While the exact cause of tinnitus is often unknown, there is a link between tinnitus and hearing loss. It is generally thought that those experiencing tinnitus have some degree of hearing loss, and it is the brain’s way of filling in the noise. Tinnitus, however, isn’t a condition on its own; instead, it is a symptom of another underlying condition.
For many people, the noises presented by tinnitus can interfere with their lifestyle and provide an unpleasant auditory experience they cannot escape. Tinnitus severity can vary from person to person; some may experience this condition intermittently, while others live with a constant sound they cannot drown out.
Tinnitus is the sensation of a constant noise in the ears that no one else hears and is typically buzzing or ringing in the ears, although it can manifest as a hissing, whistling or high-pitched sound.
Does Tinnitus Affect Hearing Tests?
As tinnitus of so often linked to hearing loss, if you experience these symptoms, you should book in for a hearing test. A hearing test is designed to measure the level of hearing in both ears by using a simulated sound experience and having a patient identify when they hear the sound played at different pitches and frequencies.
A hearing test with an audiologist can help you to determine if you have any level of hearing loss and, if so, how much. However, for those experiencing ringing in the ears, what happens should your symptoms start during your audiology tests and will they interfere with your results?
The answer isn’t as clear-cut as yes or no. The reality is that the degree of sounds you hear from your tinnitus, whether a slight buzzing, a loud roar or even pulsating vibrations of sound, can influence your hearing test. It will affect to some degree how you hear different sounds and may block your ability to hear different frequencies.
That being said, your audiologist will be trained to notice anything that affects your hearing and discrepancies that can pop up when carrying out hearing tests. However, they can only identify this if you make them aware that you have tinnitus before the exam starts. From here, they can be mindful of any interference from the sounds in your ears and allow for changes to compensate for this, so you get a more accurate result from your hearing test.
Can You Stop Tinnitus?
This is an age-old question. Tinnitus can have a detrimental effect on your quality of life and affect you in many ways. From reduced levels of hearing to increased anxiety and depression, it is no wonder many people seek to find out if they can stop tinnitus or at least avoid the symptoms when going for a hearing test. While you cannot stop your symptoms for the sake of sitting for a hearing test, there are some lifestyle tips you can try to help you be prepared for your hearing test.
These include:
• Getting enough sleep the night before your test.
• Reducing stress and being as relaxed as possible.
• Eating a well-balanced diet and avoid any stimulants that can exacerbate your symptoms.
It can also be helpful to make a note of your experience and what affects your tinnitus.
Ask yourself questions such as:
• When did you first experience tinnitus symptoms?
• Are you experiencing any hearing loss?
• When do you experience your symptoms the most? Is there a particular environment or time of day it is worse?
• Does drinking coffee or alcohol affect your tinnitus?
• Do you struggle to hear or concentrate when you experience tinnitus?
• Does it come and go, or is it more like a constant sound?
• What type of sound are you experiencing? Is it high-pitched or low?
• Does the sound change, or is it the same all the time?
Providing your audiologist with as much information about your tinnitus can help them ensure they take a hearing test as accurately as possible should your symptoms be present at that time. It is important to remember that tinnitus doesn’t always mean hearing loss, and it can be caused by other factors, including damage to your ear, illnesses or a build-up of earwax.
Contact us today to learn about tinnitus or book a hearing test. We are The Hearing Center at York ENT, and you can contact us at (717) 850-9269.
