What are the common symptoms of tinnitus. How can tinnitus be effectively managed. What are the latest treatment options for tinnitus. How does sound therapy help with tinnitus. Can cognitive behavioral therapy alleviate tinnitus symptoms. What role does hearing loss play in tinnitus. How can self-help techniques improve tinnitus management.

Understanding Tinnitus: A Comprehensive Overview

Tinnitus, often described as a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears, is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While it’s not usually a sign of a serious underlying condition, tinnitus can significantly impact quality of life if left unmanaged. This article delves into the intricacies of tinnitus, exploring its symptoms, causes, and the various treatment strategies available to help those affected cope with this persistent auditory phenomenon.

What exactly is tinnitus?

Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the absence of an external source. These phantom sounds can manifest as:

• Ringing
• Buzzing
• Whistling
• Hissing
• Humming

The intensity and frequency of these sounds can vary greatly from person to person, ranging from a mild annoyance to a debilitating condition that interferes with daily activities and sleep.

Identifying the Root Causes of Tinnitus

Understanding the underlying factors that contribute to tinnitus is crucial for effective management. While the exact cause isn’t always identifiable, several common triggers have been recognized:

What are the primary causes of tinnitus?

1. Exposure to loud noises
2. Age-related hearing loss
3. Earwax blockage
4. Certain medications
5. Head or neck injuries
6. Cardiovascular problems
7. Stress and anxiety

In some cases, addressing these underlying issues can lead to a reduction or elimination of tinnitus symptoms. For instance, removing an earwax blockage or adjusting medications under medical supervision may provide relief.

The Complex Relationship Between Hearing Loss and Tinnitus

Hearing loss and tinnitus often go hand in hand, with many individuals experiencing both conditions simultaneously. This connection is not coincidental but rather a result of the intricate workings of our auditory system.

How does hearing loss contribute to tinnitus?

When hearing loss occurs, the brain receives less external auditory input. In response, it may begin to overcompensate by increasing its sensitivity to internal neural activity. This heightened sensitivity can manifest as the perception of sound where none exists externally – in other words, tinnitus.

Addressing hearing loss through the use of hearing aids or other interventions can have a dual benefit:

• Improving overall hearing capacity
• Potentially reducing the prominence of tinnitus

By reintroducing a broader range of external sounds, hearing aids can help mask tinnitus and reduce the brain’s tendency to focus on internal noise.

Innovative Treatment Approaches for Tinnitus Management

While there is no universal cure for tinnitus, a variety of treatment options are available to help individuals manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. These approaches often involve a combination of therapies tailored to each person’s unique experience with tinnitus.

What are the most effective tinnitus treatments?

1. Sound Therapy: This approach involves the use of external noise to alter the perception of or reaction to tinnitus. Sound therapy can be implemented through various means:

• White noise machines
• Specialized sound generators
• Smartphone apps with customizable soundscapes
• Hearing aids with built-in sound generators

2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a psychological approach that aims to change the way individuals think about and respond to their tinnitus. By addressing negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with tinnitus, CBT can help reduce anxiety and improve coping mechanisms.

3. Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT): This specialized form of therapy combines sound therapy with educational counseling to help the brain learn to tune out the tinnitus sound. TRT is based on the principle of habituation, where the brain gradually becomes less aware of the tinnitus over time.

4. Medications: While there is no specific medication to cure tinnitus, certain drugs may help manage associated symptoms such as anxiety, depression, or sleep disturbances. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any medication regimen.

5. Relaxation Techniques: Stress can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms, making relaxation an important component of management. Techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, and yoga can help reduce overall stress levels and potentially alleviate tinnitus distress.

The Power of Sound Therapy in Tinnitus Management

Sound therapy has emerged as a cornerstone in the treatment of tinnitus, offering a non-invasive and often effective way to manage symptoms. This approach capitalizes on the brain’s ability to adapt and refocus attention away from the internal tinnitus sound.

How does sound therapy work for tinnitus relief?

Sound therapy operates on several principles:

1. Masking: By introducing external sounds, the perception of tinnitus can be partially or completely covered up.
2. Distraction: Pleasant or neutral sounds can help shift attention away from the tinnitus.
3. Habituation: Over time, the brain can learn to classify the tinnitus sound as unimportant background noise.

Various sound therapy devices and techniques are available, ranging from simple background noise generators to more sophisticated options:

• Tabletop sound machines
• Pillow speakers for nighttime use
• In-ear devices resembling hearing aids
• Customized sound therapy apps for smartphones

The effectiveness of sound therapy can vary from person to person, and it often requires patience and consistent use to achieve optimal results. Many individuals find that combining sound therapy with other management strategies, such as counseling or relaxation techniques, provides the most comprehensive relief.

Harnessing the Mind: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Tinnitus

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has shown promising results in helping individuals cope with tinnitus by addressing the psychological aspects of the condition. This therapeutic approach focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with tinnitus, ultimately reducing its impact on daily life.

What benefits does CBT offer for tinnitus sufferers?

CBT for tinnitus typically aims to achieve the following outcomes:

• Reduced tinnitus-related distress
• Improved emotional well-being
• Enhanced coping strategies
• Better sleep quality
• Increased overall quality of life

The therapy process often involves:

1. Education about tinnitus and its mechanisms
2. Identification of negative thoughts and beliefs about tinnitus
3. Challenging and restructuring these thoughts
4. Learning relaxation and mindfulness techniques
5. Gradual exposure to tinnitus-related situations
6. Development of personalized coping strategies

CBT can be particularly effective when combined with other tinnitus management approaches, creating a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to individual needs.

Self-Help Strategies for Living with Tinnitus

While professional treatments play a crucial role in tinnitus management, there are numerous self-help techniques that individuals can employ to better cope with their symptoms on a day-to-day basis. These strategies can complement formal treatments and empower those with tinnitus to take an active role in their care.

What self-help methods can improve tinnitus management?

1. Stress Management: Since stress can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms, implementing stress-reduction techniques is crucial. Consider:

• Regular exercise
• Mindfulness meditation
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Breathing exercises

2. Sleep Hygiene: Tinnitus often interferes with sleep, creating a vicious cycle of fatigue and increased symptom awareness. Improve sleep quality by:

• Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule
• Creating a relaxing bedtime routine
• Avoiding screens before bed
• Using white noise or gentle sounds to mask tinnitus at night

3. Dietary Considerations: While evidence is limited, some individuals report that certain dietary changes can influence their tinnitus symptoms. Consider:

• Reducing caffeine and alcohol intake
• Limiting salt consumption
• Staying hydrated
• Avoiding potential trigger foods (individual responses may vary)

4. Mindful Sound Enrichment: Create a sound-rich environment to help distract from tinnitus:

• Use background music or nature sounds during quiet activities
• Experiment with different types of ambient noise to find what works best
• Consider using a sound app or white noise machine throughout the day

5. Engage in Absorbing Activities: Keeping the mind occupied can help reduce focus on tinnitus:

• Pursue hobbies and interests
• Practice mindfulness or meditation
• Engage in social activities
• Learn a new skill or language

6. Join Support Groups: Connecting with others who experience tinnitus can provide emotional support and practical tips:

• Look for local tinnitus support groups
• Join online forums or communities dedicated to tinnitus
• Attend workshops or seminars on tinnitus management

7. Practice Acceptance: While it may seem counterintuitive, learning to accept the presence of tinnitus rather than constantly fighting against it can reduce its emotional impact. This doesn’t mean giving up on treatment, but rather changing one’s relationship with the condition.

The Future of Tinnitus Research and Treatment

As our understanding of tinnitus continues to evolve, researchers are exploring innovative approaches to both treatment and prevention. These advancements offer hope for more effective management strategies and potentially even a cure in the future.

What promising developments are on the horizon for tinnitus treatment?

1. Neuromodulation Techniques: Researchers are investigating various methods to directly influence brain activity associated with tinnitus:

• Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
• Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)
• Vagus nerve stimulation

These techniques aim to alter neural activity in regions of the brain linked to tinnitus perception, potentially providing relief from symptoms.

2. Pharmacological Interventions: While no drug has been specifically approved for tinnitus treatment, ongoing research is exploring potential pharmaceutical solutions:

• Drugs targeting neurotransmitter systems involved in tinnitus
• Compounds aimed at protecting or regenerating auditory hair cells
• Medications to address underlying neurological processes

3. Gene Therapy: Advances in genetic research may lead to targeted therapies for certain forms of tinnitus, particularly those with a genetic component:

• Correcting genetic mutations associated with hearing loss and tinnitus
• Enhancing the expression of protective genes in the auditory system

4. Personalized Treatment Approaches: As we gain a better understanding of the diverse nature of tinnitus, treatment strategies are becoming more tailored to individual needs:

• Advanced diagnostic tools to identify specific tinnitus subtypes
• Customized combination therapies based on individual profiles
• AI-driven treatment selection and optimization

5. Prevention Strategies: Alongside treatment advancements, there’s a growing focus on preventing tinnitus:

• Enhanced hearing protection technologies
• Public education campaigns on noise-induced hearing damage
• Early intervention programs for those at risk of developing tinnitus

6. Virtual Reality Applications: VR technology is being explored as a tool for tinnitus management:

• Immersive sound therapy experiences
• Virtual support group environments
• Cognitive training programs in VR settings

7. Biomarker Identification: Researchers are working to identify biological markers associated with tinnitus, which could lead to:

• More accurate diagnosis and classification of tinnitus types
• Improved ability to track treatment efficacy
• Development of targeted therapies based on specific biomarkers

As research progresses, individuals living with tinnitus can look forward to an expanding array of treatment options and a deeper understanding of this complex condition. While a universal cure may still be on the horizon, these advancements promise to significantly improve the quality of life for those affected by tinnitus.

In conclusion, managing tinnitus effectively often requires a multifaceted approach, combining professional treatments with self-help strategies. By staying informed about the latest developments and working closely with healthcare providers, individuals with tinnitus can develop a personalized management plan that addresses their unique needs and circumstances. With ongoing research and innovative treatment approaches on the horizon, the future looks promising for those seeking relief from tinnitus.

Tinnitus symptoms & treatments – Illnesses & conditions

There’s not usually a quick fix for tinnitus, but it will often improve gradually over time. A number of treatments are available to help you cope.

