Before we get into the important do’s and don’ts of living with tinnitus, let’s take a quick look at the condition. We hope this is helpful to those of you who are reading this because you have a friend or family member that has been recently diagnosed with tinnitus.

Understanding Tinnitus in South Florida

It’s important to first point out that tinnitus is not a disease, but instead a symptom of another underlying condition such as a sinus infection or sinusitis. It typically presents as a ringing in the ear that can be either intermittent or continuous. It can also vary in loudness, which means each of the 50 million adults in the United States suffering from the condition will each experience it differently.

It’s Not Always a “Ringing” in the Ears

You may have heard the condition described as a “ringing in the ears.” However, if you or a family member are experiencing sounds like roaring, hissing, humming, clicking, or buzzing that vary in pitch, from a low roar to a high squeal, tinnitus is probably the culprit!

It Can Range from Bothersome to Debilitating

Regardless of how it began or what it sounds like, tinnitus can range from a bothersome condition to a debilitating one. It can impact not only the day-to-day lives of the individuals affected but their families and loved ones as well. The sound may be present all the time, or it may come and go.

Some Do’s to Living with the Condition

If the conditions around your tinnitus are negatively impacting your ability to work or enjoy life’s normal activities, you should contact the team at South Florida ENT Associates. Although there is no cure for the condition, tinnitus may be managed by a hearing health professional near you in Jupiter, FL, through proper diagnosis and education of the condition.

The Biggest Don’ts in Managing Tinnitus

One of the biggest takeaways in learning to live with the condition is to remember to always wear hearing protection when you are in loud environments. Not wearing hearing protection could exacerbate the condition. Also, don’t over-indulge in things that can aggravate tinnitus such as caffeine. And remember, the condition is a symptom of another underlying condition, so seeing an ENT near you in South Florida is a top priority to learning more about the underlying cause.