What causes the clicking sound in your ear. How can you treat tinnitus symptoms at home. When should you seek professional help for ear noises. What are the most effective medical treatments for tinnitus.

What is Tinnitus and Why Do I Hear Clicking in My Ear?

Tinnitus is an abnormal noise or sensation experienced in the ears or head that is not caused by an external sound source. While often described as a ringing sound, tinnitus can manifest in various ways, including clicking, buzzing, hissing, or roaring noises. This condition affects millions of people worldwide and can significantly impact quality of life if left untreated.

Clicking sounds in the ear are a common form of tinnitus. These sounds may be rhythmic or irregular and can vary in intensity. While not usually a sign of a serious underlying condition, persistent clicking noises can be bothersome and warrant investigation by a hearing specialist.

Common Symptoms Associated with Tinnitus

• Ringing, buzzing, or clicking sounds in the ears
• Decreased hearing ability
• Sleep disturbances
• Increased stress levels
• Anxiety and depression
• Difficulty concentrating

Does tinnitus always indicate hearing loss? Not necessarily. While tinnitus can be an early sign of hearing loss, especially age-related or noise-induced hearing loss, it can also occur in individuals with normal hearing. However, if you experience persistent tinnitus, it’s crucial to have your hearing evaluated by a professional audiologist.

Uncovering the Causes of Tinnitus and Ear Clicking

Tinnitus is not a disease itself but rather a symptom of an underlying condition affecting the auditory system. Understanding the root cause is essential for effective treatment. Here are some common factors that can lead to tinnitus and clicking sounds in the ear:

Earwax Buildup

Excessive earwax accumulation is a frequent cause of tinnitus. When earwax touches the eardrum, it can interfere with its normal function, leading to abnormal sounds. Improper ear cleaning methods, such as using cotton swabs, can push earwax deeper into the ear canal, exacerbating the problem.

Age-Related Hearing Loss

As we age, the delicate structures in our inner ear naturally deteriorate, potentially leading to hearing loss and tinnitus. This type of hearing loss, known as presbycusis, typically develops gradually over time.

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Prolonged exposure to loud noises can damage the sensory hair cells in the inner ear, resulting in both hearing loss and tinnitus. This is particularly common among individuals working in noisy environments or those frequently exposed to loud music.

Medical Conditions

Several medical conditions can contribute to tinnitus, including:

• Ear and sinus infections
• Otosclerosis (abnormal bone growth in the middle ear)
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
• Cardiovascular problems
• Thyroid abnormalities
• Hormonal changes, particularly in women

Medications

Certain medications can cause or worsen tinnitus as a side effect. Over 200 prescription drugs are known to potentially induce tinnitus, sometimes even after discontinuation. Common culprits include aspirin, antibiotics, and some antidepressants.

Diagnosing Tinnitus: When to Seek Professional Help

If you’re experiencing persistent clicking or other unusual sounds in your ears, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional. An audiologist or ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist can conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying cause of your tinnitus.

What to Expect During a Tinnitus Evaluation

1. Medical history review: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, lifestyle, and any medications you’re taking.
2. Physical examination: This includes a close inspection of your ears, head, and neck.
3. Hearing tests: Comprehensive audiological exams help assess your hearing function and identify any hearing loss.
4. Imaging tests: In some cases, CT or MRI scans may be necessary to rule out structural abnormalities or tumors.

When should you seek immediate medical attention for tinnitus? If you experience sudden hearing loss, severe dizziness, or tinnitus accompanied by severe headaches or neurological symptoms, seek emergency care as these may indicate a more serious condition.

Effective Treatment Options for Tinnitus and Ear Clicking

While there is no universal cure for tinnitus, several treatment options can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. The most appropriate treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of your tinnitus.

Hearing Aids

For individuals with tinnitus related to hearing loss, hearing aids can be highly effective. These devices not only amplify external sounds but can also mask tinnitus noises, making them less noticeable.

