Man with closed eyes, hands on face

TYPES OF TINNITUS
WHICH TYPE DO I HAVE?

Woman in pain with both hands on the head

I HEAR TINNITUS IN BOTH EARS.

This is called BILATERAL TINNITUS, which is what most people with tinnitus experience. Bilateral tinnitus can be caused by many different conditions, but they are usually conditions affecting either the whole body or without a large difference between sides, e.g. hypertension, hearing loss, thyroid disorders, poor circulation. 

MY TINNITUS IS ONLY IN ONE EAR.

This is called UNILATERAL TINNITUS, which is more rare than bilateral tinnitus. In the case of unilateral tinnitus, the cause can be one that doesn’t automatically affect the whole body or both sides, e.g. a build-up of ear wax in one ear, middle ear infection in one ear, or trauma to one ear or side of the head.

In some cases, unilateral tinnitus can be a sign of a more serious medical condition, therefore we recommend that you seek medical attention from a qualified ear-, nose- and throat-specialist (ENT specialist).

Woman with tinnitus symptoms
Stressed woman, covering face with hands

I FEEL LIKE I’M HEARING MY HEARTBEAT IN MY EARS.

Tinnitus that has a rhythmic pattern, e.g. thumping, throbbing or whooshing on a beat, is known as PULSATILE TINNITUS. It has been described a little like hearing your heartbeat in your ears. This type of tinnitus is rarer. Depending on the cause of the pulsatile tinnitus (e.g. vascular disorders), treating the underlying condition may result in eradication of the tinnitus.

In some cases, pulsatile tinnitus can be a sign of a more serious medical condition, therefore we recommend that you seek medical attention from a qualified ear-, nose- and throat-specialist (ENT specialist).

FAQs

Tinnitus in both ears is a condition where a person hears a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound, that could not be coming from an external source, in both ears simultaneously.  

Tinnitus in one ear (unilateral tinnitus) can be caused by a variety of factors, including ear infections, build-up of ear wax, or head or neck injuries, amongst others. Unilateral tinnitus is often caused by something that doesn’t ‘automatically’ affect both ears, e.g. build-up of wax in only one ear is possible.

Pulsatile tinnitus is a type of tinnitus where a person hears a rhythmic pulsing sound in their ear, like hearing their heartbeat. Treating the underlying condition may result in eradication of the tinnitus.
There is currently no medical cure for tinnitus, but there are treatments available to help manage the symptoms. These include sound therapy, hearing aids, cognitive behavioral therapy (counseling), and medication.
Tinnitus can be a sign of hearing loss, but it can also occur without any hearing loss. It is important to have a hearing test to determine if there is any underlying hearing loss that may be contributing to the tinnitus.

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