Does tinnitus get worse at night for you? Here could be why.
Tinnitus can sound different to different people, but one thing is in common: all kinds of tinnitus are unnerving. Some people have constant tinnitus, and others have it intermittently. Where does it come from? No one is entirely sure, although it is generally thought to be connected to damage to the cochlea (in the inner ear) or another interruption in the ear. Some people wonder, “Why does tinnitus get worse at night?” If you have experienced this phenomenon, here’s what the answer might be.
The Brain Fills in the Silence
The brain is more in tune with sound than people might realize. The brain is ultimately the organ that translates sound waves into interpreted sounds. When all sound is absent, the brain might begin to fill in the empty spaces with sounds of its own. This idea is most prominently demonstrated in sensory deprivation spaces. The brain eventually hallucinates when normal conditions are taken away. If something is amiss with your ears, the brain might cause sounds to come into your ears that only you can hear.
Medications
Various medications can affect our bodies in ways we don’t expect. Our ears are very sensitive and can pick up some things that are happening in other parts of our body. Even hip implants can affect hearing. Medications can sometimes cause tinnitus, which would only become more prominent if you take the medicine at night or factor in the relative silence.
Alcohol
Alcohol consumption can also increase the frequency of intermittent tinnitus. If you like to wind down in the evening with a bit to drink, then there’s a chance that it could be the cause of your increased frequency of tinnitus.
Earwax Buildup
Some people only have tinnitus when they have earwax buildup. If you get impacted earwax, it’s possible for the disruption to your hearing to cause that well-known whistling in your ear. Removing it will make your hearing right again!
Trust the Experts at Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions
Need help with your hearing? Clarity Hearing can help. Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions is an independently owned and operated clinic that focuses on quality of care and personalized, friendly service to the surrounding areas of Ellicott City, Catonsville, Columbia. Our Doctors of Audiology are highly trained with advanced degrees and take the time to provide the personalized care and attention that you need and deserve. We provide advanced hearing aid options that are personally calibrated with cutting-edge digital technology to fit your hearing loss, your unique ear anatomy, and your individual listening needs.
You can call us today to schedule a FREE Hearing Protection Consultation at 410-698-6594! For more blog posts, news, and updates, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.