Tinnitus Facts

 Tinnitus is the perception of sound when no sound is physically present. Most people experience tinnitus at some time during their life. They may experience it briefly, intermittantly, or more frequently. Usually it is not bothersome.

 Tinnitus is commonly described as ringing or hissing. Other descriptions may include hissing, chirping, roaring, buzzing, whistling, screeching, humming, and cricket-like.

 Tinnitus does not cause hearing loss.

 Although hearing loss is common in people with tinnitus, hearing loss does not always accompany tinnitus.

 Problem tinnitus is a very severe form of tinnitus.

 Problem tinnitus can interfere with work, social activities, family life, conversation, concentration, and/or sleep.

 Some of the feelings expressed by people with problem tinnitus include fear, depression, anxiety, anger, hopelessness, and annoyance.

 There is help for sufferers of problem tinnitus through Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT). The two major components of TRT are directive counseling and sound therapy.

 It is important that a medical evaluation be completed prior to beginning treatment for tinnitus. However, often no medical problem can be found to be causing the tinnitus.

Important advice for sufferers of tinnitus is to AVOID SILENCE. That is, individuals with problem tinnitus should always enhance their sound environment with low levels of neutral background sound. Examples of such sound include a fan, radio, or television.