FAQ
Tinnitus

Frequently Asked Question

  • What is tinnitus?

    It is a sound heard in one ear, both ears or in the head without there being any real external sound in the environment. It comes in many forms: hissing, blinking, buzzing, cicada song, bell sounds, electrical voltage noise, etc. Sometimes these sounds can disturb certain daily activities or interfere with sleep or relaxation. If this is your case, there are ways to deal with the disturbance associated with tinnitus.

  • Where does tinnitus come from?

    Tinnitus is a symptom, not a disease. Therefore, it appears as a signal most of the time when there is a problem or a change in the functioning of the auditory system. Without being limited to this list, tinnitus can appear as a result of deafness, in the presence of vertigo or during otitis. Aggravating factors can have an effect on the perception of tinnitus such as stress, fatigue, or when there are other physical or psychological problems. Some types of tinnitus are not caused by a problem coming from the ear and it is then necessary to consult a doctor or an ENT. The audiologist will know how to direct you.

  • How is tinnitus treated

    There are no drugs or recognized medical treatments yet that specifically treat tinnitus. The person who is bothered by tinnitus should consult an audiologist to help determine what is the most likely cause of the tinnitus.

    presence of his tinnitus. Then, the audiologist will be able to guide the person through the various existing strategies for the management of tinnitus and allow him to carry out his daily activities with a minimum of impact. A multidisciplinary approach (with other health professionals) could be relevant.

    How is tinnitus managed?

    Here are some general tips to help you:

    • Avoid silence. Indeed, it is at this moment that the tinnitus is the most disturbing. It is advisable to use background noise (ventilation, soft music, white noise, etc.) in order to drown out the sound of the tinnitus
    • If required, auditory amplification provided by hearing aids often has a masking effect on the subjective perception of tinnitus intensity. You should consult an audiologist for more information.
    • Control stress and fatigue levels. As tinnitus can become disturbing, pleasant activities, exercise or meditation can help control the emotional consequences of tinnitus.
    • Avoid exposure to loud noises and use hearing protection when required. Noise exposure is known to temporarily increase the perception of tinnitus. Tinnitus, audiology section: https://aqoa.qc.ca/acouphene/
  • -