However you experience tinnitus, know that you’re not alone. In fact, the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) found that 43 percent of Canadians ages 16 to 79 have experienced tinnitus at some point in their lives.*

Tinnitus is a common issue described as ringing in the ears with no external sounds present. It can last for weeks, months or even years at a time and can affect people of all ages. 

There are two types of tinnitus: subjective an objective. If the noises and sounds you hear can only be perceived by you, this would be considered subjective. Ninety-nine percent of tinnitus cases fall into this category. While the categories vary, the leading causes are often the same noise-exposure, age-related hearing loss, earwax buildup, jaw joint dysfunction (TMJ), and neurological disorders, to name a few. 

Don’t let these facts scare you, though. Dealing with tinnitus can feel overwhelming, but innovative, modern and discreet hearing solutions are available to relieve the condition’s symptoms. Here are two to consider: 

Hearing Aids

There is a strong correlation between hearing loss and tinnitus. Hearing aids can relieve tinnitus symptoms by improving your hearing, so you can better perceive external sounds and shift your attention away from the tinnitus. Depending on the severity of your tinnitus, your Hearing Care Professional will recommend a wireless hearing aid with a tinnitus masker feature to create a sound-enriching environment that can distract you from the typical ringing or buzzing with pleasant sounds instead.

Habituation

This is a process in which the brain gradually stops reacting negatively to tinnitus and interprets the buzzing or ringing as unimportant sounds. The combination of tinnitus management therapies and sound therapy are very effective to facilitate the habituation of tinnitus. The ultimate goal? To retrain your brain to no longer be bothered by the sounds associated with this condition. 

What's Next?

Having your hearing tested is just as important as going to the dentist or optometrist. With locations across Canada and innovative hearing solutions available for every budget, Connect Hearing makes it easy to take your health into your own hands.