Constant ringing and buzzing in the ear could be a sign of tinnitus, which is a symptom that may cause extreme discomfort to your ear(s). Tinnitus may not seem as serious at first (and for many lucky ones it’s not), however depending on the degree or severity it can have a really negative impact on your well being.
Tinnitus can manifest very differently depending on the root cause. Some individuals experience it as a constant ringing in the ear, some hear melodic tones and others hear a buzzing. That’s because there are different types of tinnitus and they all require different attention. In this article we lay out the 7 most common types.
Main Types of Tinnitus
1. Sensory Tinnitus
Sensory Tinnitus, another word for Neurological Tinnitus, is experienced by almost everyone in some ways. Various disorders are the cause and it mainly affects the brain’s ability to process different types of sounds. In this condition, you might feel an off-balance.
2. Subjective Tinnitus
One of the most common types of this condition, which occurs as a result of exposure to loud environments, such as record studios or buildings where construction is constantly going on. Subjective Tinnitus can be very distressful and difficult to handle. It makes it difficult for you to focus on relevant sounds. Instead, you are constantly interrupted by buzzing and ringing sounds. This type of Tinnitus can disappear and reoccur after a few days and it can last is up to 3-12 months. However, you can easily manage it with the help of hearing aids designed to block frequencies known to cause tinnitus.
3. Somatic Tinnitus
Somatic Tinnitus is linked to the sensory movements of our bodies. Any type of physical movement such as muscle spasms in our neck or dental problems can immediately cause us to experience Somatic Tinnitus. Massage and sound therapy can help manage this particular type.
4. Objective Tinnitus
Objective Tinnitus is the rarest of all types. It is usually a result of cardiac deformities or sudden muscle contractions. Unlike Subjective Tinnitus, Objective Tinnitus can be heard by another person with the help of a stethoscope. This type of Tinnitus has a link with the beat of your heart. Once fixed, this condition does not come back.
Other Types of Tinnitus
5. Pulsatile Tinnitus
This type of Tinnitus is linked with your heartbeat. In this condition, you notice changes in your blood flow with a sound in your ears.
6. Musical Tinnitus
This type of Tinnitus usually occurs in people who have had hearing loss. When you have Musical Tinnitus, you can hear a mixture of different melodic tones, which is why this is also sometimes referred to as musical hallucinations.
7. Low-frequency Tinnitus
This type can have a hard to manage effect . In low frequency Tinnitus, you may usually feel confused as to whether the sound you hear is internal or external. The sounds you often hear in this condition are rumbling, murmuring, humming, or deep drowning.
Conclusion
By understanding the different types of tinnitus and learning about the type affecting you, managing and treating tinnitus can become easier. Please note, your doctor is the most qualified to diagnose, advise and provide treatment. The information listed in our blog, posts and forums is not and should not be taken as medical advice. Please consult with your doctor for diagnostics, treatment and medical information and advice.