If your tinnitus is caused by an underlying health condition, treating the condition will help stop or reduce the sounds you hear.

For example, if your tinnitus is caused by an earwax build-up, eardrops or ear irrigation may be used. Ear irrigation involves using a pressurised flow of water to remove the earwax.

Read more about how an earwax build-up is treated.

However, in many cases a cause for tinnitus can’t be found, so treatments will be used to help you manage the problem on a daily basis. These are described below.

Correcting hearing loss

Any degree of hearing loss you have should be addressed because straining to listen can make tinnitus worse.

Correcting even fairly minor hearing loss means the parts of the brain involved in hearing don’t have to work as hard and therefore don’t pay as much attention to the tinnitus.

A specialist will test your hearing and recommend appropriate treatment. This could involve having a hearing aid fitted, and occasionally surgery.

Improving your hearing will also mean sounds you wouldn’t otherwise hear will now be audible, which may help override the sounds of your tinnitus.

Read more about treating hearing loss.

Sound therapy

Tinnitus is often most noticeable in quiet environments. The aim of “sound therapy” or “sound enrichment” is to fill any silence with neutral sounds to distract you from the sound of tinnitus.

This may involve simple measures such as opening a window to hear noises coming from outside, leaving a radio or television on, or listening to sounds on a portable music player.

You can get specially-designed sound generators that look similar to a radio. These produce quiet natural sounds, such as leaves rustling in the wind and waves lapping on the shore. White noise generators are similar devices that produce a continuous “shushing” sound at a level that’s comfortable and soothing.

Also available are pillows containing built-in speakers to help distract you from tinnitus when you go to sleep, and small sound-generator devices that fit in your ear like a hearing aid. Some hearing aids have built-in sound generators for people with tinnitus.

Counselling

Understanding tinnitus plays an important part in learning how to cope with the condition and manage it more effectively.

Tinnitus counseling is a type of therapy where you work with a healthcare professional to help you learn more about your tinnitus and find ways of coping with it. It’s usually carried out by hearing therapists, audiologists (hearing disorder specialists) or doctors.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is often used to treat mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. It’s based on the idea that your thoughts affect the way you behave. Treatment aims to retrain the way you think to change your behaviour.

This technique can be effectively applied to tinnitus. For example, if your knowledge about tinnitus is limited, you may have certain ideas about it that make you feel anxious and depressed. This can make your tinnitus worse.

Changing the way you think about your tinnitus and what you do about it can help reduce your anxiety and enable you to accept the noises, which after a while may become less noticeable.

Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT)

Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) is a special type of therapy that aims to help retrain the way your brain responds to tinnitus so you start to tune the sound out and become less aware of it. The therapy involves a combination of more intensive sound therapy and long-term counselling.

TRT is widely available privately and may be available on the NHS for people with very severe or persistent tinnitus. It should only be carried out by someone specially trained in the technique.

Self-help

Some people find self-help techniques useful for managing their tinnitus. These techniques include:

• relaxation – stress can make your tinnitus worse, so relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and yoga may help
• listening to music – calming music and sounds may help you relax and fall asleep at bedtime
• sleep hygiene – if tinnitus is affecting your sleep, sleep hygiene measures such as sticking to a regular sleep pattern and avoiding caffeine or alcohol shortly before going to bed may help
• hobbies and activities – having a hobby or regularly participating in any activity you find enjoyable may help distract you from tinnitus
• support groups – sharing your experiences with others who have tinnitus may help you cope better

Action on Hearing Loss provide further details about support and activities in your local area. Their free information line telephone number is 0808 808 0123.

You may also find the British Tinnitus Association a useful source of information. You can call their confidential helpline free of charge on 0800 018 0527.

5 remedies and when to see a doctor

Long exposure to loud noises, such as attending a concert with no ear protection, can damage the delicate structures within the ear. This can cause a ringing in the ears, known as tinnitus.

Tinnitus can be bothersome, as the sound can make hearing difficult and interrupt daily life. Tinnitus after a concert is usually temporary and should subside within a few days.

However, damage to the structures in the ear may be permanent, so it is important to take steps to prevent further hearing loss.

Share on PinterestAttending loud concerts without any ear protection may result in ringing in the ears.

Loud noises can damage tiny hair cells in the inner ear. These hair cells vibrate in response to noise and send a message to the brain. Once destroyed, the cells do not grow back.

Scientists think that damage to these cells causes the brain to misinterpret the signal it receives, so it makes up a sound instead. This is what causes a person to hear ringing in their ears after a concert, even when the room is silent.

Some live music can be extremely loud. Any exposure to sounds at or above 85 decibels (dB) can cause noise-induced hearing loss.

For reference, the volume of a typical conversation is about 60 dB. The level of noise from heavy city traffic is around 85 dB. Concerts are usually well over this 85 dB level.

While the average concert-goer may experience symptoms that only last a couple of hours, anyone listening to live music regularly may start to experience tinnitus for more extended periods of time if they do not take steps to treat or prevent the damage.

There is a variety of ways to help ease ringing in the ears, including:

1. Reduce exposure to loud sounds

Share on PinterestListening to soft music through over-ear headphones may help distract from the ears ringing.

While the ears can often recover from damage, it is still important to reduce exposure to loud sounds when experiencing tinnitus.

This may mean talking quietly, avoiding loud bars or events, and avoiding in-ear headphones. Watching television or listening to the radio at lower volumes than usual may also help the ears recover.

2. Distraction

Sometimes, a person only notices ringing in the ears when there are no other sounds to compete with it. In these cases, it may help to distract the ears from the ringing by listening to soft music or an engaging podcast.

Meditation and yoga may also help take the focus off of the ringing. These techniques may also help reduce stress, which is sometimes a contributing factor to tinnitus.

3. White noise

If the ringing causes trouble sleeping, it may help to use some gentle white noise to distract the brain from focusing on the sound.

Some people find the hum of a room fan is enough to allow them to sleep. Others prefer the sounds of ocean waves or the static from a television to help them sleep.

4. Head tapping

Another method to help reduce or eliminate ringing in the ears after a concert is a type of head tapping.

Head tapping involves a few simple steps:

• Place the palms over the ears, resting the fingers at the base of the skull in the back of the head.
• Keeping the ears covered with the palms, raise the index fingers up and tap the back of the head. This should produce a sound inside the head that is similar to the tap of a drum.
• Gently tap the head around 50 times.
• Repeat the process a few times each day as needed for relief.

5. Reducing alcohol and caffeine

People with ringing in their ears after a concert are often told to stop drinking alcohol and caffeine. While there is little scientific evidence to back up this claim, some people may find that reducing the amount of caffeine or alcohol they drink could help reduce their symptoms.

If the ringing in the ears does not go away after a day or so, it may be time to see a doctor. It is possible that something other than the concert is causing the tinnitus.

Numerous things could influence ringing in the ears, and doctors will want to check the most likely culprits. During the appointment, a doctor will likely do a physical exam of the ear canal.

In some cases, excess earwax or a foreign object can get stuck inside the ear and cause tinnitus. Doctors may also check for signs of an ear infection, ask about the person’s stress levels, and ask about any medications they take.

Tinnitus influenced by any of these factors should clear up once the underlying condition is treated.

In cases of chronic tinnitus, doctors can recommend hearing devices or medications to help ease some of the symptoms.

Hearing ringing in the ears after a concert is a sign of hearing damage, which may be permanent. Taking preventative measures is crucial to avoid noise-induced hearing loss.

Earplugs

Share on PinterestWearing earplugs at concerts can help prevent noise-induced hearing loss.

Foam earplugs are available at many pharmacies or grocery stores, and many music venues even provide them to guests.

There are even companies that make custom earplugs to help reduce the loudness of the sound of a concert without affecting the quality of the sound.

In an emergency, clean paper napkins that are balled up and gently positioned in the outer ear may help muffle the loud sounds of a concert.

Seating

When buying tickets for a concert, it may help to pay attention to where the speakers will be located in the venue. Booking seats further away from the speakers may help reduce the amount of sound reaching the ear.

Taking breaks

Continuous loud noise only puts the ear at more risk for tinnitus. Taking regular breaks at a concert to go outside for fresh air or visit the bathroom may help give the ears a break.

People experiencing ringing in their ears after a concert do not need to panic, as the symptoms will likely start to fade within a few hours.

Home remedies can often help speed up the process, and a trip to the doctor may uncover any underlying cause in cases of persistent tinnitus.

While experiencing temporary tinnitus after exposure to loud music is not an immediate cause for concern, the damage done to a person’s hearing may add up over time.

Many of the causes of tinnitus are preventable, such as visiting concerts or playing music too loud in headphones, so it is important to take steps to prevent noise-induced hearing loss.

Tinnitus Steals the Sound of Silence

By Jonathan Cryer, MD

If you are bothered by a high-pitched sound, buzzing, or shushing in one or both ears, you may have a condition called tinnitus, which effects a majority of the population at some point in their lives.

Can other people hear the annoying sounds I’m hearing?

In most instances, other people cannot hear those annoying sounds. There are two types of tinnitus, subjective and objective. Subjective tinnitus, which is the most common type, describes sounds that only the person with the condition can hear. Objective tinnitus produces sounds that your doctor can detect during an examination and may have any number of causes, from vascular malformations in the head to a bug trapped in the ear.

What causes subjective tinnitus?

The most common cause of tinnitus is hearing loss associated either with advancing age or exposure to loud noise. It’s not uncommon for people who are annoyed by the sound in their ears to be unaware of their hearing loss: they first learn about it during evaluation and testing.

Another common cause of tinnitus is medication. People using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen or aspirin often experience ringing in their ears.

What should I do if I have ringing or other noise in my ears?

If you have either intermittent or constant ringing in one or both ears, it’s a good idea to mention it to your doctor. While these noises are usually benign, your doctor may send you to an ear, nose, and throat specialist (otorhinolaryngologist) for further evaluation. Tinnitus does not often represent a serious medical problem; however, it can be a tremendous nuisance. Depending on the individual involved, tinnitus can have a significant impact on quality of life.

What happens during the evaluation?

