Tinnitus is a sound in your ears that seemingly arises out of thin air. While many people describe tinnitus as a ringing or buzzing, the symptom can sound different to everyone. Not only can the type of sound vary, but there are actually two different types of tinnitus: subjective and objective. Let’s look at each of those types below.
Subjective Tinnitus
Subjective tinnitus accounts for 99% of cases.[1] The classification means that the sound is only perceivable by the person with tinnitus; your hearing care provider won’t be able to hear it. Subjective tinnitus can present as any noise, but some common descriptions include ringing, buzzing, hissing, clicking or scraping. Anything that damages the auditory system can cause subjective tinnitus. Loud noise exposure, physical trauma and ototoxic medications are a few common causes.
Objective Tinnitus
Objective tinnitus accounts for the remaining 1% of cases. Unlike subjective cases, your doctor can hear objective tinnitus by using a stethoscope. The tinnitus is audible because it comes from physical sources in your body, like abnormal blood flow, middle ear issues and muscle spasms. Pulsatile tinnitus, described as a rhythmic thumping or swooshing often in tune with the heart, is a common form of objective tinnitus.
Management Options for Subjective and Objective Tinnitus
Your provider will treat objective tinnitus by addressing the underlying issue causing it. For example, if high blood pressure is behind the thumping, they may prescribe blood pressure medication or diet and lifestyle changes.
Subjective tinnitus is a little trickier to manage. The symptom has no known cure, but there are ways to lessen its impact on your life:
- Sound masking. Sound masking covers the internal noise with a soothing external one. You can use hearing aids, noise machines, fans or tinnitus masking apps to try sound masking.
- Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT). TRT combines sound therapy with counseling to retrain your brain to notice tinnitus less—ideally minimizing your negative reaction to the ringing.
- Stress relief. Worsening tinnitus and stress are often linked. Finding ways to destress from your busy life may prevent tinnitus spikes. You can try things like reading, taking a long bath, getting a massage or taking a class at Open Hearts Yoga Sanctuary.
We’re here to help you identify which type of tinnitus you have and find the right management path moving forward. Contact Benke Ear Nose & Throat Clinic to schedule your tinnitus evaluation with one of our specialists.
[1] American Tinnitus Association. (n.d.). Why are my ears ringing? American Tinnitus Association. https://www.ata.org/about-tinnitus/why-are-my-ears-ringing/