Can Hearing Loss Cause Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is commonly described as ringing, buzzing, humming, hissing or other sounds that seem to come from inside the ears or head without an external source. For many people, tinnitus and hearing loss occur together, which naturally raises an important question: can hearing loss cause tinnitus? The short answer is yes. Hearing loss is one of the common conditions associated with tinnitus, although tinnitus can also occur in people with normal hearing.

How Are Hearing Loss and Tinnitus Connected?

The relationship between hearing loss and tinnitus can be complex. When the auditory system is affected by hearing damage, particularly damage associated with ageing or prolonged exposure to loud sounds, changes in the signals sent from the ears to the brain may contribute to the perception of tinnitus.

Hearing loss and tinnitus may therefore appear at the same time, particularly when both are linked to a common cause such as noise exposure or age-related changes. However, having tinnitus does not automatically mean that you have significant hearing loss. A proper hearing assessment is needed to understand what may be happening.

What Can Cause Tinnitus Besides Hearing Loss?

Although hearing loss is an important potential cause, tinnitus can have several other triggers. These may include exposure to loud noise, age-related changes in hearing, earwax build-up, ear infections, certain medications, injuries affecting the ear or head, middle or inner-ear conditions and some medical conditions.

Stress and fatigue may also make tinnitus more noticeable. Because there can be several possible contributing factors, it is useful to have your symptoms assessed rather than assuming that hearing loss is the only explanation.

When Should You Have Your Tinnitus Assessed?

If you have persistent or bothersome tinnitus, arranging a tinnitus assessment can be an important first step. An assessment can help determine whether there is an associated hearing loss and provide information about the characteristics of your tinnitus.

You should particularly consider an assessment if you are also having trouble following conversations, frequently asking people to repeat themselves, increasing the volume on your television or struggling to hear in noisy environments.

Tinnitus that develops suddenly, particularly when accompanied by sudden hearing loss, should be assessed promptly by an appropriate healthcare professional.

What Happens During a Tinnitus Assessment?

A tinnitus assessment generally begins with a detailed discussion about your symptoms and hearing history. An audiologist may ask when the tinnitus started, whether it occurs in one or both ears, what it sounds like and whether it affects sleep, concentration or everyday communication.

A comprehensive assessment may include a hearing evaluation, speech testing and middle-ear assessments. Depending on your symptoms, tinnitus characteristics and test results, further medical investigation or referral may sometimes be recommended.

The goal is not simply to measure the tinnitus. The assessment helps build a clearer picture of your overall hearing and ear health so that appropriate management options can be considered.

Why See an Audiologist for Tinnitus?

An audiological tinnitus assessment can provide valuable insight into the relationship between your tinnitus and hearing. During tinnitus assessment, an audiologist may assess hearing sensitivity and, where appropriate, estimate the pitch and intensity of the tinnitus.

This information can help an audiologist develop a management approach that reflects your individual symptoms and hearing needs. At Helix Hearing, tinnitus assessments include a detailed review of hearing and ear health, assessment of tinnitus characteristics where appropriate, explanation of results and recommendations for further management or investigation.

Can Treating Hearing Loss Help Tinnitus?

For some people, addressing an underlying hearing loss with hearing aids can reduce their awareness of tinnitus. Hearing aids can make environmental and conversational sounds easier to hear, which may help divert attention away from tinnitus. They may also reduce the listening effort associated with hearing difficulties.

This does not mean hearing aids are a universal cure for tinnitus. The appropriate approach depends on the cause, hearing profile and impact of the tinnitus on your daily life. Australian health information also recognises hearing aids as one management option for tinnitus associated with hearing loss.

What Does Tinnitus Treatment Involve?

There is no single tinnitus treatment that works for everyone. Tinnitus treatment and management may involve sound therapy, counselling, hearing aids where hearing loss is present, strategies for improving sleep and approaches to reducing stress and tinnitus awareness.

The goal is often to reduce the impact and intrusiveness of tinnitus, so that it has less effect on daily activities and quality of life. A personalised approach can help identify which strategies are most appropriate for your circumstances.

Choosing an Audiologist in Melbourne

Finding an experienced audiologist in Melbourne can be an important part of investigating tinnitus and hearing concerns. A comprehensive assessment can help identify hearing changes and determine whether further evaluation or management may be appropriate.

Helix Hearing provides independent audiology services across Melbourne, including hearing assessments and tinnitus management. Helix Hearing’s Richmond clinic provides hearing assessments and tinnitus support, with ENT services also available onsite.

Why Choose Helix Hearing for Tinnitus Support?

Helix Hearing takes an individualised approach to hearing and tinnitus care. Its audiologists assess hearing and ear health, discuss tinnitus symptoms and provide management recommendations based on individual needs. The clinic also offers tinnitus treatment and management strategies and can recommend further assessment when appropriate.

If tinnitus has become a regular part of your day, you do not have to simply put up with it. Understanding whether hearing loss or another factor may be contributing can be an important first step towards better hearing health.

If you are concerned about tinnitus or changes in your hearing, Helix Hearing can help you understand your options with professional hearing and tinnitus care. Contact us through Helix Hearing to enquire about an assessment and discuss the next steps for your hearing health.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you have tinnitus without hearing loss?

Yes. Tinnitus can occur in people who have normal hearing. While hearing loss is a recognised cause, tinnitus can also be associated with noise exposure, ear conditions, medications and other factors.

2. Can hearing aids make tinnitus better?

For people whose tinnitus is associated with hearing loss, appropriately fitted hearing aids may reduce tinnitus awareness by making external sounds easier to hear. The suitability of hearing aids depends on an individual hearing assessment.

3. Is tinnitus testing painful?

Most components of a tinnitus and hearing assessment are non-invasive and should not be painful. Depending on your symptoms, testing may include hearing assessments, speech testing and middle-ear measurements to understand your hearing and ear function.

4. Can tinnitus be completely cured?

There is currently no guaranteed cure for tinnitus, but many people can manage it successfully. Treatment and management strategies aim to reduce tinnitus awareness and its impact on everyday life.

For more answers about hearing aids, hearing assessments and tinnitus, visit the Helix Hearing FAQ page.