Tinnitus affects people in different ways, producing sounds such as ringing, buzzing, clicking, or humming. The severity and pattern of these sounds can vary widely, from temporary episodes to persistent symptoms. Understanding the different types of tinnitus is an important step toward accurate diagnosis and effective management.
People experience tinnitus in different ways. For many, it manifests as a constant ringing sound while others may experience a clicking or buzzing sound. Some people need only shake their head to make the ringing or buzzing go away (at least temporarily), while for others the severity of the tinnitus may wax and wane but never disappear completely. In this guide, the experts at Harley St AVM look at the different types of tinnitus.
Not everyone experiences tinnitus in the same way. Below are some of the most common types of tinnitus and how they manifest.
Subjective tinnitus
This is by far the most common type of tinnitus. Subjective tinnitus can only be heard by the affected person and is most often caused by overexposure to loud noises. Subjective tinnitus typically manifests as a high-pitched ringing that may (or may not) subside over weeks or months. This can be due to conditions such as Meniere’s disease. A vestibular specialist from Harley St AVM can diagnose Meniere’s and recommend treatment.
Neurological tinnitus
This type of tinnitus is usually caused by a disorder such as brain tumours or tumours of the inner ear.
Objective tinnitus
This type of tinnitus is caused by involuntary muscle contractions or vascular abnormalities in the ear. This is the only kind of tinnitus that may be heard by outsiders.
Pulsatile tinnitus
This is a rhythmic type of tinnitus that typically aligns with the beating of the heart. It is believed to be caused by a change of blood flow within the blood vessels near the ear. Hence vascular abnormalities can present with pulsatile tinnitus and early assessment and investigation by our tinnitus specialists is required.
Low-frequency tinnitus
With low-frequency tinnitus the afflicted person is often unsure whether the sound they are hearing is coming from the outside world or inside their body. What they hear is a persistent humming, rumbling or murmuring sound that can be quite disconcerting.
If You Experience Tinnitus Contact Harley Street AVM
The effects of tinnitus can range from a minor nuisance to something that has a devastating effect on a person’s quality of life. If you are experiencing tinnitus in any form, make an appointment with Harley St AVM by calling us on 020 3480 9630, or by writing to: info@harleyavm.com.
