Tinnitus

The ringing ears...

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Tinnitus, or the ringing ears, is very common. More than 50 million people in the United States suffer with tinnitus. Some studies estimate that as many as one in three people are affected. Problems attributed to tinnitus have included interference with sleep, work and social functions. People more severely affected by tinnitus may have problems with sensitivity to loud sounds and depression.

Definition: Tinnitus, or "head noise," is characterized by a ringing, hissing, buzzing or roaring sound that seems to come from inside the ears. For the same reason, the condition is also known as "ringing ears".

What causes tinnitus?

Tinnitus is not a disease, but a symptom that can be triggered by a variety of conditions or medications. The most common cause of tinnitus is exposure to loud noise. Tinnitus can also result from aging, head injury, medications, ear wax, and many other causes. It can be impossible to know the exact cause of tinnitus because it is associated with so many conditions, such as high blood pressure, stress, dental problems, metabolic problems, and high cholesterol.

Other causes of tinnitus include:

• Inner ear disorders including age-related nerve damage
• Meniere's disease
• Acoustic tumors (neuromas)
• Ear wax or other foreign objects in the ear canal
• Ear infections, allergies
• Muscle spasms
• High doses of some chemicals or medications
• Depression and anxiety

Does Tennitus cause deafness?

Tinnitus is an indication that there has been some kind of damage to the hearing mechanism, but it does not mean the patient will become deaf. Tinnitus does not cause hearing loss, and hearing loss does not cause tinnitus, although the two often exist together.

Treatment of tinnitus

While to date, there is no permanent cure for tinnitus, treatment can make tinnitus less of a problem. Modern day tinnitus treatments have proven to be very valuable. You may need a medical evaluation if your tinnitus is on one side of the head, or if you have changes in your hearing, ear pain, head or neck problems, or balance issues.

Treatment may be helpful for you if your tinnitus is affecting your sleep, ability to concentrate, emotional well-being, or daily activities.

Click here for a complete list of tinnitus treatments

Other treatment options

Some people find that reducing their intake of sodium, caffeine and nicotine can reduce or eliminate their tinnitus.

Counseling may help people deal with the anxiety and distraction associated with tinnitus.

Stress management and biofeedback are the most common techniques applied. Habituation training, masking and other sound therapies, anti-anxiety drugs or other medications are some of the treatments recommended for those with chronic tinnitus.

Can you prevent tinnitus?

Indeed, by adapting some simple measures, you can successfully minimize the chances of developing tinnitus.

Avoid loud noise: Loud noise can make your tinnitus temporarily or permanently worse. Protect yourself from loud noise such as, loud music, power tools, chain saws, guns, and factory noise. When you are around these types of loud noises use earplugs or earmuffs.

Avoid total silence: Being in a quiet room may make your tinnitus more noticeable. To help with this, try being around low-volume, pleasant sounds, such as music or nature sound (especially water). Devices that produce sound include radios, CD players, tabletop fountains, sound generators, and electric fans.

Adopt a healthy lifestyle:

• Reduce excessive use of caffeine, alcohol, salt, aspirin, and nicotine
• Reduce stress as much as possible
• Get adequate sleep
• Keep your mind and body busy with meaningful activities
• Establish a healthy diet
• Exercise regularly

Refrences

• Joshua J. Pray, US Pharmacist. 2005;30(6)
• Sanders B. There IS something you can do about tinnitus.
  [ Ref: http://www.healthyhearing.com ]
• The American Tinnitus Association [Ref: http://www.ata.org ]