Tinnitus Signs, Symptoms, and Complications

The hallmark symptom of tinnitus is ringing in one or both ears. However, this condition may also present as a ringing, buzzing, or clicking sound. About one in 10 Americans experienced tinnitus for at least five minutes over the past year.

This article will review the most frequent and rare complications of tinnitus and when to see a doctor about symptoms.

Frequent Symptoms

There are two general types of tinnitus: subjective and objective.

Subjective tinnitus is an "electrochemical phenomenon" that is common and occurs when a sound is identifiable only to the person with tinnitus.

Objective tinnitus occurs when another listener can hear the tinnitus noise of the person experiencing it. Objective tinnitus sounds stem from somewhere else in the body and extend to the ears through body tissues. Usually, objective tinnitus stems from a blood vessel disorder or the muscular system.

People with tinnitus typically complain of hearing the following sounds in one or both ears:

• Ringing
• Roaring
• Hissing
• Buzzing
• Clicking
• Chirping
• Whistling
• Whooshing

The volume and pitch of tinnitus sounds can vary widely. When it is very quiet, some people report that they can hear their tinnitus more clearly. However, others also report that their tinnitus is loud even when they are in the presence of other loud noises, such as a noisy restaurant. Some even report that noise exacerbates their tinnitus symptoms.

Tinnitus may be frustrating or even debilitating for some and not for others. It may also worsen or improve over time. People with tinnitus often complain that these noises can make sleeping more difficult. Some people experience sounds that come and go, while others hear continuous noise.

Rare Symptoms

Objective tinnitus, or tinnitus that another person can hear in addition to the person experiencing it, is far less common than subjective tinnitus. Diagnosing objective tinnitus depends on whether the provider can hear audible tinnitus sounds, which is difficult in many cases.

Because of this problem, some providers refer to objective tinnitus as "rhythmic" and subjective tinnitus as "non-rhythmic."

Two forms of rhythmic tinnitus, pulsatile tinnitus and muscular tinnitus, are rare.

Pulsatile tinnitus symptoms include regularly hearing a steady whooshing sound that beats in sync with a person's heartbeat. Under normal circumstances, people may hear their heartbeat after physical exertion. However, people with pulsatile tinnitus often hear their heartbeat even at rest. Symptoms may also be more noticeable at night while people try to sleep because there is less external noise.

Muscular tinnitus symptoms are often referred to as a clicking noise caused by involuntary spasms or muscle jerking of the muscles near and inside the ear.

Identifying less common forms of tinnitus is important because a proper diagnosis can lead to medical care that can alleviate or reduce tinnitus symptoms.

Complications

At this time, there is no cure for most types of tinnitus. If your healthcare provider can find an underlying cause for tinnitus, such as a new medication, high blood pressure, or a temporomandibular (TMJ) joint disorder, it may help your chances of reducing it. Treating the cause can help patients live more comfortable, healthy lives.

However, in some cases, if the tinnitus does not go away, it can be a frustrating situation that can lead to health issues, such as:

• Fatigue
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Problems with memory and concentration.
  

When to See a Healthcare Provider

If you or a loved one is experiencing tinnitus, the first step may be to see your healthcare provider. In some cases, tinnitus may be due to something as simple as excess earwax lodged in the ear. Your healthcare provider will review your current health and past medical history, medical conditions, and medications to see if there is a connection with the tinnitus symptoms.

Other common causes of tinnitus may include:

• Older age
• Allergies
• Damage to the nerve endings in the inner ear
• Stiffening of bones in the middle ear
• Exposure to loud noises
• Hormonal changes

Other causes of tinnitus that may warrant a trip to your healthcare provider or a hospital could include the following:

• Head or neck injury
• High or low blood pressure
• Reaction to certain medications
• Tumor
• Diabetes
• Thyroid abnormalities
  
• Jaw misalignment

Your primary care physician may refer you to an ear, nose, and throat doctor called an otolaryngologist. They may also refer you to an audiologist to measure your hearing and evaluate your tinnitus.

Summary

Tinnitus is a ringing, buzzing, pulsating, clicking, or other noise in one or both ears. The symptoms and severity of tinnitus vary between people. There are two general types of tinnitus: subjective and objective. Subjective tinnitus is an "electrochemical phenomenon" that is common and occurs when a sound is identifiable only to the person with tinnitus.

Objective tinnitus, or tinnitus heard by another person other than just the person experiencing it, is far less common than subjective tinnitus. Diagnosing objective tinnitus depends on whether the provider can hear audible tinnitus sounds, which is difficult in many cases. Because of this problem, some providers refer to objective tinnitus as "rhythmic" and subjective tinnitus as "non-rhythmic."

If you or a loved one is experiencing tinnitus, see your healthcare provider and learn about what you can do to find the cause and alleviate symptoms.

A Word From Verywell

The symptoms and severity of tinnitus can vary widely between different people. Sometimes it can also be very frustrating and impact the overall quality of life. Contact your healthcare provider if you or a loved one experiences tinnitus so severe that you find it difficult to hear, concentrate, or sleep. Your provider can help you find ways to reduce tinnitus severity and its impact on your life.