The doctor will take your medical history and give you a physical examination, which may include a neurological evaluation and an audiogram (hearing test). If the history and physical uncover anything other than common tinnitus, the doctor may suggest some blood tests and an MRI to survey the brain and inner ear. In reading the MRI, the doctor will pay particular attention to the eighth cranial nerve, which conveys information on hearing and balance from the inner ear to the brain.

How is tinnitus treated?

There are several treatment options for people with benign tinnitus. While it is usually difficult to make the noise stop entirely, there are strategies that can help diminish the impact tinnitus has on a person’s life. Many people gain relief by simply masking the noise to cover up the tinnitus. Running a radio on low static or turning on a white noise machine at night can help you get to sleep. Some white noise machines resemble hearing aids and fit into the ear.

Some people find that biofeedback and habituation techniques are helpful in managing tinnitus. By working with someone trained in these techniques, patients can learn to compartmentalize the tinnitus and live with it more compatibly. For some people, merely learning that the tinnitus is benign and not something to worry about provides sufficient relief.

How can I avoid tinnitus?

Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain medications is associated with tinnitus. Let your doctor know if you are taking this type of pain medication; he or she may be able to adjust your medicine to reduce or stop the tinnitus.

Tinnitus that accompanies hearing loss is something we can avoid by avoiding acoustic trauma. If in your professional or recreational life you are exposed to a lot of noise, take the precaution of wearing ear plugs or some other type of hearing protection. When you are mowing the lawn, weed-whacking, skeet shooting, hunting, or riding a motorcycle, protect your hearing.

Some people don’t worry about hearing loss because they don’t understand that losing our hearing is not just about having our internal volume turned down. Hearing can become very distorted; sounds and voices can become tinny, unpleasant, and strange. The best prevention is protection.

Dr. Cryer is an otorhinolaryngologist (a doctor who specializes in ear, nose, and throat). He trained at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, where he completed medical school, followed by a surgery internship and residency in otorhinolaryngology and head and neck surgery. He serves on the medical staff of Cayuga Medical Center and is in practice at Cayuga Ear, Nose, Throat—Head and Neck Surgery.

Why Are My Ears Always Ringing?

Christa earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Speech & Hearing Science from Purdue University and her Doctorate of Audiology degree from Ball State University in December 2001. She is currently the Director of Audiology for Whisper Hearing Centers. Prior to joining Whisper Hearing Centers Dr. Smith was the Au.D. Program Coordinator and Associate Clinical Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Doctor of Audiology Program.

Latest posts by Christa N. Smith, Au.D., CCC-A (see all)

Although an estimated 15 to 20 percent of Americans experience persistent ringing in their ears – called tinnitus – it is still vastly misunderstood. In fact, many people don’t even know it exists!

What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus is the term for the sensation of hearing a sound in the absence of any external sound. That is, hearing a ringing sound, when there is no actual sound present. The single symptom of tinnitus is this ever-present “phantom” ringing sound. The noise of tinnitus may vary in pitch from low to high, and it may be heard in one or both ears. It may be constantly present, or it may come and go. The noise may be heard as a ringing, buzzing, whooshing, chirping, or roaring sound.

What causes tinnitus?

Tinnitus isn’t actually a condition itself, rather it is often a symptom of an underlying condition. Tinnitus may develop as a result of a number of conditions or circumstances, and in many cases, an exact cause of tinnitus is never found. Most often, tinnitus develops as a result of an existing hearing loss.

Some of the most common causes of tinnitus include:

Age-related hearing loss

For many people, hearing worsens with age, usually starting around age 60. The medical term for age-related hearing loss is presbycusis. This type of hearing loss may result in the development of tinnitus.

Exposure to loud, damaging noise

Exposure to loud noises, such as those from heavy equipment, firearms, or power tools are common sources of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Like age-related hearing loss, NIHL may also lead to tinnitus. Short-term noise exposure, such as attending a loud sporting event or concert, may cause temporary tinnitus. However, both short- and long- term exposure to noise can cause permanent hearing damage.

Impacted earwax

When too much earwax builds up in the ear canal, it can become too hard to wash away naturally, causing hearing loss and irritation of the ear drum. This impacted earwax can prevent sound waves from reaching the inner ear and cause temporary tinnitus.

Ear bone changes

Otosclerosis, or stiffening of the bones in the middle ear, may affect hearing and lead to the development of tinnitus. This condition is often caused by abnormal bone growth and tends to run in families.

There are many less-common causes of tinnitus, including

• Meniere’s disease
• Ototoxic prescription drugs
• Traumatic head and neck injury
• Atherosclerosis
• Temporomandibular Disorder (TMJ)
• Traumatic brain injury
• High blood pressure
• Acoustic neuroma
• Eustachian tube dysfunction

What can I do about the ringing in my ears?

Fortunately, tinnitus usually isn’t a sign of something serious, but it can certainly be a serious annoyance. In some cases, the sound can be so loud it can interfere with one’s ability to concentrate or hear external sound. Like hearing loss, tinnitus symptoms can worsen with age.

Although there is no known cure for tinnitus, symptoms may be greatly reduced with treatment. In many cases, treating an identified underlying cause of tinnitus can help to relieve tinnitus symptoms. In other cases, treatments help to reduce or mask the noise, making tinnitus less noticeable.

Because tinnitus is often developed as a result of an existing hearing loss, the use of hearing aids may help. Augmenting the reception and perception of sounds can help provide relief from the internal sounds of tinnitus. Sound and behavior therapies, among other treatments, have been shown to help provide relief. Many patients also notice that their general wellness can have an impact on the intensity of their tinnitus symptoms. (Read more about tinnitus treatment options here.)

Do I have tinnitus?

When evaluating tinnitus cases, audiologists use a supplemental set of tests. While there is currently no way to objectively test for tinnitus, there are several protocols to measure the patient’s subjective perception of tinnitus sound, pitch, and volume.

If you’re experiencing constant ringing in your ears, contact Whisper Hearing Centers for help. Our compassionate audiologists work with patients every day who are struggling with tinnitus, and they understand how frustrating it can be. You don’t have to suffer through tinnitus symptoms alone. Give us a call today to schedule a hearing evaluation, and start your journey to relieve the ringing.

Tinnitus Ringing in the Ears Treatment and Relief

Tinnitus takes on

many forms

Constant ringing, buzzing, whistling and; hissing sounds in the ears can point to a common condition called Tinnitus. Besides soft-to-loud ringing in the ears, the most common form of Tinnitus produces soft-to-loud humming or rushing-water sounds. 

Tonal Tinnitus causes a constant chiming sound in the ears, like a musical note played again and again.

Pulsatile Tinnitus produces a sound that pulsates in time to one’s heartbeat.

Mixed Tinnitus symptoms are characterized by multiple noises heard at the same time.

Objective Tinnitus is very rare and produces noises heard not only by the affected individual, but by others as well. 

Should you get help managing your Tinnitus from a Beltone hearing care professional? 

Although frustrating, Tinnitus is rarely serious. If you are experiencing constant ringing in the ears, or similar unexplained noises, you should see a hearing care professional. 

Visit your local Beltone Hearing Center for a free, comprehensive hearing evaluation that includes an audiogram, medical history, and physical ear examination designed to pinpoint the origin of your Tinnitus—and put you on the road to Tinnitus relief.

It’s easy to make an appointment with a hearing care professional near you.

Tips for

Tinnitus relief  

It’s true that Tinnitus has no cure, but it is possible to achieve Tinnitus relief.  

• Avoid loud noise and wear ear protection when you can’t avoid loud noise 
• Pay special attention to your blood pressure—high blood pressure can be a culprit
• Watch your diet—decreasing salt intake and stimulants such as coffee, soda, tobacco, and aspirin can help
• Make sure to monitor your stress level
• Get ample rest and exercise moderately a few days a week
• Use a competing sound such as a radio, white-noise maker, or fan to help “cancel out” the constant “ringing in the ears” you hear.
• Track  your Tinnitus symptoms in order to identify common triggers.  

Get Beltone’s

Tinnitus Calmer App 

Distract your brain from focusing on your Tinnitus with the help of Beltone’s Tinnitus Calmer app. Available on iPhone®, iPad®, iPod touch®, and Android™ devices, the app offers a combination of sound therapy and relaxation exercises that help provide relief from Tinnitus.

Download the FREE app on the iPhone App Store and Google Play Store.

Hearing aids can provide Tinnitus relief

According to a study in The Hearing Review, approximately 60 percent of people with Tinnitus experienced at least some relief from hearing aids, and approximately 22 percent found substantial relief.

When a person begins to lose their hearing, the brain changes the way it processes sound, which can  cause Tinnitus symptoms. Often, the better you hear other sounds clearly, the less you will perceive your Tinnitus. Visit your local Beltone office to discuss your options with a hearing care professional.  

Find your local Beltone Center

What is tinnitus? Learn more about ringing in the ears

Side profile of a woman’s ear.

Tinnitus is defined as a ringing or buzzing in the ears. Tinnitus is subjective, meaning you can hear it, but other people can’t. About 1 out of every 10 Americans has tinnitus, and it’s especially common among U. S. veterans.

People who have tinnitus often describe

it as a buzzing, whooshing, or ringing in

the ears.

Symptoms of tinnitus: Why do my ears ring?

A persistent ringing, buzzing, or whirring sound can indicate tinnitus. It can be loud or soft, pulsing or steady. You may feel like you have “ringing in the ears” or that your head is full. But tinnitus symptoms are different for every person. For some, tinnitus seems to get louder at night, just before sleep when no other sounds are competing with it. Tinnitus can remain constant or come and go intermittently. In severe cases, the ringing in the ears is loud enough to interfere with work or daily activity, whereas those with mild tinnitus can experience soft ringing that is no more than a minor annoyance.

Causes of tinnitus

While the underlying cause of many cases of tinnitus is never discovered, there are some common risk factors, which including aging, loud noise exposure, certain unhealthy habits, and many different health conditions, such as high blood pressure or Meinere’s disease.