Sound Therapy

Sound therapy involves using external noises to alter your perception of or reaction to tinnitus. This can include white noise machines, nature sound recordings, or specialized sound generators designed for tinnitus relief.

Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT)

TRT combines sound therapy with counseling to help retrain the brain to perceive tinnitus differently. This approach aims to reduce the negative emotional response to tinnitus over time.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT focuses on changing thought patterns and behaviors related to tinnitus. This psychological approach can help reduce stress and anxiety associated with tinnitus, improving overall quality of life.

Medications

While no medication specifically treats tinnitus, certain drugs may help manage associated symptoms or underlying conditions:

• Antidepressants: Can help with depression and anxiety related to tinnitus
• Benzodiazepines: May reduce nerve function and tinnitus-related symptoms
• Prostaglandin analogues: Used in specific cases, depending on the root cause

Are there any risks associated with tinnitus medications? As with any medication, there can be side effects and potential risks. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment regimen.

Home Remedies and Lifestyle Changes to Manage Tinnitus

In addition to professional treatments, several home remedies and lifestyle modifications may help alleviate tinnitus symptoms:

Stress Management

Stress can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms. Incorporating stress-reduction techniques into your daily routine can be beneficial:

• Meditation and mindfulness practices
• Yoga or tai chi
• Deep breathing exercises
• Regular physical exercise

Dietary Modifications

Some individuals find that certain dietary changes can help reduce tinnitus symptoms:

• Limiting caffeine and alcohol intake
• Reducing salt consumption
• Avoiding foods high in saturated fats
• Increasing intake of foods rich in vitamins B12 and zinc

Sleep Hygiene

Improving sleep quality can help manage tinnitus symptoms. Try these strategies:

• Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule
• Creating a quiet, dark sleeping environment
• Using a white noise machine or fan to mask tinnitus sounds
• Avoiding screens before bedtime

Alternative Therapies

While scientific evidence is limited, some people report benefits from alternative therapies such as:

• Acupuncture
• Ginkgo biloba supplements
• Zinc supplements
• Biofeedback

Can lifestyle changes alone cure tinnitus? While lifestyle modifications can help manage symptoms, they are unlikely to completely eliminate tinnitus, especially in severe cases. A comprehensive approach combining professional treatment and lifestyle changes often yields the best results.

Prevention: Protecting Your Ears from Tinnitus

While not all cases of tinnitus are preventable, taking steps to protect your hearing can significantly reduce your risk:

Noise Protection

• Wear earplugs or noise-canceling headphones in loud environments
• Keep music volume at a moderate level, especially when using headphones
• Take regular breaks from prolonged exposure to loud noises

Ear Health Maintenance

• Avoid inserting objects into your ears, including cotton swabs
• Use proper ear cleaning techniques or consult a professional for earwax removal
• Treat ear infections promptly to prevent complications

General Health

• Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly
• Manage stress levels
• Keep blood pressure under control
• Avoid or quit smoking

How often should you have your hearing checked? Adults should have their hearing tested at least every 10 years until age 50, and every 3 years after that. However, if you notice any changes in your hearing or experience tinnitus, schedule an appointment with an audiologist promptly.

Emerging Research and Future Treatments for Tinnitus

The field of tinnitus research is continually evolving, with scientists exploring new treatments and technologies to provide relief for those affected by this condition. Some promising areas of research include:

Neuromodulation Techniques

Researchers are investigating various neuromodulation approaches to alter brain activity associated with tinnitus:

• Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
• Vagus nerve stimulation
• Deep brain stimulation

Gene Therapy

Scientists are exploring the potential of gene therapy to repair or regenerate damaged hair cells in the inner ear, which could potentially treat both hearing loss and tinnitus.

