Tinnitus ("TIN-a-tus" or "Tin-EYE-tus") refers to any noise or sound in your ear when no other sound is present. Tinnitus can sound like ringing, hissing,
roaring, pulsing, whooshing, chirping, whistling, or clicking. Tinnitus can occur in one ear or both ears. Almost everyone at one time or another has experienced brief
periods of mild ringing or other sounds in the ear. Some people have
more annoying and constant types of tinnitus. One third of all adults
experience tinnitus at some time in their lives. About 10%–15% of adults
have prolonged tinnitus requiring medical evaluation. The exact cause
of tinnitus is often not known. One thing is certain: Tinnitus is not
imaginary.
Classification of Tinnitus Tinnitus can be classified as either Subjective or Objective. - Subjective tinnitus – only perceived by the patient, it is more common - Objective tinnitus – sound produced by non-auditory structures in the ear, head or neck which may be heard by an examiner
What should I do if I have Tinnitus? Since tinnitus is a symptom of a problem, the first thing you should
do is to try to find out the underlying cause. You should have a medical
examination with special attention given to checking factors associated
with tinnitus. A full hearing evaluation can identify hearing loss that
may be associated with the tinnitus.
There are many possible causes of tinnitus, such as: Impacted wax (external ear) Ear infection Middle ear tumors Meniere's Disease Otosclerosis Vascular problems (circulation disorders) Ototoxic medicines (more than 200 medicines can cause tinnitus) Noise-induced hearing loss (inner ear) At the central level—the eighth cranial (auditory) nerve and other tumors, migraine, and epilepsy
What treatment options are available for tinnitus? The most effective treatment for tinnitus is to eliminate the
underlying cause. Because tinnitus can be a symptom of a treatable
medical condition, medical or surgical treatment may correct the
tinnitus.
Unfortunately, in many cases, the cause of tinnitus cannot be
identified, or medical or surgical treatment is not an option. In these
cases, the tinnitus itself may need to be treated. Be sure to discuss
with your doctor any treatment options you are considering prior to
beginning the treatment.
Forms of tinnitus management include:
Biofeedback Relaxation therapy Counseling Habituation therapies Tinnitus maskers
Sound therapy
Tinnitus is usually managed through a combination of options. Audiologists and otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat doctors, or
ENTs) routinely collaborate in identifying the cause and providing
treatment. A treatment that is useful and successful for one person may
not be appropriate for another.
Will a hearing aid help my tinnitus?
If you have a hearing loss, there is a good chance that a hearing aid
will both relieve your tinnitus and help you hear. The
audiologist can assist with the selection, fitting, and purchase of the
most appropriate aid. The audiologist will also help train you to use
the aid effectively. Many newer hearing aids also come with tinnitus programs, such as the Widex Zen.