Tinnitus

Tinnitus comes from the Latin word tinnire, meaning "to ring." Tinnitus can be perceived in one or both ears or in the head. It is usually described as a ringing noise, but in some people it takes the form of a high pitched whining, buzzing, hissing, humming, or whistling sound, or as ticking, clicking, roaring, "crickets" or "tree frogs" or "locusts", tunes, songs, or beeping.

Nearly 36 million Americans have tinnitus to a distressing degree. Tinnitus is not itself a disease but a symptom resulting from a range of underlying causes. Causes include ear infections, foreign objects or wax in the ear, nose allergies that prevent (or induce) fluid drain and cause wax build-up, and injury from loud noises.

Tinnitus is also a side effect of some oral medications, such as aspirin, and may also result from an abnormally low level of serotonin activity. In many cases, however, no underlying physical cause can be identified.

Tinnitus may also be the result of age-related hearing loss or ear injury, or it may be an indication of a disease of your circulatory system.

Tinnitus and hearing loss can be permanent conditions, thus, precautionary measures are advisable. If a ringing in the ears is audible after exposure to a loud environment, such as a rock concert or a work place, it means that damage has been done. Prolonged exposure to noise levels as low as 70 dB can result in damage to hearing.

If you have Tinnitus, or ringing of the ears, then you certainly want relief and you want it fast. The treatment options for Tinnitus vary significantly depending upon the cause of your problem.

Some cases of Tinnitus may be treated successfully while others result in a disability the patient must learn to live with. The most important aspect of treating Tinnitus is determining that the ringing in the ears is not related to a treatable illness but rather resulting due to damage to the ear.

Treatment options that are prescribed for individuals who cannot deal with the constant ringing in their ears include the following.

Antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs are frequently used to treat Tinnitus.

Maskers that make white noise, which in turn masks the ringing, have also been used successfully.

If you are only bothered by your Tinnitus at night then a fan might be enough to distract you from the noise. You may also play your favorite CD or radio station at a low volume for the same effect.

Some Tinnitus sufferers have found relief from relaxation techniques as well. Biofeedback is yet another treatment method that offers some sufferers relief. The reason these relaxation techniques work well for Tinnitus sufferers is that stress often makes the ailment worse. So, those who suffer from Tinnitus should focus on staying relaxed and stress free to keep their symptoms under control.

Tinnitus sufferers should also keep in mind that caffeine may make their symptoms worse. This means switching out caffeinated colas, teas, and coffees for the decaffeinated versions. Things like chocolate and even some cold medicines have caffeine in them as well and should be limited to keep Tinnitus symptoms under control. Nicotine should be avoided as well, which includes cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products.

One of the most important things you can do if you suffer from Tinnitus is to protect your hearing at all costs. The reason why is that as you lose your hearing your Tinnitus symptoms will worsen. So, if you work in a loud environment, shoot guns, or are exposed to any other loud activity make sure you wear proper hearing protection.

Avoid salt, maintain a good blood pressure, get plenty of sleep, and don't allow yourself to become anxious. The more anxious you become over your Tinnitus the more difficult it will be to live with. Exercising on a regular basis and avoiding aspirin products are also recommended for Tinnitus sufferers.

Many Tinnitus sufferers have said the best treatment is no treatment at all. They claim that simply ignoring the ringing in the ears is enough to allow it to fade away. Not focusing on it allows sufferers of Tinnitus to move on and enjoy their lives without constantly focusing on the ringing in their ears.

Most people will find their Tinnitus is not curable, although it may be treatable with one or more of the above suggestions. A very small percentage of people will actually have a medical problem that causes the Tinnitus like a tumor. However, most people with Tinnitus simply learn to live with it and find a treatment option that helps them deal with the ringing in their ears. Although the noise of tinnitus may be annoying, the condition rarely is a warning of a serious problem.

Further Information Regarding Tinnitus

Action Needed for Millions of Tinnitus Sufferers
As many as one in seven people will experience tinnitus, or ringing in their ears, at some time of their life, but not enough is being done to support patients who experience this distressing condition, according to an extensive research review in the November issue of the Journal of Clinical Nursing.

Detecting Tinnitus Sound
Henry Ford Hospital study finds that a non-invasive imaging technique can actually aid in the diagnosis of tinnitus and may detect a reduction in symptoms after different treatments, offering hope to the more than 50 million patients with tinnitus.

Learning to Live with Tinnitus
It's important for Tinnitus sufferers to focus on what they want instead of what they don't want. For example; if you focus on how bad your tinnitus is, it can't possibly get any better.

Personal Tinnitus Experience
Perhaps the tinnitus was caused by all of those over-the-counter decongestants I was taking for my flu, or maybe it was the stress of being at the pinnacle of my performing career, or maybe it was the news that my wife, Nancy, was giving up a good paying job, or a combination thereof.