• Age: Around the age of 60, hearing sensitivity can start getting worse. Learn more about the connection between hearing loss and tinnitus. 
• Loud noise exposure: Being exposed to occupational loud noise on a regular basis from heavy equipment, chain saws or firearms is a common cause of tinnitus. However, even if you don’t work in a noisy environment, you can still suffer the effects of noise exposure by listening to loud music through headphones, attending live music performances frequently and engaging in noisy hobbies.
• Unhealthy habits: Researchers are not entirely certain why, but drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, eating certain foods and drinking caffeinated beverages can play a role in tinnitus.
• Common ailments: Having anemia, allergies, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, circulatory problems, diabetes and an underactive thyroid gland are all medical conditions that can lead to tinnitus. (Hearing a pulsing sound, known as pulsatile tinnitus, should always be investigated by a doctor.)

Can tinnitus sound like clicking?

In most cases, no. Most tinnitus sounds like a ringing, hissing or buzzing sound. If you do hear a persistent clicking sound, it’s worth investigating to find out where it is coming from. 

The seismic effect: For some people, the jarring motion of brisk walking can produce what is called a seismic effect that causes movement in the small bones or contractions in the muscles of the middle ear space. You can experiment to find out if this is the cause by walking slowly and smoothly to see if the clicking is present. Then, try walking quickly and with a lot of motion to see if you hear the clicking. You can also test for the seismic effect by moving your head up and down quickly. 

If you do detect the seismic effect, it is likely nothing that indicates a serious medical condition. However, if it is a constant annoyance, discuss it with your hearing care professional.

How can I make my ears stop ringing?

Although there’s no proven cure for tinnitus, there are many different treatments that help make it easier to ignore. For example, because tinnitus is so common among people with hearing loss, properly fitted hearing aids can be very helpful. Modern hearing aids not only come with tinnitus masking features, they also help “retrain” the brain to focus on desired sounds, known as sound therapy. In other cases, tinnitus treatments can include medications.

Modern hearing aids not only come with tinnitus masking features, they also help “retrain” the brain to focus on desired sounds, known as sound therapy.

People with tinnitus often view their suffering as a common part of everyday life they learn to cope with. Because many cases of tinnitus aren’t severe enough for medical treatment, some people turn to alternative therapies for finding relief.

Many people find improving their overall health provides some comfort from tinnitus symptoms. This means controlling your blood pressure, reducing stress and decreasing caffeine consumption. Other tinnitus relief strategies include relaxation exercises, meditation and visualization.

Another treatment option is called tinnitus retaining therapy (TRT), and it is designed to teach you to ignore the background ringing noise in the ear, known as habituation. In addition to counseling sessions, a white noise generator is used to create environmental sounds to override the tinnitus.

In rare cases, tinnitus can lead to suicidal thoughts. Read more on why this happens, and what you can do about it in Tinnitus and suicidal thoughts: What to do when life feels overwhelming.

Do I have Meniere’s disease?

Meniere’s disease isn’t directly connected to tinnitus, but people with Meniere’s often experience it, at least temporarily. Meniere’s disease is an inner ear disease that typically only affects one ear. This disease can cause hearing loss, pressure or pain in the ear, severe cases of dizziness or vertigo and a ringing or roaring tinnitus. While Meniere’s isn’t fully understood, it appears that several relief options for tinnitus can also help with this disease. Patients are often advised to reduce stress and lower their consumption of caffeine and sodium.

What if my doctor doesn’t take me seriously?

Tinnitus in and of itself is not life-threatening. However, because side effects can include mental distress, insomnia and other negative impacts, tinnitus should be taken seriously by your healthcare provider. If you feel your doctor isn’t helping, seek a different provider.

Mental health care is an important part of proper tinnitus treatment, so contacting a therapist or psychiatrist also is recommended if tinnitus is making it hard to cope. 

Getting help for tinnitus 

If you have tinnitus, you might be feeling frustrated and helpless, but there is hope.

The first step is to consult a hearing care professional for a thorough check of your auditory system. Your doctor may recommend you see an audiologist who specializes in diagnosing and managing tinnitus. Visit our directory of hearing care providers to find a hearing clinic that can perform tinnitus testing near you. Please note that not all hearing clinics treat tinnitus, so you may need to browse several clinic pages to find the right provider.

Joy Victory, managing editor, Healthy Hearing

Joy Victory has extensive experience editing consumer health information. Her training in particular has focused on how to best communicate evidence-based medical guidelines and clinical trial results to the public. She strives to make health content accurate, accessible and engaging to the public.
Read more about Joy.

Tinnitus, Ringing In Ears Symptoms And Treatment

And it’s a surprisingly common affliction. More than 50 million people in the U.S. have experienced tinnitus, and about 20 percent of those who have it report that it negatively affects their quality of life, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Indeed, tinnitus can have substantial ripple effects on how a person feels and functions. During the day the condition can cause sufferers to have trouble focusing or thinking clearly; at night, it can lead to trouble sleeping, notes Quinton Gopen, an otolaryngologist at UCLA Medical Center.

But a ringing or buzzing in your ear can also be a sign of problems you shouldn’t try to ignore. If you have the sensation in one ear, as I did, such unilateral tinnitus could signal a (usually benign) tumor on the acoustic nerve. If you hear a noise that pulses like a heartbeat (what’s called pulsatile tinnitus) in one or both ears, the pattern could stem from blood vessel abnormalities or vascular malformations. In either case, see an ear, nose, throat (ENT) doctor (aka an otolaryngologist) who may order imaging tests, such as an MRI or CT scan, to suss out these problems, Gopen says.

Although tinnitus can start at any age, it becomes more common as people get older. That’s because as the decades pass, the hair cells in the inner ear tend to degenerate, which in turn makes auditory neurons hyperactive, explains Michael Benninger, an otolaryngologist and chairman of the Head and Neck Institute at the Cleveland Clinic. “This hyperactivity causes them to respond as if they’re being stimulated by sound even when they aren’t,” he says. Exposure to loud noises (say, from listening to music at too high a volume with earbuds or enduring on-the-job exposure to roaring machinery) or having a strong family history of hearing loss increases your risk of developing tinnitus at a younger age, Benninger adds.

What’s more, having a severe ear infection, a disorder of the temporomandibular (jaw) joint, Ménière’s disease (a disorder of the inner ear) or an earwax blockage can increase your risk of developing the condition. Some medications can contribute to tinnitus, including high doses of aspirin and regular use of other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen), as well as certain antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, diuretics and antidepressants. Once you have ringing in the ears, lifestyle factors such as stress and sleep deprivation can make it worse.

Sometimes, though, there isn’t a clear cause, as I discovered for myself. Because I had tinnitus in only one ear, I scheduled an appointment with an otolaryngologist, who turned out to be not too concerned about it, partly because he was my age (45) and had tinnitus in both ears. He examined my ears, sent me for a hearing test and ordered an MRI, to look for a structural cause. The results: My ears looked fine, my hearing turned out to be normal for my age, and the MRI showed nothing unusual in my head. All good news, except it didn’t explain why high-pitched sounds continued to recur in my left ear. I decided I’d have to learn to live with it, because there isn’t a cure for tinnitus.

Still, it’s worth seeing a doctor because if there is a physiological cause (such as a severe ear infection, a jaw joint disorder or excessive earwax), it’s often treatable. And even if there isn’t, a doctor can help you find ways to ease your symptoms. Some people experience a reduction in their tinnitus while taking supplements of lipoflavonoids or ginkgo biloba, for instance, though the research on their effectiveness is mixed, Gopen says. Others get relief from medications such as a tricyclic antidepressant (such as amitriptyline) or a benzodiazepine (such as Klonopin).

If you have hearing loss as well as tinnitus, wearing a hearing aid can help restore a more normal input of sounds, says Daniel Jethanamest, M.D., of the department of otolaryngology, head and neck surgery at New York University Langone Health, who explains that these devices can include features such as “habituation” sounds, which help the brain learn to ignore tinnitus’s ringing or buzzing, or “notch therapy,” which filters out the pitch of a person’s tinnitus, to enhance external sounds and inhibit internal ones.

Hearing aids for tinnitus aren’t recommended, however, if you don’t already have hearing loss. In that case, you can turn to sound-masking devices or other sound therapies to distract you from the internal noise. A relatively new device called Desyncra uses an iPod to deliver four tones, customized to match the individual’s tinnitus. Instead of relying on habituation, the goal is to reset modulation of the neuronal networks that are involved in tinnitus, Jethanamest explains. Doctors also recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to help patients cope with the condition.  

Luckily for me, my tinnitus is fairly mild, and, eight years on, it comes and goes — in both ears now and at a lower volume. It flares up mostly at night, particularly when I’m under a lot of stress or when I get wax buildup in my ears, so I make an effort to keep my ears clean and to relax before going to bed. If the tones arrive despite these precautions, I practice mindfulness meditation: I acknowledge their presence without reacting to them and focus on the pattern and sensation of my breathing; as I do this, the sounds seem to gradually fade, and I fall asleep. It’s not a fluke that this technique helps me. In a recent study, researchers in the United Kingdom found that practicing mindfulness meditation helped improve tinnitus more than relaxation therapy did.    

If my tinnitus worsens down the road, I’m counting on the possibility that new treatments will be available. Already, more aggressive treatments — such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and deep brain stimulation, which use either magnetic pulses or electromagnetic energy to stimulate the brain — are being investigated for beneficial effects for those with unrelenting tinnitus that severely compromises their quality of life. One way or another, my hope is that a cure will be found for those who are truly bothered by the noises in their head.

90,000 Why do some sounds cause painful reactions (with or without hearing loss)

Learn how to reduce your sensitivity to sound.

If you’ve ever winced at the scratching of your nails on a blackboard, you know very well how unpleasant some sounds can be. Of course, the degree of sensitivity to sound differs from person to person. Sounds that are too loud or harsh are uncomfortable for most people, but some people experience discomfort even from everyday sounds.

Sensitivity to sound affects both people with hearing loss and people with normal hearing. However, this phenomenon is more common in people with certain forms of hearing loss, such as sensorineural hearing loss or age-related hearing loss. In addition, people who experience tinnitus or tinnitus may also suffer from increased sensitivity to sounds.

To cope with this painful reaction, it is important to gain an understanding of the different types of sound sensitivities.If you understand what the increased sensitivity to sounds is related to in your case, you can solve this problem and improve your hearing.

Various types of sound sensitivity

Loud sounds

People with normal hearing are usually uncomfortable with too loud sounds. Sounds in the frequency range from 2000 to 5000 Hz cause especially great discomfort. This is due to two reasons.

