What is tinnitus?

WHAT IS TINNITUS?
Nobody else can hear it – the tinnitus - but you hear it all the time. It’s a ringing, buzzing or humming noise playing in your ears, and it’s exasperating. Fortunately, the ringing in your ears can be managed.

WHERE DOES RINGING IN THE EAR COME FROM?

The sounds you hear when you have tinnitus are generated by your brain.

Most people who suffer from tinnitus have some form of hearing loss. And when you have hearing loss, your brain sometimes overcompensates by creating its own background noise, so to speak.

Some forms of tinnitus can also be related to muscle movements near the ear, or problems with blood flow in the face or neck. On its own, however, tinnitus is not a sign of a serious medical problem.

WHAT CAUSES TINNITUS?

Tinnitus can be caused by a variety of factors, some of which you can't control, such as simply aging.

Tinnitus has also been associated with ear infections, earwax and sensory nerve disorders. Stress, high blood pressure and even alcohol could potentially also set off tinnitus.

Most often, though, tinnitus is caused by repeated exposure to excessively loud noise.

HOW TO STOP RINGING IN THE EARS

If you suspect that you have some form of tinnitus, the first step is to undergo a professional evaluation.

Some professionals offer Widex Zen Therapy to help you reduce the common negative effects of tinnitus, such as stress and sleep difficulties. Widex Zen Therapy consists of four components that can be tailored to your individual needs.

HOW CAN I GET TINNITUS RELIEF NOW?

Music and Zen sounds can help you relax, reduce stress, and prevent your tinnitus from flaring up.

Our tinnitus management app, Widex Zen, offers comforting sounds to help you avoid complete silence, and reduces your focus on the tinnitus. It's also helpful for meditation and relaxation.

Get started with the Widex Zen app for tinnitus management today.