Objective tinnitus is a special form of tinnitus (tinnitus or ear ringing) that is perceived not only by the person themselves, but also by others. This means that the sounds you hear are actually present. For example, objective tinnitus can be the beating of your heart that you hear in your ear. In this article, we discuss exactly what objective tinnitus is, what the causes may be and provide helpful tips for dealing with it.
What Is Objective Tinnitus?
Objective tinnitus is a rare form of tinnitus in which the sound you hear can also be heard by others, usually with the help of a stethoscope. This is in contrast to the common subjective tinnitus, in which only the person himself perceives the sound. The sounds can range from a throbbing sound, such as your heartbeat, to a rustling or buzzing sound.
Possible Causes of Objective Tinnitus
- Blocked Ear canal due to Earwax (Cerumen)
- A buildup of earwax can block the ear canal and lead to sounds synchronized with your heartbeat.
- Narrow Hearing Channel
- Some people have naturally narrow ear canals, which increases the likelihood of blockages and noises.
- Ear canal Inflammation
- Inflammation in the ear canal can also cause objective tinnitus.
- Exostosis (Bone protrusion)
- Exostosis is a condition in which bone protrusions grow in the ear canal, often as a result of frequent swimming in cold water. This can lead to tinnitus.
- Colds and Eustachian Tube
- When you have a cold, the Eustachian tube can become blocked. This can cause a feeling of pressure and a buzzing sound in your head, often synchronized with your heartbeat.
Tips for Dealing with Objective Tinnitus
Colds and Cavity Inflammations
- Steam
- Steaming can help relieve congestion in your nose and Eustachian tube. Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to hot water and breathe in the steam.
- Hydrate
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, which can help reduce constipation.
- Nasal spray
- Use a saline solution or nasal spray to clear the nasal passages.
Exostosis
- Swimming caps
- If you swim often, especially in cold water, consider using swim plugs to prevent cold water from entering your ear canal and worsening exostosis.
- Consultation ENT doctor
- If you suffer from exostosis, consult an ENT (Throat-Nose-Orthalmologist). They can assess whether surgery is needed to remove the bone protrusions.
Narrow Hearing Passages
- Hearing Dedication
- An ENT doctor may perform a procedure to dilate the ear canal, which can help reduce objective tinnitus.
Clogged Ears
- Visit the GP
- If your ear canal is clogged with wax, a doctor can easily remove it. Do not try to pick it yourself, as this can make the situation worse.
Objective Tinnitus and Sleep
One of the most annoying aspects of objective tinnitus is that it is especially noticeable in quiet environments, such as when you are trying to sleep. Here are a few tips for sleeping better despite tinnitus:
- White Noise
- Use a white noise machine or an app to create background noise. This can help mask the sound of the tinnitus.
- Relaxation techniques
- Try relaxation techniques such as meditation or breathing exercises before going to sleep to quiet your mind.
- Comfortable Sleep Environment
- Provide a comfortable sleeping environment. A good mattress, comfortable pillows and a dark room can all contribute to a better night’s sleep.
Conclusion
Objective tinnitus can be quite annoying, but there are several ways to deal with it and relieve the symptoms. Whether it’s relieving colds, consulting an ENT doctor for specific treatments, or simple tips to sleep better, there are always steps you can take to improve your situation. Most importantly, don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you have persistent objective tinnitus. You don’t have to go it alone!
Hopefully these tips will be of use to you and you can find some peace of mind in your quest for relief from objective tinnitus. Do you have any tips or experiences of your own that you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments!