First, exposure to loud noise negatively affects our ability to hear.Virtually any sound exceeding 85 dB can cause hearing loss with prolonged exposure. Since loud sounds damage the nerves, membranes and hair cells of the ear, it is logical that we perceive such sounds as unpleasant noise. Such sounds are so uncomfortable that in this situation people usually tend to change their surroundings or lower the volume, thus protecting their hearing from the effects of loud sounds.

Second, studies have shown that our brains respond differently to high-pitched sounds, especially sounds in the 2000 to 5000 Hz frequency range.Although the nature of this phenomenon is not entirely clear, imaging studies have shown that when exposed to sounds of this level, a specific area of ​​the brain (amygdala) is activated. Since the amygdala is responsible for emotional responses, this may explain the fact that high-pitched sounds like this cause feelings of discomfort, fear, or even panic.

Hyperacusis

In people with normal hearing, increased sensitivity occurs when exposed to sounds with a loudness of more than 85–95 dB.In the case of hyperacusis, the ability to tolerate noise is reduced. Uncomfortable volume levels in people with hearing sensitivity are usually well below average.

Phenomenon of accelerated increase in loudness (FUNG)

This type of sensitivity to sound is commonly seen in people with diagnosed hearing loss. The decrease in hearing ability is often caused by damage to nerves, membranes and hair cells. The inability to hear sounds of a specific pitch and frequency depends on the type and extent of the damage.

Thus, people with hearing loss do not perceive noise of a certain height and frequency. However, as the volume of such noise increases, its pitch or frequency changes at some point and it becomes audible. This sudden exposure to noise causes significant discomfort and explains the fact that people with hearing loss often complain of increased sensitivity to sound.

The use of hearing aids can help cope with this type of sound sensitivity.Hearing aids will greatly improve your hearing ability, and the abrupt transition from inability to hear to very loud noise will disappear.

Increased sensitivity to sounds

Some people have an innate hypersensitivity to certain sounds. Typically, increased sensitivity is associated with sounds that exceed a certain frequency, although the degree of this sensitivity depends on the individual. Depending on the degree of sensitivity, even everyday sounds and background noise can be extremely uncomfortable.

Hypersensitivity to sound is common in autistic patients, although this phenomenon can occur on its own. However, the sensitivity to sounds can be reduced by complex therapy of the hearing organ, which ensures the perception of sounds without the development of a negative reaction.

Misophony

Patients with misophonia have a pronounced intolerance to sounds. Unlike other forms of sound sensitivity, in misophonia, intolerance is not limited to loud or high-pitched sounds.In fact, in patients with misophonia, quiet sounds are often the most common triggering factors.

Treatment of sensitivity to sounds

As noted above, auditory sensitivity occurs for a number of reasons. To obtain appropriate treatment, you must consult a qualified hearing care professional. For example, a consultation with an otolaryngologist will allow you to undergo a comprehensive diagnosis and accurately determine the cause of auditory sensitivity.

If exposure to loud sounds has caused some degree of hearing loss, it may cause increased sensitivity to sounds. Although there is no cure for hearing loss, it can be prevented with hearing protection. If you’ve already been diagnosed with permanent hearing loss, using the correct hearing aid can help you minimize your sensitivity to sound and improve your hearing.

To find out more or get help today, contact your nearest hearing care center or subscribe to our newsletter.

Painful Perception of Sounds

Most of us are quite comfortable with loud sounds, if they do not annoy too often and do not reach a level at which the sound vibration hurts. We may experience negative emotion, resentment, or even try to influence the source of the loud noise, but no more. At the same time, there is a whole category of people for whom even a not very loud or harsh sound is categorically unacceptable and can cause not only irritation, but also anger, as a result of the received sound shock.

Such a painful perception of loud sounds of the surrounding world is called hyperacusis or acousticophobia. Although this condition is not a disease, the inconvenience is not conducive to a fulfilling life. Some, especially sensitive people, due to the discomfort caused by such sounds, may even develop neurotic painful conditions.

Any familiar sound can become an irritant – the voices of children, the noise of cars, the hum of a vacuum cleaner, pops, etc. As for sharp and loud sounds, for example, the sound of a working puncher, a chainsaw, a car signal, they can even cause not just inconvenience or irritation, but real pain.Even worse is the case for a person whose acousticophobia develops to the stage when irritation arises from the slightest sounds – quiet music, buzzing insects, breathing sounds or the slightest rustle.

It is also worth noting such a phenomenon as misophonia, which differs from hyperacusis in that only certain sounds are painfully perceived, which in other people do not cause a similar reaction. It should be understood that the aggression and hatred of misophonics are caused by not the usual sound stimuli, for example, the creak of foam on glass, a dripping tap, squealing of car brakes, and the most harmless – a person can react extremely negatively even to the sound of steps, knocking on the door, human speech, etc. t.d.

Causes of painful perception of sounds

The human nervous system is designed in such a way that in response to any functional impairment, it activates compensation mechanisms. In our case, to compensate for hearing impairment due to any ailments or diseases of the organs of the auditory system, it tries to increase the volume of sounds, which can cause acousticophobia and misophonia. As for the causes of hearing impairment, the following are considered the most common:

• Pathology of the auditory system resulting from various diseases, for example, meningitis, brain trauma, tumors, etc.etc .;

90,065 ear diseases, including Meniere’s disease;

• inflammation of the trigeminal facial nerve.

Treatment of painful perception of sounds

As a rule, with complaints of a painful reaction to sounds, patients turn to an otolaryngologist. Usually, the same specialist determines the presence of the disorder and the need for medical attention. To get rid of soreness in relation to sounds, the most important thing is to accurately establish and eliminate the cause. In the process of treating hyperacusis and misophonia, the patient may need consultations or even medical assistance from an audiologist and neuropathologist.That is why, in the event of a painful perception of sounds, it is necessary to go to the clinic, and not try to get rid of the disease on your own.

Reception is carried out by specialists

The doctor can prescribe

Acoustic impedance measurement (3D tympanometry + MP tympanometry)

2000₽

Carrying out a rehabilitation maneuver (without consultation)

1900₽

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90,000 Voice and vocal production Useful information Hearing Academy

10.12.2019

The main carriers of information for a person are signals that are formed by the sense organs, delivered to the brain and processed there. First of all, these are acoustic speech signals of the voice. In this article, we will take a closer look at the mechanisms of sound speech, voice and voice production, and also find out why parrots can speak in much the same way as humans.

Over the course of many millions of years of evolution, the sounds made by humans have turned into articulate speech.This significantly distinguishes us from other living beings on the planet. The intelligent use of speech sounds results in words and sentences that make it possible to exchange information between people through language. Today people speak 7111 different languages, while no animal can do it. The cerebral cortex of the human brain contains many areas that are responsible for speech function.

Speech and speech

The human speech apparatus consists of the larynx, tongue, lips, as well as the cavities of the mouth, nose and pharynx.When speaking, the air moves and vibrates due to the directed interaction of the muscles involved in this process. If we didn’t have a larynx, we could only speak in whispers. If you place your finger on the larynx while speaking, you will feel a vibration that is not felt when we speak in a whisper. This vibration is created by the vocal cords, or folds, as they are sometimes called. The vocal cords are located in the middle of the larynx. When inhaled air enters, they act like an organ pipe with spring tongues.

The vocal cords are a paired organ, they are stretched across the trachea (windpipe) and at the same time close it. (Figure 1) Thus, the glottis located between them is tightly closed.

Figure 1: The degree of glottis opening, depending on the actions performed.

When reproducing vowel sounds, the position of the language, its shape creates a state of resonance of the formants.

In the process of speaking, the glottis opens under the pressure of air coming from the lungs. When the glottis opens, a drop in air pressure occurs, and thus the cleft closes (Bernoulli’s law). Again, air pressure builds up under the vocal folds. This process is repeated continuously while speaking. The vocal cords undergo mechanical vibrations.

There are a huge number of resonant frequencies with a fundamental pitch and overtones.Thanks to the vocal muscles, the tension force and the thickness of the vocal folds change. As a consequence, there is a change in the main resonant frequencies. When the vocal cords are tense, high-pitched sounds are played; when relaxed, on the contrary, low sounds are formed. When playing low sounds, the vocal folds vibrate slowly, high sounds cause rapid vibrations.

The male larynx is significantly larger and the vocal cords are about twice as long as those of women. Therefore, the male voice sounds somewhere one octave lower.Hoarseness, viral infections, and smoking can damage the vocal cords. The voice of a cold person is like a low croak. Adult male smokers often speak in a low, slurred voice, similar in sound to wheezing.

Take an online hearing test

What does a hearing test do?

Online hearing test allows you to quickly and easily determine your hearing condition. In just 3 minutes you will be able to determine its severity. The result of the hearing test is called an “audiogram” and is an indication for a doctor’s prescription.

We offer the following hearing tests: signs of hearing loss; frequency on-line hearing test; hearing test in noise; speech recognition; modeling of signs of hearing loss.

Voiced and dull sounds

Above the vocal cords is the supra-larynx tube (above the larynx, the epiglottis). The extension tube consists of the pharyngeal cavity and the oral and nasal cavities. If you do not take into account the nasal cavity, the extension tube will look like a tube open on one side.

In this extension tube, a hoarse, resonant noise that travels through the glottis forms the sound coloration of vowel sounds. An active change in the position of the tongue and lips changes the shape of the resonance cavity, as well as the length of the extension tube. Thus, during speaking, the typical resonant frequencies of the tract, or formants, appear. The frequencies and amplitudes of these formants are the defining indicators when pronouncing vowel sounds. Sometime watch closely the lip movements of a news anchor.You will follow up on the position of your mouth as to how lip reading functions. When pronouncing [a], the mouth is slightly open, [o] and [y] are pronounced with extended lips. Consonants are formed due to the position of the lips. In phonetics, voiced and deaf sounds are distinguished. (Figure 2)

Figure 2: An initial signal is formed in the vocal cords, which is converted by resonances in the supra tube, so that it ultimately becomes a language signal.

Deaf sounds occur when the glottis is wide open, so that air can freely penetrate to the end of the vocal tract.

