Tinnitus is a hearing condition where a person experiences a ringing sensation in the ears in the absence of external sound. Other hearing sensations that may be associated with tinnitus include hearing buzzing, hissing, chirping or whistling sounds inside the ears for no apparent reason or from no visible source.
Causes of tinnitus
One of the most common causes of tinnitus is prolonged exposure to very loud sounds. The loud sounds can cause permanent damage to the sound sensitive cells inside the ear. Tinnitus can also be caused by certain drugs such as analgesics, antibiotics, and antiviral drugs. An ear infection can also be a possible cause of tinnitus.
Symptoms of tinnitus
The most prominent symptom of tinnitus is the ringing that one hears from no apparent source. That is why the condition is also commonly called as ringing in the ears. But other types of sounds may also be experienced by other people with tinnitus apart from ringing sounds such as hissing, buzzing or whistling sounds not coming from any external source.
How tinnitus is diagnosed?
Diagnosis for tinnitus may require a person to undergo an audiological exam to measure the ability to determine certain sounds. Physical examination of the ear itself may also help doctors in diagnosing the underlying cause of the condition. Other means to possibly diagnose tinnitus may include taking X-rays as well as Ct and MRI scans.
How to prevent tinnitus?
Since tinnitus can be caused by prolonged exposure to loud noises, use of hearing protection such as ear plugs can help prevent damage to the ears that may cause such a condition. This is especially important for people whose work may involve being exposed to such noises for long periods of time.
How to treat tinnitus?
Treatment for tinnitus may depend on the underlying causes of the condition. Treatment may also be associated with the symptoms being shown. Some of the more common treatments for tinnitus include earwax removal, medication changes, noise suppressing treatments as well as the use of devices such as hearing aids and masking devices.
Tinnitus is an ear problem characterized as a ringing sound that occurs unexpectedly to a person. This happens to everyone. As it manifests, description may vary among those who are experiencing it. To some it may appear as a humming or a ticking sound and may also feel the presence of a pressure in it.
What Causes Tinnitus?
A variety of conditions can lead to tinnitus:
Prolonged exposure to loud sounds is the most common cause of tinnitus.
Blockages of the ear due to a buildup of wax, an ear infection, or rarely, a tumor of the nerve that allows us to hear (auditory nerve)
A perforated eardrum
Certain drugs; aspirin, several types of antibiotics and quinine medications.
Natural aging process can result in a deterioration of the cochlea or other parts of the ear
Meniere’s disease, which affects the inner part of the ear
Otosclerosis, a disease that results in stiffening of the small bones in the middle ear
High blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, anemia, allergies and an underactive thyroid gland
Neck or jaw problems, such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome
Symptoms of tinnitus
There are several factors why this occur. Infections are sometimes the reason behind such an occurrence. Generally, this is because of poor hygiene. Oftentimes, this happens as wax in the build up in the ears and is not cleaned in regularly as it captures dirt, which is, ironically, the primary defense of the ear. Insertion of foreign object, can result to ear infection, especially if not treated immediately.
Tinnitus itself can be a symptom or cause to certain diseases and even other things a person may have done or experienced. These problems may lead from the disability to hear properly to hearing loss. Several factors can cause this, namely otologic problems, neurological disorders, substance abuse and ototoxic medications like intake of drugs like aspirin, psychological disorders, metabolic disorders, and even head injuries.
Preventing and Treating Tinnitus
Preventing tinnitus from happening usually requires the use of ear plugs and not exposing oneself to sounds as low as 70 decibels.
As much as possible, it is best that you consult your doctor right away whenever you have been exposed to any of these. Treatment usually varies depending on the diseases or disorders a person has.
