What causes the annoying ringing or buzzing sound in your ears. How can you differentiate between objective and subjective tinnitus. What are the potential treatments and coping strategies for tinnitus.

The Prevalence and Impact of Tinnitus

Tinnitus, characterized by a persistent ringing, buzzing, or swishing sound in the ears, affects millions of people worldwide. According to recent statistics, approximately 36 million individuals experience this condition, with about 7 million finding it so disruptive that it interferes with their daily activities and work performance. This widespread issue underscores the importance of understanding tinnitus, its causes, and potential management strategies.

Is tinnitus a sign of mental illness. No, it’s crucial to understand that experiencing tinnitus does not indicate mental health problems or hallucinations. While the condition can be distressing, it is a legitimate auditory phenomenon with various underlying causes.

Objective vs. Subjective Tinnitus: Understanding the Differences

Tinnitus can be classified into two main categories: objective and subjective. Understanding the distinction between these types is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Objective Tinnitus

Objective tinnitus is caused by actual sounds originating from within the body. These internal noises can sometimes be detected by others, typically through careful examination. Examples of objective tinnitus include:

• Pulsatile tinnitus: Rhythmic sounds that align with the heartbeat
• Muscular tinnitus: Clicking or rhythmic sounds caused by muscle contractions near the ear
• Vascular tinnitus: Sounds produced by blood flow through vessels near the ear

Subjective Tinnitus

Subjective tinnitus, the more common form, is perceived only by the individual experiencing it. This type of tinnitus results from abnormal neural activity in the auditory system, without any actual sound being produced. Subjective tinnitus can manifest as various sounds, including:

• Ringing
• Buzzing
• Hissing
• Whistling
• Roaring

Can subjective tinnitus be measured objectively. While subjective tinnitus cannot be directly measured by external devices, its impact can be assessed through questionnaires and functional imaging techniques that reveal changes in brain activity associated with the perception of tinnitus.

Common Causes of Tinnitus: Unraveling the Mystery

Tinnitus can arise from various factors, often involving damage or dysfunction within the auditory system. Some of the most prevalent causes include:

1. Hearing Loss: Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) and noise-induced hearing loss are frequent contributors to tinnitus.
2. Exposure to Loud Noises: Prolonged or sudden exposure to intense sounds can damage the delicate structures of the inner ear, leading to tinnitus.
3. Ear Infections: Conditions like otitis media can cause inflammation and fluid buildup, potentially resulting in tinnitus.
4. Medications: Certain drugs, including aspirin, antibiotics, and some antidepressants, can trigger or exacerbate tinnitus as a side effect.
5. Cardiovascular Issues: High blood pressure, narrowed arteries, or other circulatory problems can contribute to tinnitus, particularly pulsatile tinnitus.
6. Head or Neck Injuries: Trauma to these areas can affect the inner ear or the neural connections between the brain and auditory system.
7. Meniere’s Disease: This inner ear disorder is characterized by vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus.

How does stress relate to tinnitus. While stress itself doesn’t directly cause tinnitus, it can exacerbate existing symptoms. High stress levels may increase sensitivity to tinnitus, making it seem louder or more bothersome. Additionally, the distress caused by tinnitus can create a feedback loop, further elevating stress levels.

Diagnostic Approaches for Tinnitus

Proper diagnosis of tinnitus is crucial for developing an effective management plan. Healthcare professionals typically employ a combination of methods to assess the condition:

Medical History and Physical Examination

A thorough review of the patient’s medical history, including any medications, recent illnesses, or injuries, can provide valuable insights. A physical examination of the ears, head, and neck may reveal underlying issues contributing to tinnitus.

Audiological Evaluation

Comprehensive hearing tests help determine if hearing loss is present and to what extent. These may include:

• Pure tone audiometry
• Speech recognition tests
• Tympanometry to assess middle ear function

Imaging Studies

In some cases, imaging techniques may be employed to rule out structural abnormalities or tumors. These can include:

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Computed Tomography (CT) scans

Are blood tests useful in diagnosing tinnitus. While blood tests are not typically used to diagnose tinnitus itself, they may be ordered to check for underlying conditions that could contribute to tinnitus, such as thyroid disorders, anemia, or vitamin B12 deficiency.

