WHAT DOES TINNITUS SOUND LIKE?
Tinnitus has been described in various ways – each person’s experience can differ. However, some of the most common descriptions of what tinnitus can sound like are:
DO I HAVE TINNITUS?
A GUIDE TO THE SYMPTOMS OF TINNITUS
- Ringing (usually a constant tone)
- Roaring (like ocean waves crashing on the beach)
- Buzzing/humming (like bees)
- Whistling (like a stovetop kettle going off)
- Clicking (like cicadas)
- Crackling (like electric static on a high-tension wire)
- Hissing (like a steam engine)
- Pulsating (like your heartbeat)
HOW OFTEN DOES TINNITUS OCCUR?
How often tinnitus occurs is also a very individual experience. Some people only experience tinnitus under certain conditions (e.g. high stress) and/or the tinnitus comes and goes. Others might hear their tinnitus all the time. It is possible that the tinnitus is constant, but because of other auditory distractions and activities during the day, you are less aware of the tinnitus.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I AM EXPERIENCING TINNITUS?
If you think that you have tinnitus, the first step would be to visit your nearest hearing care professional (HCP). The HCP is the health care professional with the expertise to assess and manage all auditory-related disorders, including tinnitus.
The first step is to book an appointment with your nearest HCP for a full hearing and tinnitus assessment. They will take down your medical history, the symptoms that you are experiencing, listen to your needs and concerns, and conduct a full hearing assessment.
Afterwards, they will be able to make a recommendation on the next steps to take, which might include tinnitus management or referral to another medical professional, e.g. ENT specialist.
