{"id":32039,"date":"2024-01-10T12:17:51","date_gmt":"2024-01-10T17:17:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pentadocs.com\/?p=32039"},"modified":"2024-01-10T12:17:54","modified_gmt":"2024-01-10T17:17:54","slug":"could-you-have-reactive-tinnitus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pentadocs.com\/could-you-have-reactive-tinnitus\/","title":{"rendered":"Could You Have Reactive Tinnitus?"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve noticed that your tinnitus (ringing in your ears) worsens when exposed to everyday sounds in your environment, you may be experiencing reactive tinnitus.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to Brian Taylor, Au.D., senior director of audiology at Signia, \u201cReactive tinnitus is a form of tinnitus that changes in loudness, quality or pitch, in response to average or even low-level noise.\u201d1<\/sup>  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Causes of Reactive Tinnitus\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Any average-sounding noise you encounter could be a potential reactive tinnitus trigger, from a car horn blaring to crickets chirping to a song you play on your guitar. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fortunately, while the resulting discomfort from the heightened tinnitus symptoms may be annoying, it is usually short-lived, with people tending to experience less severe noises or habituating over time.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is Reactive Tinnitus the Same as Hyperacusis?\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The short answer is no.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People with hyperacusis have an intense oversensitivity to normal sounds, making them seem painfully loud. For example, someone with hyperacusis may find their cat\u2019s meow as loud as a lion\u2019s roar. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reactive tinnitus, on the other hand, causes an uptick in tinnitus symptoms in response to sound stimuli. Interestingly, 30% to 50% of people with tinnitus also have hyperacusis.2<\/sup>  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both conditions are likely the result of blockages impacting the nervous system.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe underlying problem in hyperacusis and reactive tinnitus is thought to be an increase in neural inhibition or activity, in response to various stimuli,\u201d said Dr. Taylor.1<\/sup>  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Diagnosis & Management Options\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Since no imaging or laboratory test can determine if you have reactive tinnitus, your doctor will make a diagnosis based on your symptom history.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They may also ask you to complete the Sound Sensitive Tinnitus Index (SSTI), a self-reporting questionnaire, take the Loudness Discomfort Level Test, check for any underlying physical issues and test your hearing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Common Management Options for Reactive Tinnitus Include:\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n