Are These Echoing Sounds Tinnitus?

Millions of people worldwide experience tinnitus, a condition that causes a persistent ringing in the ears. It’s characterized by hearing sounds when no external sound source is present. These sounds can vary in intensity, pitch, and duration. They may be constant or intermittent and can affect one or both ears. Some people describe the sounds as ringing, buzzing, hissing, or clicking. Others say they hear echoing sounds. But are these echoing sounds of tinnitus?

The short answer is yes. Echoing sounds are a common symptom of tinnitus. This is called pulsatile tinnitus. It’s characterized by hearing a rhythmic sound that beats in time with your heartbeat. This is because the sound is caused by blood flow in the blood vessels near your ear.

It is important to note that not all echoing sounds are due to tinnitus. In some cases, they may be caused by other factors, such as:

• Reverb: It is typical for sounds to echo in ample, open space, so there is no need to be concerned.
• Hearing loss: If you have hearing loss, sounds may bounce around in your ear canal, creating an echoing effect.
• Ear infection: Fluid build-up in the ear due to an infection can cause sounds to echo.
• TMJ disorder: This condition affects the jaw joint but can also cause echoing sounds in the ear.

You must visit a doctor to identify the root cause if you hear echoes. Your doctor will assess your ears and might perform a hearing exam to determine your level of hearing impairment. They may also request imaging studies like an MRI or CT scan to examine your ear more closely.

Once the underlying cause of your echoing sounds has been identified, your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan. If your echoing sounds are due to tinnitus, there are several strategies that may help:

• Sound therapy. This treatment involves listening to neutral, low-level background noise to help mask the ringing in your ears.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy. This type of therapy can help you develop coping mechanisms to deal with your tinnitus.
• Medications. Some medications may help alleviate the symptoms of tinnitus. However, these medications are not a cure and may have side effects.

Aside from the various treatment options, certain lifestyle adjustments can aid in managing tinnitus, such as:

• Avoiding loud noises. Consider using earplugs or earmuffs whenever you are exposed to loud sounds.
• Stress management. Minimizing stress is crucial if you suffer from tinnitus, as it can worsen your symptoms. Fortunately, effective relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help you manage your stress levels and alleviate the severity of your condition.
• Get a good night’s rest. Having a lack of sleep can make your tinnitus worse. Make sure to get a good amount of sleep each night.

Contact Us At Beltone Chicago

Echoing sounds can be a symptom of tinnitus. However, scheduling an appointment with a hearing specialist at Beltone Chicago is important to determine the underlying cause of your echoing sounds. We’ll identify the cause and create a plan to manage tinnitus symptoms so that you can live your life normally.

Resources:
American Tinnitus Association. (n.d.). Pulsatile Tinnitus. Retrieved from https://www.ata.org/understanding-facts/types-of-tinnitus/pulsatile-tinnitus Mayo Clinic. (2021). Tinnitus. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tinnitus/symptoms-causes/syc-20350156
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. (2020). Tinnitus. Retrieved from https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/tinnitus