Hearing cicada-like sounds when no actual cicadas are present can be a perplexing experience. This sensation, often described as buzzing, ringing, or hissing, is a common phenomenon. Many individuals encounter these phantom noises.
The Sound Explained
The medical term for perceiving sounds when no external source exists is tinnitus. This sensation can manifest in various ways, including a cicada-like buzzing, a high-pitched ringing, a low hum, or even clicking and hissing. Tinnitus is considered a symptom, rather than a disease itself, and it can occur in one or both ears, or even seem to originate from within the head.
The sounds associated with tinnitus can vary in intensity, from barely noticeable to significantly disruptive, potentially impacting concentration and sleep. While often temporary, particularly after exposure to loud noises, persistent tinnitus may indicate an underlying condition. An estimated 10% to 25% of adults experience tinnitus, with many finding it bothersome.
What Causes the Sound
Tinnitus can stem from various factors, often related to the auditory system or overall health. One common cause is noise-induced hearing loss, resulting from exposure to loud sounds, whether from a single intense event or prolonged noise. This exposure can damage delicate hair cells in the inner ear, leading them to send irregular electrical impulses to the brain, which are then interpreted as sound.
Age-related hearing loss, known as presbycusis, is another frequent contributor. As individuals age, the number of functioning nerve fibers in their ears declines, and the brain may compensate by increasing its sensitivity to sound, leading to tinnitus. About one in three adults over 65 experience this type of ringing. Blockages in the ear canal, such as from earwax buildup, can also alter pressure and cause temporary tinnitus.
Certain medical conditions are also associated with tinnitus. These include Meniere’s disease, an inner ear disorder affecting balance and hearing, and otosclerosis, a condition where abnormal bone growth stiffens the middle ear bones. Head or neck injuries can affect the inner ear or hearing nerves, often causing tinnitus in one ear. Disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can also lead to tinnitus due to their proximity to the ear.
Some medications are known to cause or worsen tinnitus as a side effect; these are referred to as ototoxic drugs and can include certain antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and chemotherapy agents. Vascular conditions, such as high blood pressure or hardened arteries, can also contribute to a pulsating form of tinnitus, though the cicada-like sound is typically not pulsatile. Stress and anxiety can also exacerbate tinnitus symptoms, making them more noticeable.
Seeking Professional Help
If tinnitus persists, is sudden and severe, or is accompanied by other symptoms, seek medical evaluation. Consult a healthcare provider if tinnitus occurs after a head injury, is accompanied by sudden hearing loss or dizziness, or impacts daily life, sleep, or concentration. If the sound is present in only one ear, or pulsates in time with your heartbeat, medical attention is also recommended.
During a medical evaluation, a doctor will inquire about your medical history, including any medications, and ask for a detailed description of the tinnitus. They will also perform a physical examination of your ears, head, and neck. Further tests, such as a comprehensive hearing (audiological) exam, may be conducted to assess your hearing and identify potential underlying causes. In some cases, imaging tests like CT or MRI scans, or blood tests, may be used to investigate conditions affecting the inner ear, nerves, or blood vessels. While a specific cause cannot always be identified, a proper diagnosis helps guide management strategies.
Living with the Sound
Managing tinnitus involves various non-medical strategies. Sound therapy is a common approach, utilizing external sounds like white noise, nature sounds, or ambient soundscapes to help distract the brain and make the tinnitus less noticeable. The goal is not to completely mask the sound but to provide a background noise that helps the brain habituate, or become accustomed to, the tinnitus.
Behavioral therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT), can also be beneficial. CBT helps individuals change their thoughts and reactions to tinnitus, providing coping techniques to reduce distress and improve quality of life. TRT combines sound therapy with counseling to help retrain the brain to ignore the tinnitus sounds over time. These therapies focus on how a person responds to the sound, rather than eliminating the sound itself.
Lifestyle adjustments can also play a role in managing tinnitus. Stress reduction techniques, such as mindfulness or exercise, can help, as mental and emotional strain can worsen symptoms. Avoiding known triggers may include loud noises, excessive caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine. Ensuring adequate sleep is also important, as fatigue can amplify tinnitus perception. For some, connecting with support groups can provide community and shared experience.