing loss caused by aging (presbycusis) or long-term exposure to loud noise.
• Ear infections, earwax buildup, stress, anxiety, certain medications (e.g., antibiotics, diuretics), and neurological disorders are other contributors.

Diagnosis:

1. Based on a detailed medical history and audiometric hearing tests.

2. Ear examination to rule out obstructions or infections.

Treatment:

Treatment options for subjective tinnitus include:

1. Hearing aids to amplify environmental sounds and reduce perception of tinnitus.
2. Sound therapy through white noise machines or customized noise apps.
3. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to manage stress and improve coping strategies.
4. Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) to help the brain habituate to the tinnitus.

2. Objective Tinnitus

Objective tinnitus is a rare type where both the patient and a doctor (using a stethoscope or specialized equipment) can hear the sound.

Symptoms And Causes:

• Sounds often described as rhythmic beats, clicking, or pulsing in sync with the heartbeat (pulsatile tinnitus).
• Causes of objective tinnitus include vascular abnormalities like turbulent blood flow, arteriovenous malformations, muscle contractions near the middle ear, or tumors.

Diagnosis:

• Physical examination with auscultation near the ear.

• Imaging studies like MRI, CT scan, or Doppler ultrasound to assess vascular or muscular sources.

Treatment:

Treatment options for objective tinnitus include:

3. Somatic Tinnitus (Somatosensory Tinnitus)

Somatic tinnitus refers to tinnitus symptoms that change in intensity or pitch based on body movements.

Symptoms And Causes:

• Alterations in tinnitus perception when moving the neck, clenching the jaw, touching the face, or shifting body posture.
• Often associated with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, cervical spine issues, dental problems, or muscle tension in the head and neck region.
• Physical strain, posture imbalances, or past injuries can contribute to somatosensory tinnitus.

Diagnosis:

• Clinical examination focusing on jaw, neck, and musculoskeletal functions.

• Assessment of any correlation between body movements and changes in tinnitus perception.

Treatment:

Some of the treatment options for somatic tinnitus are:

1. Physical therapy and posture correction exercises.
2. Dental treatment for TMJ disorders.
3. Relaxation and muscle-release techniques.
4. Chiropractic interventions if musculoskeletal misalignments are involved.

4. Neurological Tinnitus

Neurological tinnitus is linked to disorders affecting the auditory pathways or brain function.

Symptoms And Causes

• Sound perception is often accompanied by neurological symptoms such as balance problems, dizziness, or facial numbness.
• Common causes of neurological tinnitus include multiple sclerosis, acoustic neuroma (benign tumor on the auditory nerve), or other neurodegenerative conditions.
• Sometimes associated with hearing loss caused by nerve damage.

Diagnosis:

1. Comprehensive hearing tests combined with neurological examination.
2. MRI or other imaging techniques to detect nerve compression or brain anomalies.

Treatment:

Some of the treatment options for neurological tinnitus include:

1. Managing the underlying neurological disorder through medication or surgery.
2. Use of hearing aids or cochlear implants if there is accompanying hearing impairment.
3. Counseling and auditory therapies to help adapt to the persistent sounds.

5. Pulsatile Tinnitus

Pulsatile tinnitus is characterized by rhythmic sounds that usually match the individual’s heartbeat.

Symptoms And Causes:

• Patients often describe the noise as a throbbing or whooshing sound.
• Frequently associated with high blood pressure, vascular abnormalities, turbulent blood flow, or tumors pressing on blood vessels near the ear.
• Can sometimes be caused by atherosclerosis or increased intracranial pressure.

Diagnosis:

1. Examination to detect synchronized pulsing sounds.
2. Imaging tests such as ultrasound, MRI angiography (MRA), or CT angiography to examine vascular health.

Treatment:

Some of the treatment options for pulsatile tinnitus include:

1. Treating underlying vascular issues with medication or surgical intervention.
2. Managing blood pressure.
3. In cases linked to tumors, surgical removal may be necessary.

Other Forms Of Tinnitus

Besides the main types, individuals may experience different types of tinnitus, such as:

1. Low-frequency Tinnitus: Feels like humming, rumbling, or distant engines.

2. Tonal Tinnitus: A continuous sound with a defined pitch (common in hearing loss).

3. Clicking Tinnitus: Often due to middle ear muscle spasms.

Types of Tinnitus Sounds & Its Patterns

Some of the common types of tinnitus sounds reported by patients are:

• Ringing: Most common.

• Buzzing: Sounds like insects or machinery.

• Hissing: Resembles escaping steam.

• Clicking: Rhythmic or irregular sounds, often due to muscle contractions.

• Beeping: High-pitched electronic-like sounds.

Patterns Of Sounds:

• Constant or intermittent

• Soft or loud

• High-pitched or low-pitched

• May be more noticeable in quiet settings or at night

Impact Of Tinnitus

Tinnitus can significantly affect physical, emotional, and mental health. Some of the common impacts include:

• Difficulty sleeping due to persistent noise.
• Trouble concentrating on work or conversations.
• Increased irritability, anxiety, and depression.
• Social withdrawal due to the strain of persistent sounds.
• Sensitivity to normal everyday sounds (hyperacusis).

For some, tinnitus becomes a minor nuisance; for others, it severely disrupts day-to-day life

7 Key Preventive Measures For Tinnitus:

Preventing tinnitus is all about protecting your ears and overall health. While not all cases are preventable (some are tied to age or underlying conditions), here are smart steps for tinnitus prevention that you can take:

1. Protect Your Ears From Loud Noise

• Use earplugs or noise-canceling earmuffs in loud environments (concerts, construction, shooting ranges, etc.).
• Keep headphones/earbuds at 60% volume or lower, and take breaks.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to loud machinery or tools.
  

2. Get Regular Hearing Checkups

• Especially important if you work in a noisy environment or notice changes in hearing.
• Early detection of hearing loss can help reduce tinnitus risk.

3. Manage Stress:

• Stress doesn’t cause tinnitus, but it can trigger or worsen it..
• Try mindfulness, yoga, breathing exercises, or anything else that helps you chill out. 

4. Watch Medications

• Some meds are ototoxic (can damage hearing). Examples: high doses of aspirin, NSAIDs, certain antibiotics or diuretics.
• Always talk to your doctor before starting or stopping any medication.

5. Maintain Good Cardiovascular Health

• Poor blood flow can affect your inner ear.
• Exercise regularly, eat a heart-healthy diet, and keep blood pressure in check. 

6. Keep Ears Clean — Gently

• Avoid cotton swabs deep in the ear canal.
• If you get a lot of earwax buildup, see a professional instead of trying to dig it out yourself. 

7. Be Aware Of TMJ Or Jaw Issues

• Temporomandibular joint problems can contribute to tinnitus.
• If you grind your teeth or have jaw tension, a dentist can help.

When To Seek Help?

It’s important to seek professional help if:

• Tinnitus persists for more than a week.
• It is accompanied by sudden hearing loss or dizziness.
• The sound is pulsatile and matches your heartbeat.
• Only one ear is affected.
• Tinnitus significantly interferes with sleep, mood, or concentration.

Early diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan can significantly improve quality of life for those affected. With continued research and awareness, individuals with tinnitus can find relief, regain control, and minimize the distress associated with this condition.