There’s little doubt that there’s a strong connection between hearing health and tinnitus. After all, they tend to feed into each other. Around 80% of individuals who have tinnitus also have some level of hearing loss. Damage to the ear can result in both hearing loss and tinnitus, and in many cases, both.

Below, will take a closer look at tinnitus and hearing health. And remember: if you suspect that you may have tinnitus or hearing loss or you just want to check up on your overall hearing health, then be sure to get in touch with an audiologist.

Hearing Health and Tinnitus

Tinnitus can be caused by a variety of different factors. But in general, it’s believed that tinnitus occurs because of damage to the overall ear system. If hearing health is damaged, then the brain may try to compensate for the reduced intake of sound by amplifying internal sound, leading to a ringing in the ears. Any type of damage to the ear system can lead to this brain process occurring, resulting in tinnitus.

Tinnitus and Hearing Loss

There’s a significant overlap between tinnitus and hearing loss. While it’s possible to have hearing loss without tinnitus, studies indicate that more than three-quarters of people with tinnitus also have some level of hearing loss. This is one of the reasons why treatment methods for hearing loss also tend to be effective for tinnitus. If you have early signs of tinnitus, then it’s best to speak to an audiologist, as they will be able to measure your hearing and recommend treatment options if necessary. It’s also useful to establish the baseline of hearing health, as this can help to monitor hearing ability moving forward.

Exposure to Loud Noises

There are many causes of tinnitus and hearing loss, and they don’t always overlap; what causes hearing loss may not always cause tinnitus. But there’s one cause that can be responsible for both: exposure to loud noise. Noise that exceeds 85 decibels can damage the ear when exposure takes place over an extended period, while significant loud sounds –like an explosion – can cause instant damage to the ears, which may result in both hearing loss and tinnitus.

Treatment Options

There are many treatment options for both tinnitus and hearing loss, that are effective in managing both hearing loss and tinnitus. Indeed, many preventative measures are recommended for hearing loss and tinnitus – for instance, wearing hearing protection when in loud environments. Hearing devices, like hearing aids, are commonly recommended for people with both hearing loss and tinnitus.

What To Do When Concerned About Hearing Health or Tinnitus

If you’re concerned about your hearing health, suspect that you have hearing loss or tinnitus or just wish to establish a baseline for your hearing, then it’s recommended to get in touch with an audiologist. They’ll be able to make an assessment of your hearing and offer treatment or preventative advice if required. Living with tinnitus or hearing loss is manageable with the help of an audiologist.