For millions of Americans, silence isn’t actually silent. It comes with a persistent ringing, hissing, or buzzing that never quite fades into the background. That’s tinnitus, and it’s a condition that touches a significant number of people right here on the Suncoast. Ken Seibert, who has lived with tinnitus for about 20 years, describes the sound like air escaping a tire, a constant “ssssst” that plays in the background of everything from conversation to his favorite TV show.
Audiologist Dr. Goutham Gosu explains that tinnitus is essentially unwanted sound that the brain perceives without an external source. It can be linked to hearing loss, earwax buildup, or an infection, but sometimes there’s no clear cause at all. That’s why doctors strongly recommend having persistent tinnitus evaluated. It’s the best way to rule out any serious underlying issues and get peace of mind about what’s going on.
Once the serious stuff is ruled out, the focus becomes management. Dr. Rhea Rogers notes that different devices and maneuvers can help dampen the sound, allowing people to live comfortably. Hearing aids, like the ones Ken wears, are a common and effective tool. While there’s no cure for tinnitus, there are plenty of ways to make life with it more manageable. If you’ve been dealing with that persistent noise, you’re not alone. Have you talked to your doctor about your tinnitus, or do you have a method that helps you cope?