Treatment Options and Management Strategies

While there is no universal cure for tinnitus, various treatments and management strategies can help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. The choice of treatment often depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition.

Hearing Aids and Sound Therapy

For individuals with hearing loss-related tinnitus, hearing aids can be beneficial. These devices not only improve hearing but can also mask tinnitus sounds. Sound therapy, which involves listening to neutral background sounds, can help reduce the perception of tinnitus.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a psychological approach that helps individuals change their perception and reaction to tinnitus. It can be particularly effective in managing the emotional distress associated with chronic tinnitus.

Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT)

TRT combines sound therapy with counseling to help the brain habituate to tinnitus sounds, making them less noticeable over time.

Medications

While no medication specifically treats tinnitus, certain drugs may help manage associated symptoms such as anxiety or depression. However, it’s important to note that some medications can exacerbate tinnitus, so consultation with a healthcare provider is crucial.

Can dietary changes help with tinnitus. Some individuals report improvements in tinnitus symptoms after modifying their diet. Reducing intake of caffeine, alcohol, and salt may be beneficial for some people. However, the relationship between diet and tinnitus is not fully understood and can vary from person to person.

Prevention: Protecting Your Ears from Tinnitus

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

• Use Hearing Protection: Wear earplugs or earmuffs in noisy environments, especially during prolonged exposure.
• Limit Exposure to Loud Sounds: Keep the volume at a moderate level when using headphones or attending concerts.
• Take Listening Breaks: Give your ears time to recover after exposure to loud noises.
• Maintain Cardiovascular Health: Regular exercise and a healthy diet can improve blood flow, potentially reducing the risk of tinnitus.
• Manage Stress: Practice relaxation techniques to reduce overall stress levels, which can exacerbate tinnitus.

How effective are over-the-counter tinnitus remedies. The efficacy of over-the-counter tinnitus remedies varies widely, and many lack scientific evidence supporting their claims. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before trying any new treatment, as some remedies may interact with existing medications or have unintended side effects.

Living with Tinnitus: Coping Strategies and Support

For many individuals, learning to live with tinnitus is an essential part of managing the condition. Developing effective coping strategies can significantly improve quality of life:

Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques

Practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce stress and shift focus away from tinnitus sounds.

Sound Enrichment

Using background noise, such as white noise machines, fans, or nature sounds, can help mask tinnitus and make it less noticeable, especially during quiet periods or at night.

Lifestyle Modifications

Regular exercise, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, and avoiding triggers (such as certain foods or stressful situations) can help manage tinnitus symptoms.

Support Groups

Connecting with others who experience tinnitus can provide emotional support, practical advice, and a sense of community. Many organizations offer both in-person and online support groups.

Can tinnitus be completely cured. While complete cures for tinnitus are rare, many individuals find significant relief through various treatments and management strategies. The goal of tinnitus management is often to reduce the impact of symptoms on daily life rather than eliminate the perception of sound entirely.

Emerging Research and Future Directions in Tinnitus Treatment

The field of tinnitus research is dynamic, with ongoing studies exploring new potential treatments and deeper understanding of the condition’s underlying mechanisms:

Neuromodulation Techniques

Researchers are investigating various forms of brain stimulation, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and vagus nerve stimulation, as potential treatments for tinnitus.

Genetic Studies

Understanding the genetic factors that may predispose individuals to tinnitus could lead to more targeted treatments in the future.

Pharmacological Interventions

Scientists are exploring new drugs that target specific neural pathways involved in tinnitus perception.

Advanced Hearing Aid Technology

Ongoing developments in hearing aid technology, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, may lead to more effective tinnitus management tools.

How close are we to finding a cure for tinnitus. While significant progress has been made in understanding and managing tinnitus, a universal cure remains elusive due to the complex and varied nature of the condition. However, ongoing research continues to yield promising results, offering hope for more effective treatments in the future.

