Tinnitus Counselling
What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus refers to perceived sounds in the ears (or head) not related to external noise sources. Often, tinnitus is experienced as a ringing sound, however it can sound like whistling, buzzing, hissing or humming. It may be constant or intermittent. It is more noticeable in quiet conditions, e.g. when lying in bed or in a sound-proof booth or room.
There are a number of classifications of Tinnitus, and it is often multifactorial, and patients may experience overlap between the different types. See below for a more detailed description of each.
Most people have experienced Subjective or Temporary Tinnitus after being exposed to loud sounds, even for a short period of time, e.g. after being in a noisy pub, a sporting event, a very loud concert or during combat.
However, prompt medical evaluation, especially for sudden onset, pulsatile or neurological tinnitus, is crucial to rule out any serious underlying causal medical conditions.
Click on the button below to book an appointment with our very experienced audiologist to discuss your experience with Tinnitus and to determine whether further medical investigation is required and to explore your treatment options, which includes hearing aids with a Tinnitus masking feature.
Subjective Tinnitus
What it feels like
Only you can hear the sound, and it might be ringing, buzzing, or humming.
Cause
It’s often caused by exposure to loud noise, age-related hearing loss (presbycusis), ear infections, cochlear hair cell damage, ototoxic medications (e.g., aspirin, aminoglycosides) or even stress, anxiety and depression.
Commonality
This is the most common type, accounting for more than 95% of tinnitus cases.
Treatment options
It can sometimes be improved with sound therapy, hearing aids with a Tinnitus masking feature, or counselling for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
Temporary (Acute) Tinnitus
What it feels like
Ringing or buzzing that lasts a short time (hours or even days).
Cause
Usually caused by exposure to loud noise e.g. after a loud concert or an explosion, or a middle ear infection. It can also be caused by ear pressure trauma during air travel or undersea diving.
Commonality
Very common, especially after excessive noise exposure.
Treatment options
Often resolves on its own with rest and avoidance of further noise exposure. Use of anti-inflammatory treatments if linked to an ear infection. But repeated exposure can lead to permanent tinnitus, which could be mitigated by wearing hearing aids with a Tinnitus masking feature.
Objective Tinnitus
What it feels like
A rare type where a doctor or audiologist can sometimes hear the sound during an examination.
Cause
It’s usually linked to physical issues, such as blood vessel problems, muscle spasms within the inner ear, eustachian tube dysfunction or bone conditions in the ear.
Commonality
Much less common than subjective tinnitus, less than 1% of cases.
Treatment options
Treating the underlying medical condition often reduces or eliminates the sound.
Pulsatile Tinnitus
What it feels like
Sounds like a rhythmic pulsing, whooshing or throbbing that matches your heartbeat.
Cause
It’s usually related to turbulent or abnormal blood flow changes near the ear, high blood pressure, or vascular issues causing vibrations detected as sound.
Commonality
Fairly rare but often treatable if the cause is identified.
Treatment options
Medical evaluation with imaging (e.g., MRI, MRA, or CT angiography) to assess vascular structures is crucial to check for vascular conditions that may need urgent treatment.
Neurological Tinnitus
What it feels like
A persistent ringing or buzzing often tied to nerve problems.
Cause
It’s typically related to disorders affecting the nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis. It can also be caused by an acoustic neuroma (a type of cancer known as vestibular schwannoma) or by a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Commonality
Less common and often linked to specific neurological diseases.
Treatment options
Managing the underlying neurological condition may help reduce symptoms. As with pulsative tinnitus, it is important to get a medical evaluation.
Somatic (Somatosensory) Tinnitus
What it feels like
The sound may change when you move your neck, jaw, or body.
Cause
It’s often linked to sudden muscle strain, whiplash, posture problems, or dental or orthodontic issues like TMJ (jaw joint disorders).
Commonality
Can occur in people with musculoskeletal or dental issues.
Treatment options
Physical therapy, dental treatment, e.g. oral splints or dental correction, or posture correction and posture training given by an osteopath may help.
Chronic Tinnitus
What it feels like
Persistent noise that lasts for more than six months.
Cause
Often related to permanent hearing loss, prolonged noise exposure, aging or ototoxic drugs, e.g. aspirin. Can also be caused by psychological factors (stress, anxiety and depression) contributing to symptom persistence.
Commonality
Affects about 10–15% of adults with higher rates among older adults.
Treatment options
Long-term management may involve sound therapy, hearing aids with a Tinnitus masking feature, relaxation techniques, or counselling for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Emerging therapies like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) may help.
Book an appointment online or call 03 9817 7738 or visit our clinic at 91 Cotham Rd, Cotham Village, Kew, at the T-intersection of Glenferrie Rd and Cotham Rd, to book an appointment