Tinnitus is a struggle for millions of people in the United States and can affect more than just your hearing. The constant or near-constant noise can lead to mental health problems as well. But with the help of our team at Hearing Doctors of New Jersey, you can receive the care you deserve and find the relief you’re looking for.
What is Objective Tinnitus?
Objective tinnitus occurs when a separate medical condition affects the structures in the ears, causing you to hear a bothersome noise in one or both ears. But unlike subjective tinnitus, your Doctor of Audiology can hear the noise as well (usually with the help of a stethoscope).
Some of the medical conditions that can cause this type of tinnitus include high blood pressure, muscle contractions in the inner ear, middle ear conditions, vascular tumors, pressure in the skull, and head and neck injuries. The noise often coincides with your heart rhythm.
The medical conditions causing the objective tinnitus can also lead to hearing loss as well.
Objective tinnitus is much less common than subjective tinnitus, but because it’s caused by a medical condition, it is often resolved by treating that condition.
Objective Tinnitus Symptoms
The symptoms you experience with objective tinnitus can depend on the condition causing the noise and the tinnitus severity. Some of the symptoms and noises you may hear include the following:
- ringing
- buzzing
- hissing
- whistling
- pulsing (called pulsatile tinnitus)
- swooshing
- clicking
Objective Tinnitus Treatments
While there is typically no cure for tinnitus, objective tinnitus can be resolved entirely if the medical condition causing the tinnitus is successfully treated. Treatments may include medications or surgery to treat certain blood vessel disorders, muscle relaxants for muscle spasms, and surgery to remove a tumor.
Like subjective tinnitus, neuromodulation, tinnitus retraining therapy, and sound therapy can also help reduce how much you perceive the sound.
How Can I Differentiate Between Objective and Subjective Tinnitus?
The best way to differentiate between subjective and objective tinnitus is to schedule an appointment with one of our Doctors of Audiology. They will help you determine which tinnitus you’re struggling with and the proper treatment plan to give you some relief.
If they are able to hear a noise using a stethoscope or other listening device, you likely have objective tinnitus. If nothing can be heard, subjective tinnitus might be at play.
Schedule a Consultation
Are you struggling with tinnitus and ringing in your ears that no one else can hear? You may be struggling with subjective tinnitus. To learn more and start treatment, schedule a consultation today. Call our Livingston, NJ office or message us via our online contact form. We look forward to helping you live a full life!
