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What is tinnitus?
Tinnitus is a "phantom sound" : noises that we perceive without them having an external source. They can be in the form of whistling, buzzing, clicking or even pulsating sounds that follow the rhythm of the heart. It affects nearly 37% of Canadians during their lifetime (CHUM, 2024). Tinnitus is not a disease, but rather a symptom that can have several origins.
Cause and effect
Tinnitus can have different origins. Among the most frequent :
- Hearing loss : often related to natural aging or prolonged exposure to noise.
- Sound trauma : concerts, headphones at a high volume or extremely noisy environments.
- Stress and fatigue : The nervous system can make it harder to perceive phantom sounds.
- Health problems : high blood pressure, jaw disorders or ear infections.
Living with tinnitus can be trying, especially when you feel like you are alone in the face of this phenomenon. Many people report having:
- difficulty concentrating,
- sleep disorders,
- irritability or increased fatigue,
- sometimes even a feeling of isolation.
It's essential to remember that you're not alone. Millions of people have the same experience and solutions exist to better manage these phantom sounds.
Solutions to live better with tinnitus
Even though tinnitus may seem daunting, there are concrete ways to tame it and reduce its impact on a daily basis.
Some find relief with modern hearing aids, which improve hearing and possibly reduce the perception of phantom sounds. Others use sound therapies, such as white noise or soothing sounds, which help mask the tinnitus and regain some comfort. However, it is important not to turn the volume too loud, as this can have the opposite effect in the long run.
Stress management also plays a key role. Relaxation, meditation or regular physical activity can reduce the intensity of tinnitus and help to better manage it. Finally, professional support is essential. Consulting an audiologist allows you to identify the possible causes and find solutions adapted to each person.
Conclusion
Tinnitus can be confusing, but it doesn't define your daily life. With the right tools and personalized follow-up, it is possible to find serenity and pleasure in the simple moments of life. We are here to listen to you, guide you and offer you solutions adapted to your reality. Don't wait for tinnitus to take up too much space in your life. Contact your audiologist today for a comprehensive evaluation of your hearing and find out how to regain the comfort of hearing fully.
Audia Clinic – Audiology in Montreal
Ava Azarnia and Shabnam Arzani
Audiologists and Co-founders of Audia Clinic
Hearing Health MB – Audiology in Quebec City
Myriam Boudreau
Audiologist and founder of Santé Auditive MB
This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a hearing health professional. If you have any questions about your hearing condition, please consult an audiologist who is a member of the Ordre des orthophonistes et audiologistes du Québec (OOAQ).