The difference between voiced and muffled sounds can be clearly seen by conducting two experiments: hold your hand while speaking in the larynx. If you feel vibration, then the sound is ringing; if there is no vibration, then the sound is considered deaf. The second experience is to close the ears and press on the tragus from both sides and at the same time say slowly: “One, two, three, four, five …”.During acoustic isolation with a closed ear canal, you will notice the difference between hollow and ringing sounds: soft noises and rattling vibrations.

Deaf sounds – hissing (sibilant) or fricative consonants and stops. During a whisper, the vocal cords are only indirectly involved. The flow of air released during a whisper is weak, and it forms small vibrations in the slightly open, calm glottis. These vibrations are acoustically perceived as quiet noise, completely devoid of sound design.Power and sound resonance amplification of the vocal cords in this case is absent. The same resonances are formed in the extension tube, just as with sound voice formation, only they are much quieter.

Spectrogram

A spectrogram (sonogram) or visualized speech is a three-dimensional, visual representation of sounds in a two-dimensional graph. The sequence of signals is represented by time (abscissa and ordinate) and frequency (abscissa or longitudinal axis).Sound intensity is represented as a relative darkening or color intensity scaling (third dimension) of time and frequency images.

Reading and interpreting the spectrogram needs to be learned, because under certain circumstances, there is an overabundance of information. Thus, it is possible to recognize the processes of establishing and damping oscillations, interference, and even more so pathological changes in the work of the speech apparatus (Figure 3). The sonogram gives an idea of ​​the sound investigation, the field of investigation is marked with the abscissa and ordinate axes.Sound reflection levels are measured with an acoustic probe, associated with a specific place in the study field, and these areas are colored black depending on the intensity.

Figure 3: Spectrogram (sonogram) with the position of the vowel formants i, u, a.

Talkative Parrot

After this scientific excursion into the sound system of language and its analysis, I would like to tell you another story. A good friend of mine was very proud to own a parrot.The bird of African gray parrots (parrot gray) was named Walter and she was already over 30 years old. Walter was a smart guy. He could repeat not only his own name and the name of my friend, but also quite smartly reproduced completely the addresses of people. In addition, he could utter small sentences, for example: “I like you” or “You are a coward.” Tilting his head to one side, looking up and down with his captivating gaze, he presented his repertoire to selected visitors.

With his very loud and clear voice, he knew how to whistle, so his ears began to hurt.He played all sorts of sounds, for example, a vacuum cleaner or a shaving machine. Man and animal are capable of becoming close friends, and, of course, Walter managed to do this. He was very affectionate and pressed against my friend’s cheek as they chatted. But at the same time, he was shy and made a hell of a noise when he was agitated. Walter lived in a very beautiful large aviary with all kinds of toy trash, sometimes he flew out and swayed on a chandelier.

Once, on a bad spring day, Walter was sitting on a chandelier, and suddenly from a strong gust of wind the open door of the terrace was thrown open.Walter, of course, panicked: he screamed and wheezed, and then flew out through the open terrace door. My friend, of course, heard a noise, but, unfortunately, came to the room too late. Walter’s already gone …

Parrots can imitate speech sounds. In the wild, birds recognize each other by the characteristic sounds inherent in their species. Many birds are able not only to whistle and sing beautifully, but also to imitate all kinds of noises surprisingly reliably.

How is this possible?

And birds have a larynx, only without the vocal cords and epiglottis.Birds make sounds with the so-called lower larynx (syrinx), located deep in the chest, near the place where the windpipe separates before entering the lungs. There are vibrating membranes, which, like the vocal cords, can change their tension thanks to the muscles. Since the organs of the vocal apparatus in birds are located in two branches of the windpipe, some songbirds can sing in two voices. Listen to a nightingale singing on a quiet summer evening – you will get great acoustic pleasure! (Figures 4 and 5).

Figure 4: The bird’s larynx (syrinx) contains two glottis. Therefore, some songbirds can sing in two voices.

Figure 5: The gray parrot Walter could perfectly “pronounce” not only his name.

Parrots, for example, have a thick beak and a thick tongue, thanks to this (changing the position of the tongue), they can, like humans, articulate a large number of sounds. This feature helped Walter.He was found by a very nice man and brought to the police station. Walter gave his master’s name and address there. Walter expressed the joy of meeting the owner very loudly – imitating the sounds of a siren.

Summary

• Humans and many animals can produce speech sounds.
• The development of sound speech is possible only in humans due to their mental abilities.
• The human speech apparatus consists of the larynx, tongue, lips, as well as the oral cavity, nose and pharynx.
• Voiced sounds (vowels, umlauts, nasal sounds, smooth consonants, slotted sonorants and noisy consonants) initially arise from vibrations of the vocal cords, and then a sound (sound formants) is formed in the extension tube.
• Voiceless sounds (consonants, hissing and fricative consonants, as well as stop) occur without the participation of the vocal cords.
• Spectrogram (sonogram, visualized speech) is a graphical representation of signals depending on the frequency of oscillations, the course of the process in time and intensity.

Ulla Vogdt
Material taken from Hörakustik magazine, # 1 2019.

Take an online hearing test

What does a hearing test do?

Online hearing test allows you to quickly and easily determine your hearing condition. In just 3 minutes you will be able to determine its severity. The result of the hearing test is called an “audiogram” and is an indication for a doctor’s prescription.

We offer the following hearing tests: signs of hearing loss; frequency on-line hearing test; hearing test in noise; speech recognition; modeling of signs of hearing loss.

Read more on useful information about hearing

Why you don’t need a hearing aid

The Academy of Hearing has been working with people with hearing loss for over ten years. During this time, we have collected a whole collection of rumors, myths and misconceptions that surround this ailment and the means of correcting it – a hearing aid. We have collected the most popular and asked our experts to comment on them in an easy, understandable and ironic way of “bad advice”.

Tinnitus: causes, treatments, consequences

Tinnitus is a widespread phenomenon and one of the most frequent diagnoses in the practice of treating ENT diseases. In 1999, in Germany, on behalf of the German League of Physicians in the field of auditory acoustics, a large study was carried out, during which it was found that tinnitus leads to psychosomatic disorders such as sleep disturbance, depression and increased audiological stress.

How often should you change your hearing aid

Do you remember the feelings and emotions you experienced when you first put on your hearing aid? How much brighter and more fulfilling your life has become, filled with clear sounds and voices? If several years have passed since then, are you sure you can hear everything as well? It is not uncommon for people with hearing aids to notice over time that they are hearing “something wrong”.

Hearing aid or hearing amplifier: making the right choice!

As a rule, a person loses his hearing gradually.First, the quietest, inexpressive sounds and subtlest nuances “disappear”. Because of this, it is difficult for a person to state a change in the ability to hear himself. Quite often, people try not to pay attention to a slight deterioration in hearing, until the really important sounds for everyday life, for example, a crying of a child or the sound of an approaching car, begin to disappear from the range of audible sounds.

Hearing threatened!

How smoking, alcohol and medication affect a person’s ability to hear.There are many reasons for hearing impairment, and, of course, the first ones that come to mind are ear infections, damage to the eardrum, a foreign object in the ear, excessively loud music, etc. However, few people think that hearing loss can bring smoking, alcohol or medicine bought at a pharmacy.

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Muffled voice or noise during calls in speaker mode

If you or the other party hear poor quality sound or interference during a call in the earpiece mode, check if this problem occurs only when calling certain people or all callers.If this problem occurs only when talking to certain callers, the problem may be related to the other person’s phone. If the problem occurs with all calls, turn up the volume and switch from earpiece mode to speakerphone mode.

If switching to speakerphone mode solves the problem for you

There may be a problem with the earpiece dynamics of your phone. To fix the problem, follow these steps.

1. Change the position of the phone in relation to your ear to hear the other person better.
2. Check if the earpiece is covered with a protective film. If so, remove the protective film or replace it with one that is appropriate for your device model.
3. Make sure that no dust or dirt has accumulated in the earpiece opening. If this happens, gently clean it with a soft brush.
4. For best results, use a headset to make calls in high background noise.

If the problem persists, back up your data and take the device to a Huawei Authorized Service Center.

If switching to speakerphone mode solves the problem for your contact

There may be a problem with the primary microphone. To fix the problem, follow these steps.

1. Make sure the main microphone opening is not covered. (It is usually located at the bottom of the phone, as shown in the picture).

2. Make sure that the distance between your mouth and the microphone is no more than 10 cm during a conversation.
3. Make sure no dust or dirt has accumulated in the opening of the main microphone. If this happens, gently clean it with a soft brush.

If the problem persists, back up your data and take the device to a Huawei Authorized Service Center.

If switching to speakerphone mode does not solve the problem

1. You may be in a location with a weak network signal or strong interference. Move to a location where the network signal is stable.
2. VoLTE call quality will decline if your region is not completely within range of the VoLTE network or if there are interoperability issues. Try turning VoLTE HD calling on or off.
   1. If VoLTE HD calling is enabled, please disable it and try again. Swipe down on the status bar to open the notification panel, open the Mobile section. data transfer, and then disable VoLTE HD calling.
   2. If VoLTE HD calling is disabled, enable it and try again.Contact your carrier’s customer support team to confirm that VoLTE HD calling is enabled for your SIM card. Then swipe down on the status bar to open the notification panel, press and hold the Mobile icon. data transfer to go to the settings section, then activate the VoLTE HD calling function. (There is no such feature in 5G phone models, it is enabled by default).
3. You and the person you are talking to are too close to each other.Make sure you are at a sufficient distance from the other person before making a call.
4. If you are using a third-party application to make calls, make sure your network connection is stable.

If the problem persists, back up your data and take the device to a Huawei Authorized Service Center.

90,000 Echo or absolute silence? | HouseProjects Ltd.

Swedish designers have created environmentally friendly, moisture resistant, sound absorbing wall coverings made from wood fiber and cement that can be assembled like puzzles.

Aneta Vaitkienė

People perceive the comfort of living space with all senses, including hearing. Two prerequisites for acoustic comfort are effective room soundproofing and good internal acoustics. Although these factors are very often confused and perceived to be the same feature, in fact they are two completely different concepts.

No matter how well a room is isolated from outside noise, internal acoustic problems may remain unresolved.A person should feel comfortable in a room, not hear extraneous noise and resonating sounds, but such acoustic comfort is still considered a luxury and a secondary matter.