Pharmacological Interventions

Ongoing research is focused on developing new drugs that target the neurological processes underlying tinnitus:

• NMDA receptor antagonists
• Potassium channel modulators
• Neurotrophic factors

Advanced Sound Therapies

New sound therapy techniques are being developed to provide more personalized and effective tinnitus management:

• Notched music therapy
• Acoustic coordinated reset neuromodulation
• Bimodal auditory-somatosensory stimulation

What is the potential timeline for these new treatments? While many of these approaches show promise in early studies, it’s important to note that the development and approval of new treatments can take several years. Patients should continue to work with their healthcare providers to manage their tinnitus using currently available methods while staying informed about emerging therapies.

Living with Tinnitus: Coping Strategies and Support

Dealing with chronic tinnitus can be challenging, but there are numerous strategies to help you cope and maintain a good quality of life:

Education and Awareness

Understanding tinnitus and its mechanisms can help reduce anxiety and fear associated with the condition. Stay informed about your condition and treatment options through reputable sources and discussions with your healthcare provider.

Support Groups

Joining a tinnitus support group can provide valuable emotional support and practical advice from others who share similar experiences. Many organizations offer both in-person and online support groups.

Mindfulness and Acceptance

Practicing mindfulness techniques can help you develop a more accepting attitude towards tinnitus, reducing its impact on your daily life. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) programs have shown promising results for tinnitus management.

Counseling

Professional counseling, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can help you develop coping mechanisms and change negative thought patterns associated with tinnitus.

Relaxation Techniques

Regular practice of relaxation methods can help reduce stress and tension that may exacerbate tinnitus:

• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Guided imagery
• Autogenic training

Hobbies and Distraction

Engaging in enjoyable activities and hobbies can help distract your mind from tinnitus and improve overall well-being. Consider exploring new interests or rekindling old passions.

How can family and friends support someone with tinnitus? Loved ones can provide emotional support, help create a tinnitus-friendly environment, and assist in finding and attending treatment sessions. Understanding and patience are key, as the impact of tinnitus can vary greatly from day to day.

Living with tinnitus requires a multifaceted approach, combining medical treatments, lifestyle modifications, and coping strategies. By working closely with healthcare professionals and staying informed about the latest developments in tinnitus research, individuals can effectively manage their symptoms and maintain a high quality of life. Remember, while tinnitus can be challenging, it doesn’t have to define your life. With the right support and management techniques, many people successfully adapt to living with tinnitus and continue to enjoy fulfilling, active lives.

What Is the Clicking in My Ear…Should I Be Concerned?

Are you experiencing crackling, buzzing, ringing, static, or clicking in the ear sound? If so, it could be that your hearing aid batteries need to be changed. But if you’re experiencing clicking in the ear and you don’t wear hearing aids, it could be an indicator of tinnitus. In either case, the team at North Shore Hearing P.C. can help. 

At North Shore Hearing P.C., we’ve been helping people from all walks of life take control of their hearing for over two decades. We offer a range of specialized hearing solutions that can be tailored to your unique situation. 

And one of the most common questions we receive from our clients is “What is the clicking sound in my ear?”…and “Is it serious?” Let’s take a closer look at tinnitus – the most common cause of the clicking sound in the ear.

What Is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is an abnormal ear noise that can arise in the outer ear, inner ear, middle ear, or in the nerve that runs from your brain to your inner ear. To be clear, tinnitus is not a disease, but rather a symptom of something wrong in the auditory system. In addition to ringing ears and clicking in the ears, people suffering from tinnitus often experience:

• Decreased hearing
• Problems sleeping
• Elevated levels of stress
• Depression
• High levels of anxiety

If you are experiencing hearing loss, high-pitched continuous sounds, clicking in the ear, or ear throbbing, you could be suffering from tinnitus.

What Causes Tinnitus and Clicking in the Ear?

A common culprit of tinnitus is earwax buildup. If earwax accumulates and touches your eardrum, it can prevent it from functioning properly. Although this can happen naturally, earwax buildup is often attributed to improper cleaning of the ear. 

