Is That Ringing Tinnitus? Get Your Ears Checked in Alma

Do you hear a constant ringing or buzzing in your ears? 

Do you have a hard time falling asleep because of “noise” that doesn’t seem to have a source? 

If you hear a constant sound that those around you don’t, you may have tinnitus — an audiological and neurological condition that makes you experience a perception of sound when there isn’t actually an external source for the sound. 

You’re not alone! The American Tinnitus Association estimates that almost 50 million Americans experience tinnitus.

What is Tinnitus?

Most people think of tinnitus as a constant ringing in both ears, but it differs from person to person. It can affect one ear or both, can be constant or pulsing, and can sound like different types of noises, including: 

  • Ringing
  • Humming
  • Squealing
  • Whooshing
  • Roaring
  • Buzzing
  • Hissing
  • Clicking
  • And even music (rare)! 

Whatever the sound — it can be annoying or disruptive. For some, it’s quiet enough that it’s barely noticeable. For others, it can be so loud it disrupts their sleep, concentration, or ability to hear other sounds. 

If you think you have tinnitus, call to have your ears checked in our Alma or St. Johns office. We’ve helped many people like you manage their tinnitus. 

What Causes Tinnitus?

Tinnitus isn’t a disease. It’s actually a symptom caused by other health conditions. Common causes include: 

  • Age-related hearing loss
  • Noise exposure
  • Head/neck trauma
  • Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)
  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • Certain medications
  • Other disorders (hyper- and hypothyroidism, Lyme disease, hypertension, depression, and many more)

The pulsing type, called pulsatile tinnitus, is usually caused by an issue with the blood vessels, which can often be treated. While the sound itself may seem like only an annoyance, blood vessel problems can be serious. If you think you have pulsatile tinnitus, it’s important to see you doctor right away. 

Experiencing tinnitus doesn’t mean you have any of the health conditions listed above. But it does mean you should have your ears checked as the first step to a diagnosis. 

Treatment Starts with Getting Your Ears Checked 

There’s no cure for tinnitus, but there are options for managing it. In many cases, treating the underlying cause will stop the disruptive sound. But for many other people, tinnitus is a lifelong condition. For them, current treatment may focus on improving their quality of life. Tools and treatments improve their listening skills and ease the cognitive and emotional burden of living with tinnitus. Treatments might include hearing aids, sound or behavioral therapies, and medications.

Each person experiences tinnitus differently. That’s why we customize treatment to your specific needs and lifestyle. The first step is getting your ears checked!

At CCMC Hearing Care, we want you to hear what you’ve been missing!

Millions of adults suffer from tinnitus but don’t know how to treat it. Are you one of them? Our hearing care specialists can diagnose your tinnitus and help you understand the causes, treatment options, and steps you can take to improve your quality of life and keep you hearing the sounds you enjoy.

Two convenient mid-Michigan locations

We have two convenient locations serving St. Johns, Alma, Maple Rapids, Owosso, Ithaca, Ovid-Elsie, Dewitt, Laingsburg, and the surrounding communities.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment:

St. Johns – (989) 796-4555 – Monday, Thursday, and Friday (inside Clinton County Medical Center Psychological Services)

Alma – (989) 292-3572 – Tuesday and Wednesday (inside Gratiot Psychological Services)

Schedule your appointment today! You should hear what you’ve been missing!

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