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.