For example, people who use Q-tips often force the ear wax deeper into the ear canal, causing it to become compacted. However, you should never insert a Q-Tip or any other foreign object into your ear. If you do need to clean your ears, it’s imperative you know the safe earwax removal methods. Additional causes of tinnitus include: 

• Sinus and ear infections
• Aging
• Trauma
• Otosclerosis
• Muscle Spasms
• Thyroid abnormalities
• Hormonal changes in women
• Tumors

Before assuming the worst, it’s important to consider all the options and consult with an audiologist about what you are experiencing. Sometimes, tinnitus is one of the first signs of hearing loss that happens naturally with aging. 

If someone is taking multiple medications, it could even be a side effect of the medicine. Research shows that more than 200 prescription drugs are known to cause tinnitus, sometimes even after patients stop taking them.

Individuals who work in relatively noisy environments—such as construction or factory workers—can develop tinnitus over time. The development of tinnitus can be due to ongoing exposure to noise that eventually harms the sensory hair cells in the ear that transmit sound to the brain.  

This is referred to as noise-induced hearing loss. This can also occur by consistently listening to loud music (e.g. concerts, earbuds at high volume), so young people should be especially careful.

How Can I Treat the Clicking in My Ear? 

Depending on the root cause of your tinnitus, it can be treated in different ways. Once you’ve gone through a physical exam and a hearing test, you can be recommended to the appropriate specialist who will give you the best advice on how to move forward. Common tinnitus treatments are:

• Tinnitus retraining therapy
• Relief therapy
• Hearing aids
• Depression counseling
• Electrical stimulation
• Meditation or yoga to reduce stress

What Medications Can Be Used to Treat Tinnitus?

Medications often given to tinnitus patients include:

• Benzodiazepine – help suppress nerve function, decreasing tinnitus related symptoms
• Prostaglandin analogues (e.g. Cytotec) – normally used to treat gastric ulcer and glaucoma, some tinnitus patients can use this medication depending on their root cause
• Antidepressants – decrease intensity of tinnitus symptoms and levels of depression, which sometimes cause tinnitus to begin with

Home Remedies and Therapies for Tinnitus

If you are looking for a home remedy or alternate medicine to alleviate symptoms, there is not enough research to support many of the popular options. Even so, the following home remedies are commonly used in an attempt to find relief: 

• Dietary restrictions (e.g. avoid coffee and limit salt intake)
• Zinc supplements
• Ginkgo biloba
• Stop smoking tobacco
• Biofeedback
• Acupuncture

Contact North Shore Hearing P.C. for Tinnitus Treatment

At North Shore Hearing P.C., we take a holistic approach to treating tinnitus. Our experienced audiological professionals will work closely with you to develop a unique program that meets your needs and helps you achieve your hearing goals. Our management approaches are proven to help provide relief and reduce symptoms. Learn more about how we treat tinnitus, and don’t hesitate to reach out to us today for relief.

What Is Tinnitus? – Symptoms – Diagnosis & Tests

What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus is a problem that causes you hear a noise in one ear or both ears. In most cases, nothing outside of you caused that noise. It’s an internal noise that only you hear in your ear. People commonly describe the noise as a “ringing in the ear.” It also can be roaring, clicking, buzzing, or other sounds. Some people who have tinnitus hear a more complex noise that changes over time. You may hear the noise constantly, or it may come and go.

There are two types of tinnitus.

• Subjective tinnitus happens when you hear a sound that’s not really there. These phantom sounds are caused by certain nerves that aren’t functioning properly or because there is a problem with part of your ear.
• Objective tinnitus is caused by an actual sound that occurs inside or near the ear, such as from nearby blood vessels. Your doctor can hear this sound during an exam. This type of tinnitus rare.

Symptoms of tinnitus

The main symptom of tinnitus is hearing sounds in your ears that aren’t really there. The sound could be ringing. It may also sound like blowing, roaring, clicking, buzzing, hissing, or humming. The noises can be soft or loud. They can be high pitched or low pitched.

