Tinnitus is a high-pitched ringing a person experiences in one or both ears. It varies in severity, but can cause distraction, depression, and anxiety. But does it relate to hearing loss? If you have tinnitus, does that mean you need a hearing aid? Understanding tinnitus's relation with hearing loss can help you take the steps you need to protect your hearing from permanent damage.

Tinnitus Explained

As stated above, tinnitus is a high-pitched ringing in a person's ears that only they can hear. It can also be a whooshing or buzzing noise. It is caused by a miscommunication between the tiny hair cells in the ear, or cochlea, and the brain. It is often caused by exposure to loud noise, especially consistent loud noises over time. You may have experienced tinnitus after a concert. Soldiers often come back with tinnitus if they were in combat. However, it can also be caused by ear wax blockage, blood vessel disorders, trauma to the head, high blood pressure, stress, and more.

Does Tinnitus Cause Hearing Loss

Tinnitus and hearing loss often occur together. Both have the same external causes and are attributable to a problem with the cochlea in the ear. However, tinnitus does not cause hearing loss. It can be a symptom of hearing loss or occur independently. It is important to see a doctor and confirm or rule out any hearing loss when experiencing symptoms of tinnitus.

Preventions and Treatments

Both hearing disorders can be prevented. Here are some tips to protect your hearing:

• If you are regularly exposed to loud noises, ear protection is a must.
• If you are going to loud concerts then wear ear plugs.
• Turn down the volume if you're using headphones. Long-term exposure to loud music
  through headphones can cause tinnitus and hearing loss.
• Avoid nicotine, tobacco, and alcohol that may cause problems with blood vessels in your
  ear, leading to hearing problems.

If you are experiencing tinnitus or hearing loss, see a hearing specialist as soon as possible. There is no cure for tinnitus, but it can be managed with white noise machines, therapy, stress-management techniques. Hearing aids may be prescribed, too. The best hearing aids are incredibly effective in treating hearing loss and limiting the symptoms of tinnitus. You can amplify surrounding noise, and some even come with a white noise feature. Both of these have the benefit of turning down the volume of tinnitus.

The prospect of hearing loss can be daunting, but it is not uncommon and it is treatable. According to the NIH, over 28 million adults in the US could use hearing aids. Both tinnitus and hearing loss are treatable and manageable, especially if you catch them early. Contact the specialists at Advantage Hearing Center to learn more about hearing aids price and hearing aids for sale.