Hearing static or high-pitched ringing in the ears can annoy or disrupt your day. If you’ve been experiencing either symptom, here’s what’s likely happening in your ears and what you can do about it.
Hearing static in your ear is most likely an indication of tinnitus—a common hearing condition that results in the sensation of sound without an external source. While some people experience static, others may hear hissing, clicking, roaring, or even humming.
Seemingly random ringing in the ears can also be a sign of tinnitus. In most cases, damage to hair cells in the inner ear leads to this condition, although it can also occur alongside some heart diseases or Meniere’s disease. It can also accompany the aging process.
While tinnitus can sometimes be hereditary, it isn’t always. Recent studies that analyzed sets of twins found indications that certain types of tinnitus can be determined by genetics. For others, external factors – including hearing loss, earwax blockage, certain medications, or diseases, as mentioned above – can contribute to developing or worsening tinnitus symptoms.
Researchers believe that the sensation of static, ringing, or humming may be caused by increased activity in the nerve cells attempting to compensate for hearing loss.
Did you know: Certain studies have also indicated that tinnitus is more common in people of European descent than BIPOC persons. That being said, it’s a condition that can and does affect many people every year, regardless of external and internal factors.
“Tinnitus is the abnormal perception of sound that affects more than 15% of the adult population around the globe.”
– National Institute of Medicine
While there are indications that certain tinnitus types are hereditary, you should still make every effort to protect yourself and your hearing. Wear earplugs or earmuffs when working with noisy tools (especially if they reach or exceed 85 decibels), and lower your volume when wearing headphones. As you age, visiting an audiologist can help you understand your hearing health and how to support it going forward.
Constricted blood vessels can sometimes contribute to tinnitus, so be mindful of your diet and exercise. Smoking can also lead to symptoms, so cut back or quit if possible.
If you have questions or concerns about your circumstances, bring them to your primary doctor, especially if dizziness accompanies your tinnitus.
The good news is that you don’t have to deal with tinnitus symptoms alone. The best thing you can do is seek out professional help. Audiologists can help find treatments that work for you so you can minimize the disruptions to your everyday life.
At SoundGate, we want your hearing to be as clear and undisrupted as possible. Schedule a consultation if you’ve been dealing with static or ringing in the ears. Our professional audiologists can listen to understand what’s going on before recommending one of our tinnitus treatment options.
Make an appointment at one of our four Twin Cities SoundGate Hearing locations, and let’s take care of your hearing health.
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I have worked in a variety of roles in the hearing industry since graduating from Minnesota State University-Moorhead with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications. I have worked at SoundGate Hearing since 2013 and have substantial experience with both the technical and business sides of the industry. I understand the fundamental need to provide strong support for our patients. I spend my free time away from the office with my active family. I enjoy a wide variety of activities, including travel, hiking, camping, fishing, and all things outdoors. I am a passionate hockey and soccer parent and fan.
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Welcome! I am Dr. Sarah Binfet and I have been a Doctor of Audiology since 2006. I proudly served Veterans at the Minneapolis VA for nearly 9 years. I established Blaine Hearing Center in 2013 in conjunction with my husband's optometric practice. It has been a wonderful partnership and enjoyable to see each other at work! In 2015, I had the opportunity to grow my practice when I purchased SoundGate Hearing from my mentor, Dr. Wendy Davis. I genuinely love what I do and feel that helping people hear is essential to their quality of life. I believe in creating a welcoming and supportive environment in which the patient and their families can be educated on their hearing loss, hearing aid options, and how to have the best success with their hearing aids. At SoundGate, we deeply care about our patients and their outcomes. We want everyone to genuinely enjoy their hearing aids and the benefits they bring. I am committed to offering my patients the most up to date digital hearing aid technology, which is why I carry a full line of manufacturers. There is no one right hearing aid for everyone. It is my job to help my patients navigate the complex works of hearing aids and decide on which products best meet their needs, goals and budget. I have discovered the benefit of giving patients the opportunity to trial hearing aids out of the office. A hearing aid trial is most helpful in navigating the complex journey of better hearing. A Minnesotan through and through, I was raised in Eden Prairie, MN, received my undergraduate degree from the University of St. Thomas and my Doctor of Audiology degree from the University of Minnesota. When not at work, you will find me cooking, hitting up the newest restaurants and fitting in as much yoga as possible. During the weekend, you will find my husband Rodney and me with our three kids, Evelyn, Jake and Sam, loving the outdoors at our family cabin on Leech Lake. I look forward to meeting you.
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