What causes tinnitus?

Tinnitus is not a disease. It’s a symptom of an underlying health problem. Most of the time, it’s cause by sensorineural hearing loss (nerve damage in your ear). Sometimes it’s caused by something as simple as earwax blocking the ear canal. Here are some other common causes of tinnitus:

• Exposure to loud noises, which can lead to noise-induced hearing loss over time
• Hearing loss related to aging
• Certain medicines that can damage the inner workings of the ear (for example, taking high doses of aspirin every day)
• Eustachian tube dysfunction (the tube that leads from the middle ear to the back of the throat)
• Inner ear infections, such as otitis media or labyrinthitis
• Meniere’s disease, an inner-ear condition that involves hearing loss and dizziness

Allergies, high blood pressure, low blood pressure, diabetes, tumors, and head injuries can also cause tinnitus. If you have a foreign object in your ear or a build-up of ear wax, you may also experience tinnitus.

In many cases, the cause of tinnitus can’t be identified.

How is tinnitus diagnosed?

Your doctor will take a detailed medical history, including a family history of hearing loss. They will want to know about any medical conditions you may have and any history of infections. Your doctor also needs to know what medicines you’re taking, including herbal products or supplements. They will check your ears. They may give you a hearing test. They may also order other tests to find out what is causing your tinnitus. These could include a head CT scan, a head MRI scan, or blood vessel studies. Your doctor might refer you to an otolaryngologist. This is a doctor that specializes in the ear, nose, and throat (also called an ENT doctor).

Can tinnitus be prevented or avoided?

To prevent tinnitus or keep it from getting worse, avoid long-term exposure to loud noises and activities that put you at risk for hearing loss. If you know you’re going to be around loud noises, take precautions by wearing earplugs or noise-canceling headphones. If you listen to music through headphones, keep the volume low.

If you have tinnitus, avoid things that seem to make it worse. These may include nicotine, alcohol, or caffeine.

Treatment

Treatment will depend on what is causing your tinnitus. If earwax is causing your tinnitus, your doctor will remove it. If a medicine you’re taking is causing the issue, your doctor may recommend you stop taking that medicine. But never stop taking a prescription medicine without talking to your doctor first.

If an underlying condition, such as high blood pressure, is causing your tinnitus, your doctor can create a treatment plan for you to follow. Usually, tinnitus goes away once the condition that is causing it is treated. If diabetes is causing your tinnitus, take your prescribed medicine and follow your doctor’s orders for diet and exercise to manage the condition.

When no specific cause can be identified, your doctor will probably focus on making your tinnitus easier to tolerate. Some possible methods include:

• Hearing aids: For people who have tinnitus and hearing loss, using a hearing aid may be helpful. When you wear a hearing aid, things you need to hear will be louder than the ringing, buzzing, or clicking sound. Hearing aids are available by prescription or over the counter. Talk to your doctor about which is best for you.
• Sound generators (maskers): Wearable sound generators can be placed behind your ear and create white noise (constant background noise) or other sounds. This “masks” the tinnitus and makes it less noticeable. Some people also use bedside sound generators to help them sleep.
• Counseling: Some people who have tinnitus become anxious or depressed because a hearing loss can isolate a person, socially. If you have tinnitus and are struggling, seek help through a counselor and/or a support group to help you cope. Counseling can also be used to help you take the focus off your tinnitus.
• Tinnitus retraining therapy: This method uses a mix of counseling with maskers or other approaches. The goal is to teach your brain to ignore the sounds you hear. This isn’t a quick fix, but many people find it useful with time and practice.
• Relaxing: Stress can make tinnitus worse. Your doctor can suggest relaxation techniques that might help you deal with your stress.
• Medicines: Currently, there are no medicines specifically designed for treating tinnitus. Some medicines, such as certain ones used to treat anxiety, have been shown to relieve tinnitus for some people. Talk to your doctor about whether medicine might relieve your symptoms.

