Are you constantly struggling with a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in your ears—one that no one else seems to hear? If so, you may be experiencing tinnitus. You’re not alone, and more importantly, you don’t have to live with it. Tinnitus can be managed, and at Strauss Audiology, we’re here to guide you on that journey.
The term “tinnitus” is derived from the Latin word tinnire, meaning “to ring.” It refers to the perception of sound when no external source is present. In essence, individuals with tinnitus hear the inner workings of their auditory system – like how one might occasionally perceive their heartbeat.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the South African Hearing Institute, tinnitus affects approximately 10-15% of adults globally, with a significant portion experiencing chronic or persistent symptoms. Locally, estimates suggest that nearly 1 in 10 South Africans may experience tinnitus in some form during their lifetime.
What Is Tinnitus?
Sybrand Strauss, audiologist and owner of Strauss Audiology, explains:
“Tinnitus is the auditory perception of sounds when no external source is present. These sounds—often ringing, buzzing, hissing, or clicking—are generated within the auditory pathway. It is essentially the body’s internal signal being misinterpreted by the brain as external sound.”
Tinnitus can be intermittent or constant, mild or severe. While some people experience brief episodes after exposure to loud noise, others may hear continuous internal sounds that significantly affect their quality of life.
How Do You Know If You Have It?
Tinnitus is a personal experience—only the person affected hears it. Common descriptions include:
- Ringing
- Buzzing
- Hissing
- Clicking
- Roaring or rushing sounds
If you experience these sounds regularly and without an external cause, it’s time to speak to a professional. Chronic tinnitus can impact sleep, focus, mental health, and overall wellbeing.
What Causes It?
Tinnitus can have a wide range of causes:
- Hearing loss (especially age-related or noise-induced)
- Earwax blockages
- Middle ear infections
- Ototoxic medications (certain antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, or aspirin)
- Head or neck injuries
- Stress and anxiety
- Meniere’s disease
In fact, up to 90% of people who experience it also have some form of hearing loss – whether diagnosed or undiagnosed.
Is There a Cure?
While there is currently no universal cure for tinnitus, there are many effective treatments to manage its perception and reduce its impact on daily life.
“You may have heard phrases like ‘There’s nothing you can do about it’ or ‘You’ll just have to live with it’—but that’s not true,” says Sybrand. “At Strauss Audiology, we’ve helped many clients reduce their tinnitus symptoms with tailored treatment plans.”
Treatment
Treatment is highly individual and may include:
- Hearing aids: Amplifying environmental sounds can mask the tinnitus. In 90% of cases, this reduces or eliminates the perception.
- Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT): A combination of sound therapy and counselling.
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Helps change your emotional reaction to tinnitus.
- Sound masking devices: Use of ambient noise or white noise to make tinnitus less noticeable.
- Relaxation techniques: Stress exacerbates tinnitus, so stress management can make a big difference.
Can Hearing Aids Help?
Yes. If hearing loss is part of the cause, hearing aids often make a significant difference. They help by:
- Improving overall hearing, reducing tinnitus contrast
- Masking tinnitus with ambient sounds
- Stimulating the auditory nerve, which helps the brain to reprocess sound signals
At Strauss Audiology, a comprehensive hearing evaluation is always part of a tinnitus consultation to determine whether hearing aids should be included in your treatment plan.
Prevention
One of the most effective ways to prevent tinnitus is to protect your hearing. Sybrand recommends custom hearing protection for anyone regularly exposed to loud environments, including:
- Musicians
- Motorcyclists
- Shooters or hunters
- Factory workers
- Club DJs and concertgoers
Strauss Audiology offers custom-made hearing protection, including:
- Shooting plugs
- In-ear monitors
- Sleep or study plugs
- Sound engineering protection
How Often Should You See an Audiologist?
If you experience tinnitus, it’s important to schedule a hearing evaluation immediately. After diagnosis and initial treatment, follow-up visits are typically recommended every 3 to 12 months, depending on the severity.
As a rule of thumb, you should have your hearing tested at least once a year – especially if you work in noisy environments or have a history of ear infections, head trauma, or chronic tinnitus.
FAQs About Tinnitus
Q1: Is tinnitus permanent? In some cases, yes—but it can usually be managed effectively to reduce its impact.
Q2: Is tinnitus a sign of hearing loss? Often, yes. About 90% of tinnitus sufferers have some degree of hearing loss.
Q3: Can tinnitus cause anxiety or depression? Yes. The constant internal noise can lead to sleep issues, stress, and mental health struggles if left untreated.
Q4: Should I see a doctor or audiologist first? You can start with either, but an audiologist is best equipped to evaluate and treat tinnitus related to hearing issues.
Q5: Can children have tinnitus? Yes, although it is more commonly reported in adults. Children may not be able to describe the sound but may complain of ear discomfort or difficulty concentrating.
Don’t Suffer in Silence – Help Is Available
It can be frustrating, but you don’t have to endure it alone. At Strauss Audiology, we are committed to improving your quality of life with professional, personalised care.
Book your consultation today and take the first step toward relief.
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