Tinnitus, while often challenging, is a manageable condition for many individuals. By understanding its causes, exploring various treatment options, and developing effective coping strategies, those affected by tinnitus can significantly improve their quality of life. As research progresses, new insights and innovative approaches continue to emerge, offering hope for even better management and potential cures in the future. If you’re experiencing persistent tinnitus, don’t hesitate to consult with a healthcare professional to explore the best management strategies for your specific situation.

Tinnitus, The Annoying Sound Inside Your Head

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Allan Schwartz, LCSW, Ph.D. was in private practice for more than thirty years. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the states
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Do you experience a ringing, swishing or buzzing sound inside of your ears? If not, do you know anyone who complains about this problem? I am one person among 36 million people who is affected by this problem. I am happy to report that I am not among the 7 million who are so distracted by the noise that they cannot work or function.

It is important to understand that people who experience tinnitus are not crazy and are not pretending or hallucinating. This is a problem that is still not well understood and appears to have no cure. However, there are ways to either reduce its impact or prevent it from happening.

Objective and Subjective Tinnitus:

There are two types of tinnitus, objective and subjective. Objective tinnitus is caused by noise originating from inside the body. In fact, if someone was in a dark chamber with the absence of inside or outside sound, they would experience tinnitus. Anything that blocks outside noise will make a person aware of their internal body noises, the objective form of tinnitus. However, by far the most common form of tinnitus is subjective tinnitus. Subjective tinnitus is caused by abnormal activity in the nerve fibers without any actual sound being made. Mostly, this is the type of tinnitus that will be discussed here.

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What Causes Tinnitus?

1. One of the most common causes of tinnitus is damage to the microscopic endings of the hearing nerve in the inner ear.

2. As people age it is common to have a certain amount of hearing nerve impairment. This impairment causes and tinnitus.

3. Exposure to loud noises is a very common cause of tinnitus, and it often damages hearing as well. Unfortunately, many people are unconcerned about the harmful effects of excessively loud noises such as from firearms, high intensity music and July fourth explosions. As we are all well aware, we live in a loud world.

4. Some medications, such as aspirin, can either cause tinnitus or exacerbate the condition. 

5. Some diseases of the inner ear, like Meniere’s syndrome, can cause tinnitus.

6. Tinnitus can in very rare situations be a symptom of such serious problems as an aneurysm or a brain tumor.

7. I have known people whose tinnitus was caused by a sinus infection or other types of sinus diseases. When the infection clears, the tinnitus seems to clear.

8. Putting things in your ears, such as Q tips to clean your ears, can cause damage leading to tinnitus.

Treatment:

The first thing a person should do if they are experiencing these uncomfortable sounds in their ear is to be seen by a Medical Doctor. Obviously, it is important to rule out any serious physical problems that could be the root cause of this condition. However, after any disease process is ruled out then, there are a number of things people can do to get relief from this annoying noise in the ear.

1. Aspirin and other similar products should be used with great care as they can irritate tinnitus.

2. Avoid loud and shocking noises. Listening to music through an IPod or ear phones is all right if the volume is kept low. In fact, it is head phones and Ipods that have probably contributed to this inner ear because loud music blasting into the ears causes damage.

3. It is known that stress and anxiety can worsen the condition. While it is impossible to completely avoid stress and anxiety, it is possible to reduce its effects.

Tinnitus is annoying but is not dangerous. However, I do want to repeat a cautionary note: If you are experiencing these noises please go to the Medical Doctor, especially an Ear Nose and Throat(ENT) doctor. The purpose is to rule out and disease or organic process. However, once those are ruled out and you have been told it is tinnitus, then use some of the relaxation techniques mentioned above.

As the old television commercial said, “do not put anything in your ears…except your elbow.” I have read that wax in the ears has an important role that is serves to protect the ears.

Remember, we live in a noisy world made worse by Ipods and ear phones. Turn down the levels of noise and, as they say, “chill out, man!!”

