Have you ever heard a ringing sound when there isn’t any outside sound? Then you have tinnitus – the perception of noise in the ear. For some it is a non-permanent nuisance, but for others it is a life-altering condition.
What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is not a condition in itself. Rather, they’re symptoms of an underlying problem such as an ear injury, circulatory disorders, or age-related hearing loss. Nearly 36 million Americans suffer from tinnitus, and while it’s bothersome, tinnitus is generally not a sign of a serious condition.
Myth vs Reality
Many believe tinnitus is temporary. Some forms are caused by recent exposure to loud noises and go away quickly, but other forms last longer or occur with regular frequency. Some people think that tinnitus is a modern condition caused by playing music too loudly. Loud music does affect hearing negatively, but people have it suffering from tinnitus since historical Egypt. Studies even show that the great Beethoven complained of ghostly tinnitus, so it is a condition humans have struggled with for hundreds of years.
Subjective Tinnitus and Objective Tinnitus
More than 99 percent of tinnitus cases are subjective variation. Subjective tinnitus sounds can only be felt by the individual and is generally an auditory or neurological reaction to hearing loss.
Objective tinnitus is much less common and is a sound that can be heard by the examiner. This sound is generally produced by a function of the inner body near the ear.
Tinnitus sound
Although people call tinnitus “ringing in the ears,” it can manifest itself in a number of throbbing and pitched sounds. People report hearing different sounds ranging from ringing, pulsating, whirring, screeching, ocean waves and even music.
Tinnitus type
Tinnitus can be thought of as continuous or overlapping sounds with well-defined frequencies. Tonal tinnitus is generally related to subjective variation. The volume of tinnitus patients experience varies by individual.
Also known as Musical Ear Syndrome, musical tinnitus is rare. People who experience this form think they hear singing or music.
Then there are patients who experience pulsatile tinnitus. It is a pulsating sound, which is commonly beat with the patient’s heartbeat.
Reason
There are many potential causes behind tinnitus. Common catalysts include exposure to loud noises, small ear wax plugs in the ear canal, or aging. More serious causes include damage to the microscopic endings of the auditory nerve, thyroid problems or head injuries. Tinnitus can even be a side effect certain medicines such as aspirin, sedatives, and antibiotics. See a doctor to learn more about your specific case.
Treatment
Currently, there isn’t any scientifically proven cure for most cases of chronic tinnitus. However, there are treatment plans available to help patients manage their condition. Treatment, even though not a clinical cure, helps reduce the volume and presence of tinnitis that patients experience. Seek medical advice before using any of the treatments listed. If you are in the Jersey area, medical center clinic in Carneys Point, NJ can provide more information.
Drug Therapy
There are dietary supplements such as those found in www.tinnitus911.com which can help patients reduce their tinnitus symptoms, but it’s important to remember that there aren’t any FDA-approved drugs for this condition.
Some patients suffer from depression and stress caused by the burden of tinnitus. Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medicines help patients manage this condition for a happier life. He important for tinnitus patients to manage their stress because negative emotions exacerbate the perception and feeling of the condition.
White Noise
Tinnitus is more noticeable in a quiet environment, so some victims have trouble sleeping. Mask the inner ring by compensating for other noise sources such as a ticking clock or fans. White noise machines can be purchased online and in specialty stores to help patients sleep well.
Tinnitus can be frustrating, but patients can lead fulfilling and cozy lives thanks to the different treatment options available.