Living with tinnitus

For many people with tinnitus, the condition is just a mild distraction. But for some, tinnitus causes distress and negatively affects their quality of life. It can cause anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and poor concentration. To lessen the impact of tinnitus on your life, try the following:

• Avoid loud noises and sounds.
• Control your blood pressure and diabetes.
• Exercise regularly for good circulation.
• Get plenty of sleep and avoid fatigue.

Take the focus off your tinnitus. Use techniques such as sound generators and counseling to push it to the background. Remember that the more you think about tinnitus, the more bothersome it will become.

Questions for your doctor

• The noise in my ears makes it hard for me to sleep. What can I do?
• Is there something causing my tinnitus that we could treat?
• Will I lose my hearing?
• I also get dizzy a lot. Could I have Meniere’s disease?
• Could this be caused by an ear infection?
• Should I avoid listening to music on headphones?
• Is there anything I can do at home to help?

Resources

National Institutes of Health, MedlinePlus: Tinnitus

National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders: Tinnitus

Copyright © American Academy of Family Physicians

This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject.

causes and treatment, how to diagnose

Tinnitus (from Latin tinnītus “ringing”) is the sensation of sound in one or both ears in the absence of an external source of sound. This sensation is mostly described as ringing in the ears, but the sounds can also be hissing, humming, clicking, or buzzing. Noise, hum or ringing in the ears can be strong, mild or moderate, constant or intermittent. The perception of tinnitus is individual.

Although tinnitus is heard in the ears, it occurs in the nerve circuits of the brain, which causes us to hear sounds in the head. It is not yet known exactly what is going on in the brain to create the illusion of a sound that is not actually there. Tinnitus is the most common disorder affecting 10 to 15% of the world’s population.

Causes of noise or ringing in the ears

The appearance of tinnitus can be caused by prolonged exposure to loud noises or certain lifestyle habits. Ringing in the ears can also occur in healthy people and for no apparent reason. However, in many cases, the appearance of noise or ringing in the ears is associated with hearing loss.

Causes that can trigger tinnitus can be divided into the following groups:

Medical

• Diabetes
• Anemia
• Allergy
• Otosclerosis
• Meniere’s disease
• Earwax plug
• Head and neck tumors
• Low serotonin 9 0018
• Blood pressure problems
• Thyroid problems (hypothyroidism).
• Diseases of the outer, middle or inner ear.

Hearing impairment

According to statistics, 80-85% of patients suffering from tinnitus have some degree of hearing impairment. Despite the fact that tinnitus is not the cause of hearing impairment, but its impact negatively affects concentration, performance, because constant sounds in the head are distracting and prevent you from concentrating on really important sound information. Annoying noise distracts from daily tasks and interferes with meaningful communication with family, friends and loved ones.

Head injury and brain disease
Head injury, such as a concussion, can damage the inner ear and cause tinnitus. Also, neurological diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, can lead to tinnitus, and acoustic tumors of the auditory or vestibular nerve, by putting pressure on the nerve endings, can create tinnitus. In this case, the treatment of tinnitus should begin with an appeal to a neurologist.

Problems with the heart and blood vessels

If your tinnitus is pulsating, it may be due to a problem with your blood vessels.

Drugs that cause tinnitus

The most common drugs that cause tinnitus are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (eg, aspirin, gentamicin), diuretics, some antibiotics, and cancer drugs. If you experience tinnitus after starting a drug or changing its dosage, contact your healthcare provider right away to determine further treatment.

Risk factors for tinnitus

Often tinnitus occurs in people with hearing impairment of different ages, but the elderly and those whose professional activities are associated with high-level noise exposure are at risk.

Age-related hearing loss

Hearing loss due to aging is called presbycusis and begins at age 60. The greater the hearing loss, the more likely it is that tinnitus will occur. To prevent the appearance of annoying noise, you must first contact an audiologist for a hearing diagnosis in order to assess its severity (i.e., at what frequencies a decrease is observed) and then select a method for correcting the identified violations.