Your comments are welcome

Allan N. Schwartz, PhD

Keep Reading By Author Allan Schwartz, LCSW, Ph.D.

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Ear Nose and Throat – Humming in Your Ears? Here Are The Four Main Types of Tinnitus

Imagine a bee buzzes in your ear for an entire day. This humming in the ear keeps you turning to see if anything is there, fidgeting with your ear, and struggling to pay attention to the world around you. Does anyone else hear this? Are you losing your mind?

Sounds irritating, right? But does it also sound familiar?

Patients who struggle with tinnitus experience this type of low-frequency tinnitus daily. They hear roaring, ringing, buzzing, and humming — and it’s all in their head.

Except it’s real.

While no one else can hear these four types of tinnitus, these sounds are very real to the person who’s experiencing them. For some, these sounds are simply a side effect of hearing loss. For others, there’s a medical issue that needs to be addressed.

If you’re experiencing humming in the ear, particularly if it’s a pulsating, whooshing, or rhythmic sound, it’s time to visit your Audiologist to see what’s going on.

What is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus describes an internally generated sound that’s not coming from an external source. These sounds can include a range of buzzing, roaring, humming, hissing, and clicking noises that are not in your environment. If you’re experiencing these sounds, it’s time for a hearing evaluation.

If you hear rhythmic pulsing or whooshing sounds, that indicates a hearing exam is even more important. In these cases, we’ll test your hearing and refer you for a medical exam to best identify the issue.

What Causes Tinnitus?

While the exact cause of tinnitus varies, these sounds are not typically generated in the ear. The sound actually comes from the brain. Most often, it’s the brain’s response to hearing loss. However, some types of tinnitus point to other issues that need further medical examination.

Who Does Tinnitus Affect?

While we typically associate hearing loss with increased age, tinnitus can affect people of all ages, even children.

What Are My Treatment Options?

If you notice humming (or other noises) in your ears that’s not environmental, you need to visit an Audiologist or ENT for evaluation. While tinnitus can indicate an insignificant issue, it can also be a red flag for other problems that need further medical investigation.

It’s best to go over treatment options with your ENT and audiologist. Tinnitus indicates a wide range of possible issues to address. Treatments are always personalized to the individual patient.

During your visit, we’ll talk to you about the different qualities of the sound and try to identify where the hearing loss is occurring. We start by conducting a full hearing test. If we see that hearing loss isn’t the source of the issue, we’ll investigate other potential causes.

What Can I Do Today?

Before you even visit your Audiologist, the best thing to do to immediately relieve this irritating sound is to try to break the hyper feedback loop. When you think about tinnitus, you heighten your awareness of it. You then perceive it to be louder and more bothersome than it would be otherwise.

To make it better, try focusing on something else in the environment to keep your active listening distracted. Then, you won’t be actively listening and paying attention to the internally generated tinnitus.

To help distract yourself, use masking noises in the environment such as noise generators, white noise, chimes, or music to keep your brain active (and not focused on the tinnitus). While distraction won’t make the tinnitus fade completely, it may help the “buzzing bee” fly a little further away.

If you’re experiencing humming in the ear or other forms of low-frequency tinnitus, schedule an appointment with your Audiologist or ENT today. We’ll identify the source. Then, we’ll move toward treatment options that provide you the relief you so desperately need.

Cathy Thackrey, Au.D., CCC-A

Dr. Thackrey has been providing Audiology services to West Texas residents since 2006. She is licensed in the State of Texas and is a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). She specializes in hearing evaluations of all ages, but is especially skilled in the selection, fitting, programming and servicing of hearing aids. Learn more about Dr. Thackrey

causes, symptoms, treatment, prevention at home

Tinnitus (or buzzing, ringing in the ears and head) is an unpleasant sound or noise that no one else can hear except the person with this condition. Noise can be constant or transient. The sound may be loud or soft, may vary in pitch, and may be heard in one or both ears. Each person who has tinnitus can probably describe it differently.

