Understanding Tinnitus

Why Do My Ears Make Noise?

You are not alone with tinnitus. At Family Hearing Center, treating the ringing, whooshing, and buzzing is our specialty.

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The Root Cause

The Nerve From Ear to Brain Is Damaged

Tinnitus (tin it us or ti night us) is most commonly caused by damage to your hearing and auditory system, including the nerve that transfers sound from your ear to your brain.

For some, experiencing a ringing, whooshing, or buzzing sound is the early warning sign that something is breaking down in your hearing system. This type of damage to the neural structures can result simply from aging, or perhaps from noise exposure, toxic medications including chemotherapy, a virus, or other factors.

Your powerful brain does its best to instinctively make up for the missing sound signals, creating a false perception of sound often referred to as tinnitus.

The Real Cause

90%+

of Tinnitus Is Directly Caused by Progressive Hearing Loss

For more than 90% of people living with tinnitus, this ringing, whooshing, or buzzing is directly attributed to the progressive and degenerative loss of nerves connecting the ear to the brain.

Where the Damage Comes From

Common Causes of Auditory Nerve Damage

Damage to your ear to brain nerve can come from a variety of sources, some you might not even remember causing.

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Natural Aging

Auditory nerves and neural pathways naturally degenerate over time.

●

Noise Exposure

Concerts, worksite noise, landscaping equipment, and firearms can cause cumulative damage.

●

Toxic Medications

Certain drugs, including chemotherapy agents, are known to damage the auditory system.

●

Viral Infections and Other Factors

Some viruses can attack the neural structures, and other unknown factors can contribute as well.

A Common Misconception

“I Have Tinnitus, but I Don’t Have a Hearing Problem”

One of the most common statements we hear from tinnitus patients is: “I have tinnitus, but I don’t have a problem with my hearing.”

While that feels true for some patients, you should know that it is possible to have what feels like “normal” hearing with an auditory ear to brain nerve that is up to 50% damaged.

The Hidden Damage

50%

Nerve Damage Can Exist With Seemingly Normal Hearing

You can have hearing that feels normal to you while your ear to brain nerve is up to 50% damaged. Tinnitus is often the first warning sign.

Why Time Matters

Tinnitus Is an Early Warning Sign

Unfortunately, tinnitus is a precursor of what is to come due to the damaged nerve. Early treatment is a crucial part of slowing down the symptoms of tinnitus, which will worsen over time.

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If not treated, tinnitus will get worse.

The Bottom Line

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Real Story, Real Results

Silence the Ringing

Randy Wohlers, BC HIS, Owner at Family Hearing Center, shares his 50 year journey with tinnitus. Dr. Keith N. Darrow, Ph.D., Harvard Medical and M.I.T. trained Neuroscientist, Certified Dementia Practitioner, and Clinical Audiologist explains why gimmicks fail and why this proven treatment works.

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Tinnitus Book