Tinnitus can be an annoying condition. It is described as a constant or occasional ringing sound in the ears. According to statistics from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, an estimated 12 million people in the United States suffer from tinnitus.
Causes and Concerns
Tinnitus can originate in one of four areas: the brain, inner ear, outer ear, and the middle you’re your treatment depends on the cause of your tinnitus. Common causes include:
- Trauma to the ear (being hit with a hard object, car accident, fall)
- Loud noise, such as an explosion or construction work
- Untreated and recurrent ear infections
- Loud music or noise for a prolonged period of time
Symptoms and Signs
There are several kinds of tinnitus that produce symptoms and signs. Subjective tinnitus is a type of tinnitus where the person can hear sounds, but no one else can hear the sound. Another type of tinnitus involves a clicking sound that is pulsatile (meaning it accompanies your heartbeat).The last type is called objective tinnitus. With this type, the doctor can also hear the sound while listening closely.
People describe different sounds of ringing in the ears. Some people hear a low-pitched hum, while others hear a high-pitched ringing. Other sounds that can be either high or low-pitched include:
- Ringing
- Buzzing
- Cricket chirping
- Whistling
- Hissing
- Crackling
- Thumping
Solutions and Options
Tinnitus is not one of those conditions that can be treated at home. You have to see an ear specialist for evaluation and treatment. For many people, the cause of tinnitus is due to damage in the ear. In other cases, there is an underlying disease or condition that is causing it.
When you come into the office, the ear specialist will do a physical exam of the ears, neck and head to make sure there are no obvious injuries. Many times, a test called an audiogram may be ordered to check your hearing ability in both ears. Additionally testing with CT scans or MRIs may also be necessary.
Treatment for tinnitus depends on the cause. In the unlikely event that it gets worse, or one of the tests detects a tumor or an aneurysm, surgery may be necessary. Other options include:
- Prescription medications
- White noise (fan or humidifier) for distraction
- Stress reduction
- Biofeedback
- Avoidance of caffeine and aspirin
Summary
Most people who suffer from tinnitus find ways to cope with the annoying noise and can go on living a normal life. Those who are extremely bothered by eventually find a treatment or a combination of treatments that help to deal with it. If you or someone you love has tinnitus, call today for an appointment with one of our caring ear specialists.
Additional Reading:
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/tinnitus/article_em.htm#tinnitus_overview
http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/tinnitus.cfm