It is estimated that between 10% and 15% of the world’s population experience tinnitus. Some studies have shown that the prevalence of unpleasant head and tinnitus increases with age and affects both men and women equally.

Causes of tinnitus in adults

The causes of tinnitus are not fully known or understood, and the real influencing factors in an individual patient cannot always be found or identified. However, in many cases, sounds can be caused by illness or injury, such as:

• heart disease or high blood pressure;
• ear or sinus infections;
• side effects of drugs;
• blows to the head;
• injuries to the auditory organ, such as exposure to loud explosions or very loud music;
• hearing loss;
• objects lodged in the ear canal or accumulation of earwax;
• dental problems;
• certain types of tumors.

Symptoms of noise in the head in adults

Tinnitus, by definition, is a subjective ringing, buzzing, noise or tingling in the head, ear, that only the person experiencing it can hear. It can be continuous or intermittent and is most noticeable in a quiet environment with few distractions, making the patient worse before sleep.

Noise can be described in many ways: humming, buzzing, ringing, whistling, hissing, clicking, throbbing, or roaring. Often this is a symptom of another underlying problem that is localized in the head or even other organs and systems. Many people with tinnitus also have partial or even complete hearing loss. In most cases, the cause of the problem is the hearing loss itself.

The worst part of tinnitus is that it is very annoying and difficult to live with. A soft buzzing sound or noise may not be too disturbing for most patients, but some people hear very loud sounds for long periods of time, or sounds that disappear only to return once people get used to the silence again. It can affect sleep, concentration, and quality of life.

Treating Head Noise in Adults

If you think you have head or tinnitus, your doctor may refer you to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist or a neurologist for evaluation. You will likely have a hearing test (hearing evaluation) and may be referred for a CT (computed tomography) or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the head to see if the source of the noise can be traced.

Diagnosis

It is important to understand that there are no objective tests for tinnitus. Rather, the diagnosis is based on your symptoms, medical history, medical history, and the impact of tinnitus on your quality of life. In particular, you will be asked about your medical history, medications you take, history of head trauma, whether you hear loud noises, and even smoke. Your doctor may ask if you are more stressed than usual because sometimes depression or stress can trigger these episodes. You may also be advised to visit a dentist to see if a jaw problem is making the situation worse.

Modern treatments

The treatment of tinnitus depends largely on the cause. Since noise in the head and ears is usually a symptom and not a disease, addressing the underlying cause should help get rid of the sounds, or at least reduce them. Treatment may be one of the following:

• hearing aids for partial hearing loss;
• antibiotics for infections;
• removing obstructions or wax from the ear canal;
• changing drugs or dosages;
• treatment of certain neurological diseases;
• surgery to correct joint problems;
• stress or depression counseling
• dental care.

There are currently no drugs to treat spontaneous noise in the head and ears of unknown cause. For the most part, tinnitus goes away on its own without treatment. In about 25% of cases, it remains constant.

When the cause of tinnitus cannot be found, or if the cause is something that cannot be corrected, there are some things you can do to try and come to terms with it. The need for this will depend on how loud and constant the sound is, how annoying it is to the person, and whether it interferes with their daily life.

Adult Head Noise Prevention at Home

Some people with severe head and tinnitus use a technique called masking, which uses a device very similar to a hearing aid that makes a soothing or pleasant sound. This hides annoying ringing or buzzing. Sounds can be different for each person. For example, some people may prefer to listen to music outdoors – birdsong, falling rain, or waterfalls. In some cases, masking can “train” the brain not to hear annoying noises, and after a while the device may not be needed all the time.

Other people don’t need a permanent disguise, but they use this technique when trying to sleep, focus or relax. To do this, they may use radios, tape recorders, CD players, or even household appliances such as fans or air conditioners (this type of background masking is called “white noise”).

Sometimes hearing loss is the cause of tinnitus. A hearing test can determine if this is the case and whether a hearing aid can help. Often the aid amplifies what needs to be heard and ultimately drowns out or hides unwanted sounds.

