Does Tinnitus Get Worse With Age?

Ever wondered if tinnitus gets worse as you age? You’re not alone. Tinnitus, the persistent ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in the ears without an external source, can vary significantly from person to person. For some, it’s a mild inconvenience; for others, it significantly impacts daily life. Naturally, one question often comes up: does it intensify as we grow older?

This article dives into how aging can affect tinnitus symptoms, separates fact from fiction, and offers practical advice on managing the condition. By understanding the contributing factors and available solutions, you can take steps toward better hearing health and improved quality of life. At Discover Hearing Centre, we’re here to guide you with expert advice and personalized treatments.

What Is Tinnitus and How Does It Affect Daily Life?

Tinnitus affects millions of people worldwide and comes in two primary forms:

• Subjective tinnitus: Only the person affected can hear the noise. This is the most common type.
• Noise-induced tinnitus: Prolonged exposure to loud noises can cause damage to the hair cells of your inner ear.

Living with tinnitus can be challenging. It can disrupt your daily routine, cause sleep issues, and heighten stress levels. The constant noise can make concentration difficult and, in severe cases, contribute to anxiety and depression.

A proactive approach is essential for older adults since age-related changes can influence tinnitus symptoms. Understanding these changes and seeking appropriate care makes a significant difference.

Does Tinnitus Naturally Get Worse With Age?

Aging brings changes to your hearing health, but does that mean tinnitus will automatically worsen? Not necessarily. While some people report more noticeable symptoms over time, this isn’t a universal experience.

Common Myths vs. Scientific Facts

Myth: Tinnitus always worsens with age.

Fact: Age-related hearing loss can influence tinnitus perception, but the condition itself doesn’t always progress.

Myth: There’s nothing you can do about worsening tinnitus.

Fact: Management strategies like hearing aids for tinnitus and sound therapy can significantly reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Also Read: Best Ways to Relieve Tinnitus: Effective Solutions

Factors That Contribute to Worsening Tinnitus in Older Adults

Several factors can make tinnitus symptoms more noticeable as you age. Understanding these contributors helps in managing the condition effectively.

1. Age-Related Hearing Loss (Presbycusis)

Presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss, typically begins in the late 50s or 60s. As hearing diminishes, your brain may amplify internal sounds, making tinnitus more noticeable.

Hearing aids for tinnitus can help reduce this perception by amplifying external sounds and restoring auditory balance. If you’re considering hearing aids, scheduling a comprehensive hearing test at a trusted hearing clinic in Kitchener is a great first step.

2. Cumulative Exposure to Loud Sounds

Years of exposure to loud noises—from work environments, concerts, or recreational activities—can cause permanent auditory damage. This long-term exposure often leads to noise-induced hearing loss, which can worsen tinnitus.

Even as you age, protecting your ears from loud sounds is essential. Wearing ear protection during noisy activities helps prevent further damage.

3. Health Conditions (Hypertension, Diabetes)

Systemic health issues such as hypertension and diabetes are more common as we age and can negatively impact auditory health. These conditions affect blood flow and nerve function, contributing to more noticeable tinnitus symptoms.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and managing blood pressure and blood sugar levels can help prevent aggravating tinnitus symptoms.

4. Medications (Ototoxic Drugs)

Certain medications, known as ototoxic drugs, can worsen tinnitus symptoms. Examples include:

• Some antibiotics
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Chemotherapy medications
• Diuretics

If you suspect a medication is affecting your tinnitus, consult your healthcare provider to explore alternatives. A professional evaluation at Discover Hearing Centre can help determine if your medication is contributing to the problem.

5. Stress

When stress levels rise, blood pressure and muscle tension rise both of which can amplify the perception of ringing or buzzing in the ears. Additionally, stress can make it harder to cope with existing tinnitus, causing a vicious cycle where anxiety about the condition makes it feel even more intrusive.  

Chronic stress can also disrupt sleep patterns, which further heightens sensitivity to sound and reduces the brain’s ability to filter out tinnitus noise. Practicing relaxation techniques like mindfulness, deep breathing, or gentle exercise can help break this cycle.

Warning Signs to Watch for in Aging Adults

While occasional tinnitus is manageable, certain warning signs may indicate the need for professional intervention:

• Sudden or significant increase in tinnitus intensity
• Accompanying hearing loss or dizziness
• Symptoms that interfere with daily life or mental health

If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to schedule a hearing test at our hearing clinic in Kitchener.

Also Read: Can Hearing Aids Help with Tinnitus?

How to Manage and Prevent Worsening Tinnitus

1. Hearing Aids and Assistive Devices

Hearing aids for tinnitus are game-changers. By amplifying external sounds, they help reduce the perception of tinnitus. Modern hearing aids often come with built-in tinnitus masking features.

Additionally, assistive devices like personal sound amplifiers can help by enhancing specific frequencies, making tinnitus less noticeable.

2. Sound Therapy and White Noise Machines

Sound therapy uses specific sounds to reduce the perception of tinnitus. White noise machines, nature sounds, and customized audio programs can provide relief. These methods are particularly effective when combined with other management strategies.

3. Lifestyle Changes

Making simple lifestyle changes can also help manage tinnitus symptoms:

• Stress Reduction: Mindfulness or meditation techniques can be beneficial.
• Diet Management: Reducing caffeine and sodium intake can make a difference.
• Ear Protection: Use earplugs in noisy environments to protect your hearing.

A healthy and balanced lifestyle makes tinnitus less disruptive and promotes overall well-being.

4. Medical Management and Treatments

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for tinnitus has shown promising results. This approach focuses on changing negative thought patterns associated with tinnitus and promoting healthier coping mechanisms.

Consulting a hearing specialist for tailored tinnitus treatment options can provide additional relief. At Discover Hearing Centre, we offer comprehensive evaluations and customized treatment plans to address your specific needs.

The Role of Regular Hearing Check-Ups

Routine hearing assessments are crucial for maintaining good auditory health. Early intervention helps identify and address potential issues before they worsen. Scheduling regular hearing tests at Discover Hearing Centre ensures that any changes in hearing health, including tinnitus symptoms, are managed effectively.

Regular check-ups also help monitor the effectiveness of existing treatment plans and make necessary adjustments to improve outcomes.

Prevent Tinnitus Becoming Worse With Discover Hearing Centre

While tinnitus may change as you age, it doesn’t have to get worse. Understanding the factors that influence symptoms and taking proactive steps can improve your quality of life. Effective management strategies include hearing aids, sound therapy, and lifestyle changes.

If you or a loved one are experiencing worsening tinnitus symptoms, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation at Discover Hearing Centre. Our expert team is ready to provide personalized solutions to help you manage tinnitus and maintain your hearing health.

Visit our hearing clinic in Kitchener and schedule a hearing test with our professional experts. We offer comprehensive audiology services, from hearing tests and education to digital hearing aids and personalized hearing loss treatments that put you and your specific hearing health needs at the centre. Whether you need a hearing test, are looking for invisible hearing aids or require help with hearing aid fittings and programming, Discover Hearing Centre is here for you.

Discover Hearing Centre is a local clinic specializing in the treatment of hearing loss; we’ve worked with hundreds of patients to help them maintain independence. Whether you’re experiencing hearing loss or tinnitus, we’re dedicated to improving your quality of life through better hearing. When you choose us, you choose a team committed to your well-being. 

Call us today at 519-208-4327 or fill out our convenient online form to learn more about how we can help you with hearing loss issues.