Acoustic materials. As a fibrous or perforated structure, acoustic materials absorb sound, reduce background noise and improve sound intelligibility. Their raw materials are wood fiber, mineral wool, glass wool, synthetic fibers. The surfaces of such materials are treated with a special porous breathable paint, breathable or non-woven materials.Fibrous materials have a soft porous structure and relatively high aerodynamic resistance. Part of the sound energy passing through the material is converted into thermal energy due to friction between the air particles and the pores of the material.

At home, we are surrounded by several sources of sound. In particular, it is outgoing (direct) sound from a source, emitted by a person, audio, video and household appliances, and so on. Secondly, the sound reflected from the surfaces of the room (sound reflections).This directly depends on the finishing materials and the geometry of their location. The sound wave, like a ball bouncing off the surface, flies around the room or gets stuck in these surfaces and fades away. How sound is reflected or absorbed in a room affects the acoustic comfort of the room. If the interior surfaces of the room reflect the sound too well, an echo effect is formed – you may feel as if you are in an iron barrel. If the sound is too absorbed, you will lose your sense of space and feel like your ears are blocked.

Resonant materials. They are solid, with a certain perforation pattern (with a network of holes). They operate on the principle of a Helmholtz resonator: the closed volume of air behind the panel is connected to the space through a narrow neck. The incident sound wave on the panel increases the pressure in the internal volume, therefore the incoming sound waves are deformed at the exit of the neck. The friction in the neck absorbs the energy. Resonant materials are good at absorbing sound near the resonant frequency.Their effect depends on the type and percentage of perforations, the size of the holes, the thickness of the panel and the volume behind the material.

Important numbers

The human ear can hear sounds with a frequency of 16-20,000 Hz:

• 16-350 Hz – low frequency;

• 350-800 Hz – average frequency;

• 800-20000 Hz – high frequency.

Low-frequency sounds of the same power are less audible than mid- or high-frequency sounds. Sounds less than 40 Hz are almost inaudible, but they are often physically felt as vibration.

The human language is included in the frequency range 100-7000 Hz, in which there are both high and low frequencies.

Carpet, upholstered furniture, curtains, uneven wall decoration, breaking and scattering sound waves – all this eliminates unwanted echoes.

Destroyers of sound reflections

Ceilings – the largest free area in a room, from which sound is reflected and echoed. There are all sorts of things on the floor and against the walls in the room – furniture, carpets, pillows, paintings, and so on.The sound here already has room to decay, and the ceiling, as a rule, is smooth and bare. Thus, changes in their acoustic properties will have the greatest impact.

Only a curtain made of thick and dense fabric can absorb sound waves well.

Viktor Mekas, acoustics engineer of JSC “Architektūra. Akustika. Technologijos “offers installed stretch ceilings made of acoustic materials and in the most” resonant “places to hang a segment of such material on the wall.Fibrous material with a thickness of 2 – 4 cm absorbs medium and high frequencies (coefficient α – from 0.4 to 1.0), and thicker than 4 cm – and some level of low frequencies.

“Acoustic resonating plates can be installed not only on the ceiling, but also on the walls. The most important thing is that the product should be at least 2 cm away from the wall, otherwise there will be no effect,” says V. Mekas.

Carpet on the floor can also absorb sound waves. With a thickness of 1 cm, a carpet with a bedding absorbs high-frequency sound, which we subjectively perceive as noisier than low frequencies.Thus, the carpet can be part of a complex of sound absorption solutions. In addition, the soft floor covering eliminates the intrusive clatter of steps: neighbors will thank you for this decision, since they no longer need to put up with the sound of your footsteps, falling objects or the noise of a vacuum cleaner.

At the new Harley Davidson headquarters in Neu-Isenburg, Germany, the interior designers were guided by the motto “Born to be wild, but not too noisy”, sound-absorbing acoustic panels were installed in the ceilings.

Sound absorption coefficient α

This is a measurement indicating the ability of a material to absorb sounds of various frequencies. α ranges from 0 (total reflection) to 1.00 (total absorption).

Carpets that successfully absorb high frequency sounds, however, are unable to cope with low frequency sounds. “Most of the rubble sound-absorbing materials successfully reduce the noise of high and partly medium frequencies, while with low frequencies the biggest problem is always – V.Mekas. – To damp low frequencies (when there is no need to additionally absorb the sounds of medium and high frequencies), as a rule, membrane structures are used that vibrate throughout the entire surface. The membrane absorber is a solid plate with dense air space behind. This gap can be filled with a porous material such as stone wool. But if you need to absorb a wider sound spectrum, then we always recommend fibrous or resonating materials that are pushed away from hard surfaces.Placing them close to the corners of the room will further reduce the low frequencies.

• One example of a membrane material is double plasterboard partitions. In a room equipped with such structures, the low voice of a man would be less audible, and the sound of a high female voice would change slightly.

• Window glass – also a membrane that absorbs low frequencies, but reflects high frequencies. We can say that the carpet and the window are compatible and complementary.

• Window shades absorb some high-frequency sound waves, but their density and thickness are not sufficient for the effect to be significant.“If the curtains are thick and with folds, this will certainly improve the sound absorption, but guests who come dressed in thick coats will be more useful,” V. Mekas cheerfully compared.

All parts of the echo destruction complex – rough wall decoration, household items, textiles, upholstered furniture, curtains – absorb or scatter sound waves, but their effect, due to the smaller surface area and poor sound absorption compared to the ceiling or floor, is not so significant … On the other hand, all these little tools form a whole, in any case, using them is better than doing nothing.

• For example, a wall-mounted bookcase will provide some sound absorption. And if the books are displayed unevenly, their backs form an uneven, broken surface and acoustic waves between the backs will break and scatter.

• If there is a painting on the wall, it will minimize sound absorption. But, if the picture is slightly moved away from the wall and a plate of porous acoustic material is inserted into the gap, the effect will increase.

Acoustic panels can be made by yourself.Take a strip of rock wool, cover it with a cloth and hang it on the wall. Or you can turn to designers who will offer prefabricated wall cladding modules made from recycled materials – fabrics and plastics.

Sound Reflection Multipliers

Materials with a sound absorption coefficient α close to 0 reflect sound waves. For example, the sound absorption of concrete or polished stone at all frequencies is minimal. Sound waves from such surfaces are reflected almost without loss and travel further, while bouncing off something else.Now imagine two parallel concrete walls with a person standing in between them, clapping their hands. You will get an almost endless echo.

In general, it can be said that all non-porous, solid structures with a smooth surface, whose contour does not have broken corners that are parallel or connected at a steep / sharp angle, will create standing waves or echoes. The more hard surfaces in the room (floor tiles, parquet floors, bare walls, etc.) and the less furniture, the more echoes will be, and vice versa, the more soft surfaces (carpets, curtains, upholstered furniture, beds, etc.)or the sound front of scattering surfaces, the less the echo will be.

Did you know that when talking on the phone in a room where all surfaces are solid (glass walls, windows, showcases, laminate flooring, concrete ceilings), the echo voice, reflected from such surfaces, can return to your ears up to 16 times? In such conditions, after a few hours a person gets tired of the echo of his own voice, although he does not notice it. This can cause headaches and even nausea.And if in the room at the same time communicate with not one, but dozens of people?

When does echo become malicious?

The reverberation time (echo) is the time in seconds it takes for a ringing sound in a closed room to diminish to one millionth of its initial intensity. In small, closed rooms, the reverberation time can last up to 1 second. The longer the reverberation lasts, the more it tires the person. The acceptable reverberation time is 0.9 to 1.0 s, and the comfortable one is 0.4 to 0.6.If it is less than 0.4 sec, then the room may seem “dead”, not amplifying sounds. It becomes uncomfortable to be and communicate in such a room. It is impossible to accurately measure the reverberation time with household products. This requires a special device – a reverberation meter commonly used by professional acoustics. However, the estimated reverberation time can be checked with special computer programs with a microphone or smartphone widgets.

What is sound

What is sound

Speaking in scientific terms, sound is the vibrational motion of elastic waves propagating in a medium and creating mechanical vibrations in it.A sound wave has its own amplitude and frequency. You cannot see the sound, but you can hear it. Scientists have found that a person hears sounds in the frequency range from 16 Hz to 20,000 Hz. He hears even when he does not want to hear at all. Everything that we hear around us can be called sounds. Therefore, the word “sound” is more often used in the plural. Those who have good hearing hear a lot of them. Hearing means subjectively perceiving the aforementioned vibrations with a special sense organ. Usually this sense organ in animals and humans is the ear.If the ear hears normally, then it distinguishes all sounds that reach it. Depending on how strong the sound is, it turns out to be loud or quiet. For those who do not want to hear unnecessary sounds, people have come up with special devices called earplugs. But they do not always save from all kinds of sounds that overtake a person from all sides. Too many sounds that annoyingly climb into the ears is called noise. So that noise does not interfere with living and working, people invented sound and noise insulation.Reinforced-plastic windows also largely absorb noise coming from the street – Human speech is also a systematic set of sounds. They are called speech. Each letter of the alphabet corresponds to a sound – a phoneme. The sounds of speech are very diverse. People never pronounce the same sound in the same way. The speech sound is formed by the pronunciation (articulatory) apparatus. This apparatus includes the pharynx, mouth with tongue, lungs, nasal cavity, lips, teeth. With the help of these organs, a whole system of filtration and formation of a certain sensation of sound is formed, each of which has its own height, strength and shade.Speech sounds are classified into noises and tones. Tones in speech arise as a result of vibrations of the vocal folds, and noises form non-periodic vibrations of the air stream coming out of the lungs. The tones are usually vowels; almost all voiceless consonants refer to noise. Voiced consonants are formed by the fusion of noises and tones. In Russian, consonant phonemes prevail, there are more than 50 of them. and there are only 5 vowels (sometimes called 6, including “s”). Thus, the Russian language is considered consonant. A very important sound concept is intonation.It can be different: commanding, calming, affectionate, sharp, and so on. Depending on intonation, speech sounds create a certain mood and cause a corresponding reaction in the one who hears them. If a person does not hear well or does not hear the sounds around him, then they say about him that he is deaf, or deaf. Usually this disease is congenital. Not being able to hear, a person is not able to learn to speak. Young children often cannot learn to pronounce certain sounds right away. For example, the sound “r”.Without this sound, the child’s speech sounds like this: “Ano, but we are getting up, we are calling loudly. Stoozh, stoozh, hurry out to lump like animals! ” A specialist in correcting the sounds in the speech of children is called a speech therapist. After regular sessions with a speech therapist, the pronunciation of sounds in children is corrected. If sounds are heard especially well and resonantly in a room, they usually say that it has good acoustics, that is, good sounding. In general, acoustics (from the Greek “akuo” – I hear) is the science of sound, which studies the physical nature of sound and the problems associated with its origin, propagation, perception and impact.The most pleasant sounds are musical. Music consists of them. There are many musical instruments. Each of them has its own sound, and together several different instruments under the fingers of professional performers create real music and delight the human ear. Therefore, it is especially important that there are good acoustics in the room where music concerts are held or in the recording studio. The sounds we hear can have a profound effect on a person. For example, the words of some prayers in different countries, with only one sound composition, affect the subconscious and evoke good feelings in the soul of the parishioner.There are sounds in nature that a person cannot hear, because they are below or above the range in which the human ear “works”. These are ultrasound, infrasound and hypersound. Ultrasound is ultra-frequency sound waves that have learned to be applied in various fields, including in medicine, where it is used to diagnose various diseases. With the help of infrasound, they determine the places of strong explosions or the position of a firing weapon and can predict natural disasters – storms, hurricanes and tsunamis.Hypersound is similar to ultrasound, it is strongly absorbed in air and does not propagate at all. In our time, hypersonic aircraft have been invented, developing unprecedented speeds. • the author of the article is Alexander Umatuli

