What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus is the medical term for the sensation of hearing sound in your ears when no external sound is present. Tinnitus affects 50 million Americans (nearly one in six of us). Most sufferers describe the sound as “ringing in the ears,” though others describe it as hissing, buzzing, whistling, roaring and even chirping. It sounds different to everyone.

For some, tinnitus is mild and an intermittent annoyance. For others, it’s severe and can have a profound effect on their quality of life. But for everyone, finding tinnitus relief is a high priority. Using our patent-pending Multiflex Tinnitus Technology, Southwestern carries several tinnitus products so we can create a customizable and comforting sounds to soothe the unique, irritating sounds you hear and take your focus off of it. Tinnitus technology is available in Circa AI, Circa, and Now iQ.

Watch this video to get an up-close look at how some well-known artists feel about tinnitus. 

What causes tinnitus?

Scientist and health experts don’t know the exact physical cause of Tinnitus, but several sources are known to trigger or make it worse.

  • Loud noises and hearing loss – Exposure to loud noises can destroy the non-regenerative cilia (tiny hairs) in the cochleas, causing permanent tinnitus and/or hearing loss.
  • Aging – As you age, those same cilia gradually deteriorate, which can lead to tinnitus and/or hearing loss.
  • Ototoxic medications – Some prescription medications such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and antidepressants are harmful to the inner ear as well as the nerve fibers connecting the cochlea to the brain. 
  • Hearing conditions – Conditions such as otosclerosis and Meniere’s disease are known to cause tinnitus. 
  • Health conditions – Tinnitus can also be a symptom of health conditions like cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stress, and head injuries. 

Is there a cure fo tinnitus?

Currently, there is no known tinnitus cure. But according to the American Tinnitus Association, there are recommended ways to get tinnitus relief, including counseling and sound therapy.

Our proven tinnitus products are an effective part of any sound therapy as they utilize a customizable and comforting sound stimulus that soothes the annoying noises associated with tinnitus and takes your mind off it. 

What should you do if you have tinnitus?

Since the exact cause of tinnitus is not known, it’s recommended you visit us for a clinical evaluation. Specialized test are performed to diagnose tinnitus and different options can be discussed to find what is right for you! Call us today for your free hearing consultation!