Loud noise exposure

Regular exposure to loud noise in professional activities (airport workers, factories, construction sites, city transport drivers, military, hunters) is a common cause of hearing loss and tinnitus. Wearing earplugs at work will help protect your hearing.

Lifestyle
Listening to music at high volumes for extended periods of time or frequent concerts can also cause permanent hearing damage. Excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, abuse of foods and drinks containing caffeine can cause tinnitus. Frequent fatigue and stress can also be risk factors.

If you have tinnitus, start your treatment journey by contacting a hearing care professional who specializes in diagnosing tinnitus to help determine the underlying cause. If common causes of tinnitus are ruled out, your doctor will refer you to another specialist for further evaluation and treatment.

How to reduce the impact of tinnitus

Because tinnitus is purely a subjective sensation, it can be difficult to diagnose, so following the recommendations of your audiologists on your own can help alleviate the condition:

• Avoid tobacco, coffee, cola, tea;
• Learn to relax, arrange a relaxing minute for yourself;
• Try to control your blood pressure, measure it regularly;
• Avoid loud noise and use earplugs for occupational protection;
• Try to eat less salt, because. its use is one of the causes of circulatory disorders;
• Exercise regularly, exercise improves blood circulation, which helps reduce tinnitus;
• Use a hearing aid. It not only helps with hearing loss, but also has a masking effect that will help you get rid of annoying tinnitus and reduce its impact on daily life.

Hearing loss and tinnitus

Noise or ringing in the ears or head often cannot be treated, but the good news is that tinnitus can be controlled. The latest technological solutions in the field of audiology and deafness come to the rescue. Clinical studies show that digital hearing aids are not only effective in addressing hearing loss, but also help reduce the impact of tinnitus and provide overall relief.
Amplification of environmental sounds through the hearing aid provides activation of the auditory part of the nervous system, which reduces the perception of tinnitus. With constant exposure to amplified environmental sounds, the auditory part of the nervous system is rebuilt, which has a beneficial effect on the function of nervous activity, restoring it and weakening hypersensitivity to auditory sensations.

Modern hearing aids are equipped with a sound generator function, such as white noise or ocean noise, the intensity of which the user can independently control using a smartphone thanks to a mobile application for iPhone and Android.

Find out more about modern digital hearing aid models that help manage tinnitus.

Khairulina Svetlana Ivanovna

Otorhinolaryngologist-audiologist of the first category. Work experience: since 2007. Conducts reception of adults and children from birth.

Reception of adults and children:

Minsk, Independence Avenue, 83

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Center for Good Hearing

High-frequency tinnitus – causes, diagnosis, treatment.

25
Mar
2018

25 Mar 2018 Tinnitus types, Symptoms Tinnitus types, Dizziness, What to do?, Head noise, Tinnitus 8

ears . A person perceives it and describes it as a squeak or whistle. In young people, the symptom is more often unilateral; for patients of mature and elderly age, bilateral manifestations are characteristic.

Contents of the article:

• 1 Provoking factors
• 2 Pathology of the peripheral parts
  • 2.1 Eustacheitis
  • 2.2 Balance organ
  • 2.3 Organ of Corti (cochlea)
  • 2.4 Initial parts of the auditory nerve
  • 2.5 Pathology of the central parts of the auditory analyzer
    • 2.5.1 Effective treatment of tinnitus

Triggers

According to acoustic standards, sounds with a frequency of 800 Hz or more are considered high-frequency. The physiological limit that the human ear can hear and the brain can perceive is 20,000 Hz.

The hair cells of the organ of Corti (part of the cochlea) are responsible for the perception of such high tones in the inner ear, with very short villi that lose their flexibility with age. Therefore, young people can hear higher frequencies than older people.

Many cases of tonal high-frequency tinnitus are due to pathological stimulation from the cells of the organ of Corti. No less often, a squeak in ears occurs due to problems with the auditory nerve. Somewhat less often – with damage to the central parts of the auditory analyzer.

