Tinnitus on one side

What do you need to know about tinnitus?

Did you know that about 10 to 17% of the world’s population suffers from tinnitus? About 44 million Americans suffer from this condition and about 12 million are severely ill. The Canadian Tinnitus Society has reported more than 5 million cases of tinnitus.

Tinnitus is a condition in which the perception of hearing sounds is impaired in the absence of external noise. It is often referred to as tinnitus, as the sounds seem to be coming from inside the head. The frequency, volume and sound of noise varies from person to person. Some could hear a ringing, others a hum. Some people may hear roaring and other ticking or shrieking sounds.

Monaural tinnitus

People with tinnitus can experience these sounds in one or both ears. This means that tinnitus can be unilateral or bilateral. Unilateral tinnitus is a type of tinnitus in which the ringing and/or noise can only be heard in one ear. On the other hand, bilateral tinnitus is a type of tinnitus when the ringing is heard in both ears.

Unilateral tinnitus is the most common type of tinnitus and can be caused by a series of conditions including, but not limited to, impacted earwax, otitis media and auditory trauma. Monotone tinnitus is often thought of as a subjective form of tinnitus, and it mostly stems from the auditory pathways. With a disorder of the external ear canal, tinnitus can appear on various occasions.

Causes of unilateral tinnitus

There are a number of reasons that suggest it causes unilateral tinnitus. Among the most common are:

• Impacted earwax – Excessive earwax due to a certain disorder, hygiene observance and/or neglect, or the presence of earwax attached to the eardrum can cause persistent ringing in one ear. It is recommended that impacted earwax be removed by a doctor or licensed medical practitioner. Any attempt to remove them ourselves may not only worsen the condition but also cause some irreversible and serious damage to our ear.
• Ear Infection – Acute ear infections are often indicated by mild but persistent earache, accompanied by mild hearing difficulties. The infection is caused by inflammation of the middle ear from which fluid cannot be drained. When the body produces more fluid in the affected area, we hear a throbbing sound and this type of unilateral tinnitus can be treated by taking prescription medications.
• Tinnitus can also be felt on one side if a person has had an ear infection due to taking antibiotics. These antibiotics are ototoxic, and are usually in the group of aminooids, diuretics, and analgesics.
• Auditory trauma – When the ear experiences an ear impact, it can damage the small bones, auditory nerves, and hair-like cells in the cochlea. With impaction, the middle ear cannot send the correct data to the brain and the brain will continue to interpret the wrong signals sent by these damaged parts. Constant exposure to loud noises and abuse of the entertainment system can damage your ear.

It is important that unilateral tinnitus is diagnosed early and that we seek medical help as soon as possible. This type of tinnitus can be permanently relieved and can also be prevented. Speak with an audiologist to find out more or read more about unilateral tinnitus on the following websites.