Q&A

Subject: High pitched sound
From: SD

Hello my class is talking about hearing. So I asked a question that nobody could answer. So I am writing to you to find out. What is the high pitched sound that you hear in your ear every now and then. But then it goes away, after a little while. So if you could answer this question it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

Dear S

That high pitched noise is called Tinnitus (TIN-a-tus or tin-NITE-us). It can sound like a ringing, hissing, buzzing, roaring, clicking or humming. The most common cause is nerve type hearing loss. Auditory nerves that have been damaged by exposure to loud noise, medications or other causes, will often fire spontaneously causing the sensation of hearing head noises. The pitch of the Tinnitus is usually related to the range of hearing suffering the most damage.

Tinnitus can also be caused by various medications. One of the most common is aspirin which, in large doses, causes both Tinnitus and hearing loss. If you have been exposed to loud sounds like at a concert, you may have Tinnitus when you leave. It is your ears' way of telling you that the music was simply much too loud!! People who grind their teeth can have a condition called temporomandibular joint syndrome. TMJ refers to problems of the jaw joint which can be stressed by grinding your teeth and follow dental work.

Sudden onset of Tinnitus or changes in its pitch and loudness can also be a red flag for some medical problems. If that happens, you are best off discussing the symptoms with your doctor to see if there is need for concern.

Good luck with your class project!
Solveig