90,000 Attention, says the engine: five noises from under the hood, which should alert

Of course, we are not talking about giving up everything and sorting out your Logan’s suspension over the weekend. There really is a car service for this. But there are other things that are even more important for the car than replacing a worn out silent block.For example, listen to how his motor works. Often, the sound heard on time helps to avoid large repair costs. Let’s try to understand the speech of the motor and understand what it is talking about.

Whistle and hum

Let’s start with a sound that cannot be confused with anything: the whistle of attachment belts. You don’t even need to listen here: it is heard very well, more often – at the moment of a sharp pressing on the gas pedal. What is he talking about, and how is he dangerous?

First of all, you should check the tension of the belt (or belts, if there are several).If you are accustomed to our VAZ “classics”, then you know that before the tension was almost everywhere regulated by the displacement of the generator. This glorious time is slowly passing away, and now on most cars, even the most budgetary ones, there are roller tensioners. There it will not be possible to change the tension, and the problem can only be solved by replacing the belt and tensioner.

Whistling may not end well. But not always. On cars where the belt turns the generator, the power steering pump and, perhaps, the air conditioning compressor, if it breaks, you will be left without charging the battery, air conditioner and power steering, respectively.But here you can at least get home: a good battery allows you to drive 50 kilometers, and this is enough for the eyes in the city. The main thing is to turn off all unnecessary consumers.

If on your car the service belt also activates the cooling pump, then you will not be able to go anywhere without it. Eliminating the consequences of overheating of the motor will cost much more than transporting the car on a tow truck or, even more so, on a cable.

If the belt whistles, open the hood and listen, if possible, to the operation of the attachments.It may be that the belt has started to slip due to wear on their bearings. In this case, the load on the belt increases, and its tension becomes insufficient. Bearing wear sounds different: like a squeak, a crunch or a hum. Usually you can hear it, and then you first have to, for example, replace the bearings of the generator or the same pump.

On some vehicles it is not too difficult to remove the drive belt. If the extraneous hum disappears with the belt removed, then the reason clearly lies in the attachment.Just do not abuse this diagnostic method on cars with a cooling pump belt drive. You may find the dying power steering pump, but at the same time you can arrange the overheating of the motor, which is much more dangerous than the failure of the power steering.

The whistle, as you know, starts from the belt slipping. And this sound means its rapid wear. Therefore, it is not worth delaying the elimination of the trouble: the ending can happen at any time, including at the most inappropriate.

Well, in order to finally thicken the colors even more, we note that on some cars the attachment belts and timing belts are dangerously close.And this means that one strap torn at speed will most likely touch and break the second. That will cause a destructive process in the engine, aptly called by the masters “Stalingrad”.

Something knocks

Valve thumping is the most common “incorrect” engine sound. It is easiest to notice it on a cold engine immediately after starting. The point is most often in the increased thermal clearance in the valve mechanism. Which changes in any car over time due to the natural wear and tear of the drive parts.

As it warms up, the sound may become quieter or disappear altogether: parts are heated, thermal gaps are reduced, knocking becomes less noticeable. It usually sounds like a clatter, the frequency of which depends on the speed of the crankshaft and which disappears as it warms up.

What to do? It all depends on the engine of your car. If it is a hydraulic compensator (that is, the age-related change in the thermal gap is compensated by hydraulic pushers), try changing the oil first – sometimes it helps.The compensators are hydraulic, because they are “fed” with oil, and its viscosity may be suboptimal.

If the knocking persists, change the hydraulic lifters themselves, it is too late to drink Borjomi. If there are no hydraulic lifters in the motor, then go to adjust the valves. The interval of this procedure varies with manufacturers, but usually it is 80-100 thousand kilometers.

Can I drive with this sound? Sure you may. Only the valves can burn out, and the tappets can destroy the camshaft cams.The first occurs due to incomplete adhesion of the plates and their “toasting” by the exhaust gases. The second, of course, is from the impact of the pusher (rocker) on the camshaft cam due to the increased clearance. Remember that the destruction of the upper layer of the cam does not occur immediately, and if the problem is corrected in time, the camshaft will survive. But if the top layer is destroyed, the camshaft starts to “eat” (as it is called in some garage and not so services), and it will almost certainly have to be changed.

Something is cracking

Most often, the phase regulator loves to crack.This sound is well known to owners of Toyota of all stripes or, for example, Renault with a K4M engine (1.6 l, 113 hp). The symptoms of a dying phase regulator are very varied. This can be unstable rpm during warming up, and the lack of thrust in a certain range and, of course, the crackle of the phase regulator itself. In principle, there are those who do not bother too much and go with it to the last. But before hammering a bolt 24 on this problem, familiarize yourself with the features of your car’s engine. Depending on its design, there may be different causes and consequences of this unpleasant phenomenon.

If the phase shifter valve is to blame for the crackle, an oil change may help. It is desirable for something that has the manufacturer’s approval. And it is better to find something that is not “burned”. However, this is always better.

Sometimes it will help to replace not the phase regulator, but the camshaft position sensor (sometimes called the phase sensor). So before buying this not always cheap part, make a diagnosis in a good service.

By the way, if your car is still under warranty, and there is already a crackling sound, torment specialists, an engineer under warranty and in general everyone who catches your eye on the territory of an authorized dealer’s service.It often happens that the officials quickly deafen and do not hear the problem (fortunately, there are situations where, apart from a short-term crackling, the malfunction does not give itself out), but as soon as the guarantee ends, they again gain hearing and offer to share money with him to replace the phase shifter. This is already a little petty, but what can you do.

An extended chain can also make a crackling sound. Although it looks more like a roar or hum.

The situation with the chain is one of the most difficult (worse – only the piston group and the crankshaft, which we will talk about below).There are cars that only remind of the existence of a timing chain drive after 200 mileage. But if your car under the hood is a “masterpiece” of German-French engineering called EP6 (aka Prince) or something from the glorious German series EA111 or even EA888 , be prepared to hear the chain’s death song at any moment …

In principle, the noise should be accompanied by a lit Check engine light and a phase error, but this does not always happen and not everywhere.There are times when nothing burns, and the chain is already ready to jump. We have already spoken about the consequences in the form of “Stalingrad”, we will not repeat ourselves.

Of course, a stretched chain cannot be cured with an oil change or anything else. It will have to be changed, and the sooner the better. Please note that on some motors, it is not the chains that are weak, but the hydraulic tensioners. And if the mileage is very low, it is likely that the chain noise is also due to the tensioner. It will also have to be changed, usually with an improved, new revision.

Too loud and too dull

And finally, the saddest sound. To be honest, its perception is very subjective, and if the first sounds are difficult to confuse with something, then knocks in the cylinder-piston group or the knock of the crankshaft on worn out liners can be mistaken for something else. But they are much less common, in the overwhelming majority – on strongly running motors. Although, of course, there are exceptions.

Piston can knock for various reasons.For example, due to local overheating or wear of the piston skirts. This is the case when you can’t do without major repairs. Of course, if you hear this muffled metallic sound on your car, then it should not surprise you for one simple reason: oil consumption by this time is increasing so much that it is surprising how this engine still runs at all. But if you inspect the car before buying, even the slightest hint of piston sounds can prevent the acquisition of a vicious oil eater.First of all, because there may not be any other signs of “oil consumption” at all.

Crankshaft knock due to the death of liners (a very typical problem, say, for 2.2 DW12 diesels on Peugeot, Citroens, Fords and Land Rovers) can be different. But it will be heard best of all on a warm engine at idle speed. The sound is clearly metallic, and it can appear when the RPM changes. If it comes from somewhere in the area of ​​the crankcase, it is definitely him. If the earbuds are already very worn out, then the sound will be more sonorous.

What if there is such a sound? There are three exits. The first is to quickly sell this car to some loser, preferably by twisting the mileage (this is a joke, not a guide to action). The second is to drive while driving. The solution is not bad if the car is no longer of any value, and the cost of its repair is comparable to the cost of another such car, but with a more or less normal engine. Well, and the third thing is to repair it. Yes, it’s usually not cheap, but if the car is good, then why not? At the same time, you can change everything else you need.It is unlikely that the repair of a motor with worn out liners will be limited to replacing them and grinding the crankshaft journals. Most likely, there will be where to roam.

* * *

Sometimes it is not difficult to listen to the engine of your car. Especially now, in winter, when, willy-nilly, you have to warm up the engine. And it can really be helpful.

Although … Maybe you don’t heat the engine? Launched – and off you go? They say some people really do that. Which we certainly do not approve of .

Interview

Is your motor making noise?

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