Listening to music at a reasonable level is an important part of hearing hygiene. Photo: Pixabay

If you suffer from tinnitus, it is important to avoid situations that can make it worse. This means avoiding noisy places and playing music at a reasonable level. Also important is awareness of drugs that are toxic to living cells or the ear (called “cytotoxic” or “ototoxic” drugs) and can help reduce the risk of developing tinnitus.

Some doctors recommend avoiding caffeine and smoke because they can irritate the ears.

Popular Questions and Answers

We were answered by neurologist, teacher of neurology Elena Gayvoronskaya to popular questions from patients who experienced noise in the head.

What are the possible complications of noise in the head?

The most common is a bilateral noise that is amplified in silence and interferes with sleep. This is usually how anxiety-depressive disorders manifest themselves, but you should consult a doctor to rule out another pathology. It is important to remember that osteochondrosis, protrusions, hernias, small plaques in the vessels, hypoplasia and tortuosity of the arteries cannot cause noise, we must look for the real cause.

When to call a doctor at home for a noise in the head?

Tinnitus can be a symptom of a wide variety of diseases.

If the noise occurs suddenly and is accompanied by other manifestations (hearing loss, ear pain), you should immediately visit the ENT.

Is it possible to treat noise in the head with folk remedies?

No need to self-medicate and waste precious time. For example, with acute sensorineural hearing loss, it is necessary to start the correct treatment as soon as possible, otherwise noise in the ear, head and hearing loss can remain for life.

how to treat noise in the head and which doctor

Noise in my head

Noise in the head is a variety of discordant sounds that a person hears almost constantly, in the absence of a source of noise among the surrounding objects.

Causes

Thickening of vessel walls when cholesterol and calcium are deposited in their walls, formation of cholesterol plaques, development of atherosclerosis. Multiple plaques throughout the vessel reduce the elasticity of the vascular wall, it does not “quench” the strong impact of the pulse wave during the passage of blood through the vessels. The effect of blood movement through a rigid pipe is created, similar to the flow of water through metal pipes. A sound is produced that a person hears as a noise in the head. In reality, he hears the movement of blood through the vessels of the head.

Increased cerebrovascular tone in violation of nervous regulation, release of a large amount of biologically active substances during stress. The blood hits harder against the dense walls of the vessels, because of which the person hears noise in the head.

Natural aging of the walls of cerebral vessels, their thickening, sclerosis, decreased elasticity.

The appearance of a protrusion on the wall of the cerebral artery, as a result of which the nature of the blood flow in it changes, blood stagnation occurs in the altered area.

Insufficient blood supply to the brain tissues due to arterial clamping at the level of the upper vertebrae.

Focal changes in the medulla in the elderly due to impaired blood flow, slowing down metabolic processes.

Insufficient intake of nutrients and B vitamins necessary for the effective functioning of the brain.

Mental disorders in which a person thinks that he hears certain sounds.

Blockage of the ear canal in the ear, decreased elasticity of the tympanic membrane, which impairs sound conduction and sound perception.

Signs

The noise may appear suddenly, intermittently, or be present all the time.

Noise in the head worsens the general condition, reduces mood and performance.

When noise appears in the head, there are no objects around the person that could create similar sounds – a car engine, a hair dryer, a vacuum cleaner, strong wind, splashing sea waves.

What diseases occur

Vitamin B deficiency.

Vegetative-vascular dystonia – an increase in the tone of cerebral vessels occurs in young people during the period of hormonal adjustment, with great intellectual stress, with severe stress.

The syndrome of compression of the anterior spinal or vertebral artery develops against the background of osteochondrosis of the spine, it also occurs in young people over 25-30 years old. Noise in the head is localized in the occipital region, accompanied by a throbbing headache.

Cerebral artery aneurysm.

Atherosclerosis of cerebral vessels.

Arterial hypertension.

Dyscirculatory encephalopathy. A multifocal change in the brain in the elderly, which occurs against the background of a chronic violation of blood flow in the vessels of the brain.