So, it can squeak in the ears for the following reasons:

1. Inflammatory processes in the parotid region – otitis media, ethmoiditis.
2. Diseases of ENT organs – eustachitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis.
3. Hypertonicity of masticatory muscles (trismus, bruxism).
4. Damage to the auditory nerve itself, when pathological impulses come from the fibers that conduct high-frequency sound.
5. Disorders from the subcortical parts of the auditory analyzer located in the brain.

1. Chronic sonic overload. High-pitched tinnitus is a common occurrence among musicians and entertainers.
2. Acute sonic overload, acoustic trauma.
3. Stress, episodes of psycho-emotional overstrain.

In general, the causes of squeaking and high-frequency ringing are different, and in order to eliminate them, one cannot do without qualified medical assistance.

High-pitched tinnitus may be the first symptom of sensorineural hearing loss.

Thanks to their experience, the specialists of the clinic of restorative neurology “Tinitus Neuro” on the day of treatment, based on the results of a patient’s survey, can roughly determine the cause and location of damage to the auditory analyzer.

Pathology of the peripheral parts

This includes all pathology that is associated with damage to the organ of hearing from the auricle to the auditory nerve. The main problems are created by the ENT organs, the labyrinth (responsible for balance), the organ of Corti and the auditory nerve itself.

Eustacheitis

Inflammatory diseases of the throat cause swelling of the tubal tonsil, located at one end of the Eustachian tube. As a result, the tube becomes clogged, the pressure in the tympanic cavity drops and a tonal whistle occurs. Typical:

• The symptom is unilateral.
• Hearing in the affected ear weakens, it seems to be blocked.
• There are signs of inflammation in the throat, on the tonsils, maybe sinusitis.

It should be borne in mind that both low-frequency and broadband tinnitus can occur with eustacheitis, so independent conclusions about the nature of the noise without consulting a doctor should not be made.

Organ of balance

The labyrinth, which consists of three semicircular tubules, is very closely connected with other structures of the inner ear, in particular with the organ of Corti.

High frequency squeaking and tinnitus occur with Meniere’s disease, inflammation of the labyrinth, injuries and tumors of the inner ear. Such localization of the source of tinnitus is characterized by:

• Unilateral manifestation.
• Hearing is preserved, at least in the initial stages of the pathology.
• Tinnitus is accompanied by symptoms of imbalance.

Organ of Corti (cochlea)

It is there that the cells are located, which eventually perceive the vibrations of the tympanic membrane and transform them into electrical impulses transmitted to the auditory nerve.

With age and with pronounced sound overload, these cells gradually die off, starting with those responsible for the perception of high frequency sounds. In some people, this is manifested by a decrease in hearing to high-pitched sounds, in others, high-frequency tinnitus occurs.

The process is usually two-way.

Primary sections of the auditory nerve

Strictly speaking, when the root of the auditory nerve is damaged, noises of different heights, including high-frequency ones, may occur.

Characterized by monotonous tone and unilateral localization of tinnitus.

Pathology of the central parts of the auditory analyzer

Two problems are most common here: psycho-emotional overstrain and circulatory disorders in the brain tissues (vertebrobasilar insufficiency).

Given that the central parts of the auditory analyzer include 5 neurons, it is very difficult to find the source of high-frequency tinnitus among them. Moreover, in some cases, a unilateral lesion leads to the appearance of noise in both ears.

Effective treatment for tinnitus

No qualified physician would treat a patient with high frequency tinnitus based on a single interview.

More about treatment

Thanks to experience and knowledge, after talking with the patient, the doctor can focus on the study of a particular area – the middle ear, ENT organs or the central nervous system.

Tinnitus Neuro Restorative Neurology Clinic uses modern methods for in-depth study of high-frequency tinnitus – Doppler ultrasound, CT, MRI, electroencephalography and audiometry in all modes.