Hearing a sound when there is nothing... Sometimes a ringing, sometimes a buzzing. Neither audible to others nor originating from an external source. It is perceived only by you, inside your brain...
Tinnitus, experienced by millions worldwide but often difficult to describe, can manifest as a faint hum, a loud whisper, or a ringing sound. This perception, which can even wake a person from sleep, is related to hyperactivity in the auditory regions of the central nervous system despite the absence of an external sound source.
So, who understands this invisible sound? This is where audiology comes into play.
Audiologists, as experts in the science of hearing, evaluate and manage not only hearing loss but also complex auditory perception disorders such as tinnitus. Using advanced audiometric tests, subjective assessment tools, and individualized therapy approaches, they provide solutions to understand the causes of tinnitus, reduce its impact, and improve patients’ quality of life.
Tinnitus is not a disease but a symptom. However, if neglected, it can lead to anxiety, depression, attention deficits, and sleep problems. Audiology students are trained with knowledge in neurophysiology, acoustics, psychoacoustics, and counseling skills to understand such clinical conditions. Their education enables them to shed light on invisible yet perceptible problems like tinnitus.
Because audiology encompasses not only hearing but also understanding, interpreting, and improving what is heard.
