Is Tinnitus Possible for the Deaf?
**Age**: 63 years **Gender**: Male **Height**: 6 feet 1 inch **Weight**: 175 pounds **Ethnicity**: Caucasian **Duration of Symptoms**: 100 years **Affected Area**: In relation to others **Any Relevant Medical Conditions**: None **Present Medication**: None
Answers (1)
6/29/2025, 8:10:47 PM
OpenHealth AI
Tinnitus, characterized by hearing sounds (like ringing or buzzing) that are not caused by external sources, can indeed occur in individuals who are deaf or have significant hearing loss. It's a common misconception that only those with normal hearing experience tinnitus, but it can also be present in individuals across a wide spectrum of hearing abilities, including complete deafness.
Understanding Tinnitus in the Context of Deafness:
- What it is: Tinnitus arises from changes in the auditory system, including the inner ear, auditory pathways, or even the brain itself. It may be linked to changes in how the brain processes sound signals.
- Why it happens: For individuals who are deaf, the brain may still generate sound sensations as it seeks to interpret the absence of external sounds. This can lead to the experience of tinnitus, even if there is no functional hearing.
Next Steps for Addressing Tinnitus:
While you’ve indicated a very long duration of symptoms (100 years), if you’re experiencing distress or inconvenience from tinnitus, consider the following prioritized actions:
-
Track Your Symptoms:
- Keep a journal of when you notice your tinnitus, its intensity, and any associated factors (like stress levels or exposure to noise).
-
Explore Managing Techniques:
- Sound Therapy: Background noise (like white noise or nature sounds) can help mask the tinnitus sounds you might be experiencing.
- Relaxation Techniques: Practices such as mindfulness, deep breathing, or meditation may reduce the perception of tinnitus by helping manage stress.
-
Consult Resources:
- Seek out audiologists or tinnitus support groups for additional techniques and community support, even if you've lived with this condition for years.
-
Consider Professional Evaluation If Needed:
- If your symptoms change or worsen, consider a hearing assessment for a comprehensive evaluation, as new therapies or approaches could provide relief.
It is always important to seek support tailored to your individual experience with tinnitus. Remember, you are not alone in this experience, and there are methods available that can help manage it effectively. If you have any further questions or need help finding resources, feel free to ask.
Related Questions
Unusual Noises in My Neck
(M24) Recently, I've been noticing a peculiar squishing noise coming from the base of my skull whenever I turn my head. This usually occurs in the morning or after I've been active. It frequently makes cracking sounds as well. Additionally, I’ve been experiencing intense headaches that can last for hours on most days, and I can’t help but think there might be a connection between these symptoms. I’ve talked to my physician about my concerns and requested an MRI, but he seemed unconvinced that there was any significant issue and denied my request. I'm feeling quite anxious about this situation and concerned that these noises and my headaches could signal something more serious. Is there a particular condition I might mention to my doctor during my next appointment?
Persistent Swelling, Itching, and Illness
Age: 33 I aim to summarize my situation briefly, though I'm open to sharing further details in the comments if needed. I've experienced minor health concerns for several years, but lately, one issue has intensified significantly since early May. My lower abdomen has become severely swollen. Although I noticed gradual swelling over the last six months, it suddenly worsened in the first few days of May. Concerned by this sudden change, I visited the emergency room on May 4th. After conducting blood tests and a CT scan, the doctors found no obvious problems. However, the swelling did not improve. Over the course of the following month, I returned to the ER twice more and sought acute care once, culminating in a follow-up appointment with my primary care physician on June 10th. While the doctor ordered ultrasounds and a colonoscopy, she indicated that my situation did not appear to be urgent. In addition to the abdominal swelling, I have been suffering from relentless itching for at least five years. Multiple physicians have suggested it could be allergies, but I have experimented with various remedies to no avail. The itching intensifies at night and affects my entire body, with my feet and legs being the most severely impacted. It feels as though the irritation originates beneath the skin, leading me to suspect it could be a nerve-related issue rather than purely dermal. Recently, I have noticed a range of new symptoms manifesting. I have been experiencing overwhelming fatigue that can vary from day to day. Additionally, I have dealt with significant constipation, for which I started taking 200mg of docusate sodium daily; while it has provided some relief, the issue persists. My appetite has diminished considerably, which contributes to minimal food intake. Eating typically causes my abdominal discomfort to escalate, leading to further unease on top of a baseline of discomfort. This has resulted in a notable weight decrease—dropping from 125 pounds last fall to 115 on May 4th and now down to 107 pounds (at 5'4")—along with persistent aches and a general sense of malaise that fluctuates in severity. Mid-May, I also noticed a growing red spot on my cheek that resembles a small telangiectasia. While it may not be directly related, the timeline prompted me to mention it. Over the past year, I have had multiple brief instances of illness, characterized by fatigue and a vague sense of being unwell. However, these episodes have become more frequent, particularly since May, culminating in a notably challenging episode in the last few days. This latest phase has brought along heightened fatigue, body aches, and a severe headache, accompanied by intermittent sweating, hot flashes, and occasional chills. I have researched various potential causes for my abdominal swelling extensively. While I don't intend to lead anyone's thoughts in a specific direction, a description of itching akin to mine caught my attention while I was researching lymphoma, which I felt was pertinent to mention. A colonoscopy is scheduled for next month, and I hope it will shed light on my issues. However, thus far, no tests or imaging have indicated any specific concerns. I am trying to remain patient, but my symptoms are increasingly distressing, and I am alarmed by the rapid progression of these issues. Thank you for taking the time to read my account. I welcome any insights or advice you may have.
Anxiety Over Hantavirus Exposure
Greetings! This marks my inaugural post here on Reddit, so I appreciate your understanding. Recently, a group of seven friends joined forces to assist a disabled elderly woman with tidying up her basement, a place she seldom visits. Upon entering, we were greeted by an unsettling sight: mouse droppings scattered throughout—on boxes, furniture, and more. We discovered two empty traps along with a plug-in device labeled "rodent away". Despite not encountering any live or deceased mice, it’s possible these droppings are remnants of a previous infestation. As we swept the area, we were unprepared for this encounter with mice and lacked protective masks and gloves. Naturally, being the worrywart that I am, I took to Google for answers. Although we reside in a suburb of Cincinnati, which isn't known as a hotbed for such issues, I can't shake this feeling of anxiety about potential hantavirus exposure. The thoughts weigh heavily on my mind, and I'm finding it hard to focus on anything else.
Should I Worry About Petechiae?
I’m a 17-year-old female weighing 65 kg, and I don’t take any medications. I also neither smoke nor drink alcohol. After taking a hot shower today, I discovered several spots on my right thigh, and I believe they might be petechiae. I’ve come across information suggesting there may be a link between hot showers and the appearance of petechiae, which makes me wonder if that could be the reason. What troubles me most is that I have experienced similar spots before on my thighs. They usually fade away after a few weeks, but it seems that new ones appear every couple of months. Additionally, I’ve recently increased my walking activity, which might also play a role in the appearance of these spots. I’ve read that petechiae can sometimes result from trauma; however, I’m uncertain if that applies to me. There’s a lot of information online suggesting that petechiae could be linked to more serious conditions like leukemia, and I can’t help but feel anxious about that possibility. I’d appreciate any insights or guidance regarding this situation.
Reaction to a Bee Sting
Yesterday, while tending to the lawn, my husband (aged 40) was likely stung by a bee. It has been roughly thirty hours since the incident occurred. I'm curious to know whether this reaction is normal or if he should seek medical attention. The initial photo was taken using a flash, while the second captures the varying shades of color surrounding the area of the sting.