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In the same way that there are several factors that can cause tinnitus (such as hearing disorders, neurological dysfunction, hypertension or stress), there are also different types of tinnitus.

(Note: go to this article to read about “What is tinnitus, its causes and treatments“)

When we search tinnitus online (and we all do), we often find terms such as subjective tinnitus, idiopathic tinnitus, purulent tinnitus…

But, are they all the same or are they totally different conditions?

Well, sometimes it can happen that two types of tinnitus refer to the same concept but viewed from a different angle.

For example, tinnitus can be classified from its cause or from but also from how the patient perceives it.

Here is the classification of the different types of tinnitus that exist, so that you no longer have any doubts!

Depending on who perceives the sounds:

1. Subjective tinnitus

This is the most common type and represents 95% of the cases of tinnitus.

Subjective tinnitus is a type of tinnitus where only the patient can hear the beeping or buzzing.

Its causes are varied and the ringing can be temporary or permanent with fluctuating intensity, or even change the hearing of the patients.

2. Objective tinnitus

This is a rare form of tinnitus that only comprises 5% of tinnitus cases.

In this type of tinnitus, both the doctor and the patient are able to perceive the ringing.

This tinnitus is caused by involuntary muscular contractions or vascular deformations, and usually disappears when the underlying cause is addressed.

Depending on the origin of the cause:

3. Idiopathic tinnitus

You may have heard the term idiopathic tinnitus.

Idiopathic is an adjective used in medical terminology which means ‘of spontaneous eruption or of unknown causes‘.

So, idiopathic tinnitus is simply tinnitus without any specific cause, as is the case with many instances of tinnitus that are not related to an auditory disorder.

4. Neurological tinnitus

It is tinnitus caused by neurological disorders, such as Ménière’s disease, which mainly affects the auditory functions of the brain.

This type of tinnitus is often accompanied by dizziness, vertigo and balance problems.

5. Sensory tinnitus

Many of the people who suffer from tinnitus have sensory tinnitus, which is a type of subjective tinnitus that can be caused by various disorders that affect the way our brain perceives sounds.

To this day there is no cure for sensory tinnitus, however an appropriate action plan can help manage and reduce its symptoms.

6. Somatic tinnitus

This type of tinnitus is related to the sensory system that is caused by a disorder outside the auditory system, such as alterations in the jaw.

Normally this type of tinnitus is associated with physical movement, and may be caused by muscle spasms in the ear or neck.

Those who suffer from this type of tinnitus usually experience the discomfort in one ear only, and the intensity can change significantly throughout the day.

Sometimes sound therapy is used to treat somatic tinnitus, although other techniques can also be beneficial, such as massages.

Depending on how the sounds are perceived:

7. Tonal tinnitus

This type of tinnitus is conventionally associated with subjective tinnitus and is characterised by constant audibility of well-defined frequency sounds.

Generally, the volume of sounds perceived by tonal tinnitus sufferers is not constant but may increase or decrease, which usually causes confusion and discomfort.

8. Musical tinnitus

This type of tinnitus is referred to as musical hallucinations or imaginary auditorium, and is the least common of all types of tinnitus.

In this strange case, singular or varying come together in the brain and recreate a musical melody.

This type of tinnitus is usually more common in people of advanced age who have a history of hearing impairment.

9. Pulsatile tinnitus

In this type of tinnitus the sounds perceived by the sufferer are presented in the form of pulsations or rhythmic beatings correspond to that of their heartbeat.

We may all have experienced this sensation momentarily, for example after doing some exercise. But if it persists continuously then it becomes throbbing tinnitus and you should visit a doctor as it has other underlying causes.

It is also known as vascular tinnitus, since its origin is in the cardiovascular system, and usually indicates a change of blood flow to blood vessels near the ear.

Pulsatile tinnitus is very rare, only comprising 4% of cases, but it is one of the most dangerous, as it may be a sign of cardiovascular disease such as hypertension, in which case medical monitoring is needed.

Depending on the duration:

10. Acute tinnitus

This is short-term tinnitus, where the perception of sounds can last from a few hours up to 3 months.

11. Subacute tinnitus

The term subacute tinnitus is used to refer to tinnitus that lasts for up to 6 months.

12. Chronic tinnitus

This is long-term tinnitus, where the manifestations of tinnitus are perceived during the first year and, in most cases, become permanent.

Depending on the level of impact in daily life:

13. Compensated tinnitus

With this type of tinnitus, the suffers manages to cope with it, feels normal and is not affected by it emotionally.

This is the case of many people who do perceive ringing and buzzing in their ears but don’t pay a considerable amount of attention to it, as it doesn’t affect them in their daily lives.

14. Decompensated tinnitus

This term is used to describe tinnitus in which the patient is not able to live a normal life and is affected by it emotionally.

This is the case of those people with tinnitus who have trouble sleeping or concentrating and who actively seek treatment to relieve symptoms.

If you are experiencing any of the types of tinnitus described, visit a medical specialist to receive an examination and subsequent diagnosis to help you seek appropriate treatment.