What causes tinnitus. How is tinnitus diagnosed. Can tinnitus be cured. What are the most effective treatments for tinnitus. How does tinnitus affect quality of life. Are there any natural remedies for tinnitus. When should you see a doctor about tinnitus.

Understanding Tinnitus: The Persistent Ringing in Your Ears

Tinnitus, often described as a ringing, buzzing, or whistling sound in the ears, is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While it’s not a disease in itself, tinnitus is typically a symptom of an underlying health issue. This persistent sound can range from mildly annoying to severely disruptive, impacting daily life and overall well-being.

The exact prevalence of tinnitus is difficult to determine, but studies suggest that up to 15-20% of the population may experience it to some degree. For most individuals, tinnitus is subjective, meaning only they can hear the sound. However, in rare cases, objective tinnitus can occur, where the sound is audible to others as well.

Types of Tinnitus

• Subjective Tinnitus: The most common form, only heard by the individual
• Objective Tinnitus: Rare, can be heard by others, often caused by blood vessel issues or muscle contractions
• Pulsatile Tinnitus: Rhythmic pulsing, often in sync with heartbeat
• Neurological Tinnitus: Associated with neurological disorders

Common Causes of Tinnitus: From Age-Related Hearing Loss to Loud Noises

Tinnitus can be triggered by various factors, ranging from natural aging processes to environmental exposures. Understanding these causes is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Age-Related Hearing Loss (Presbycusis)

As we age, our hearing naturally deteriorates. This age-related hearing loss, known as presbycusis, typically begins around age 60 and affects both ears. It primarily impacts the ability to hear high-frequency sounds and is often accompanied by tinnitus.

Exposure to Loud Noises

One of the leading causes of tinnitus is exposure to loud noises. This can occur from a single intense event, such as an explosion, or from prolonged exposure to moderate noise levels, like working in a noisy environment or regularly attending loud concerts.

How loud is too loud? Sounds above 85 decibels can potentially damage hearing over time. For reference, normal conversation is around 60 decibels, while a rock concert can reach 120 decibels or more.

Earwax Blockage

While earwax serves a protective function, excessive accumulation can lead to tinnitus and hearing problems. It’s important to note that attempting to remove earwax at home with cotton swabs can potentially worsen the issue by pushing the wax deeper into the ear canal.

Medications and Medical Conditions Linked to Tinnitus

Various medications and health conditions can contribute to the development or exacerbation of tinnitus. Being aware of these connections can help in identifying potential causes and seeking appropriate treatment.

Medications That May Cause or Worsen Tinnitus

• Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Certain antibiotics, particularly aminoglycosides
• Diuretics
• Some antidepressants
• Chemotherapy drugs, including cisplatin
• Quinine-based medications

Is tinnitus caused by medication always permanent? In many cases, tinnitus induced by medication is temporary and subsides once the medication is discontinued or the dosage is adjusted. However, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to prescribed medications.

Medical Conditions Associated with Tinnitus

1. Ear and Sinus Infections: Temporary tinnitus can occur during or after an infection.
2. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders: Problems with the jaw joint can lead to tinnitus.
3. Cardiovascular Issues: High blood pressure and atherosclerosis can cause pulsatile tinnitus.
4. Meniere’s Disease: An inner ear disorder that can cause tinnitus, vertigo, and hearing loss.
5. Head and Neck Injuries: Trauma to these areas can affect the inner ear or nerves connecting the brain to the ear.
6. Acoustic Neuroma: A noncancerous tumor on the vestibular nerve can cause tinnitus in one ear.

Diagnosing Tinnitus: What to Expect During a Medical Evaluation

Diagnosing the underlying cause of tinnitus often involves a comprehensive medical evaluation. This process typically includes several steps to determine the nature and potential origins of the tinnitus.

Medical History and Physical Examination

The first step in diagnosing tinnitus is a thorough review of your medical history and a physical examination. Your doctor will ask about the nature of the tinnitus, including when it started, how it sounds, and if it’s constant or intermittent. They will also inquire about your overall health, medications, and any potential exposure to loud noises.

Hearing Tests

Audiological exams are crucial in assessing tinnitus and associated hearing loss. These may include:

• Pure Tone Audiometry: Measures hearing sensitivity across different frequencies
• Speech Recognition Tests: Evaluates your ability to understand spoken words
• Tympanometry: Checks the condition of the middle ear and eardrum mobility

Imaging Studies

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

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

Are these tests always necessary for diagnosing tinnitus? Not always. The need for additional tests depends on the individual case and the suspected underlying cause of the tinnitus.

Treatment Options for Tinnitus: From Sound Therapy to Cognitive Approaches

While there is no cure for tinnitus, various treatment options can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. The most effective approach often involves a combination of treatments tailored to the individual’s specific needs.

Sound Therapy

Sound therapy aims to reduce the perception of tinnitus by introducing external sounds. This can be achieved through:

• White Noise Machines: Produce a consistent, soothing background noise
• Hearing Aids: Can amplify external sounds, making tinnitus less noticeable
• Masking Devices: Worn like hearing aids, they produce a constant, low-level white noise
• Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT): Combines sound therapy with counseling

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a type of talk therapy that can help individuals change their perception of tinnitus and develop coping strategies. It focuses on altering negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with tinnitus.

Medications

While no medication specifically treats tinnitus, some may help manage associated problems or complications:

• Antidepressants: May alleviate tinnitus-related distress
• Anti-anxiety Medications: Can reduce stress associated with tinnitus
• Sleep Aids: For those experiencing tinnitus-related insomnia

Is medication always necessary for treating tinnitus? No, medication is not always required and is typically considered when other treatment options have not provided sufficient relief or when addressing associated conditions like depression or anxiety.

Lifestyle Changes and Home Remedies for Managing Tinnitus

In addition to medical treatments, certain lifestyle modifications and home remedies can help alleviate tinnitus symptoms and improve overall well-being.

Stress Management

Stress can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms. Implementing stress-reduction techniques can be beneficial:

• Meditation and Mindfulness: Help focus attention away from tinnitus
• Yoga: Combines physical postures with breathing exercises and meditation
• Regular Exercise: Can reduce stress and improve overall health

Dietary Modifications

Some individuals find that certain foods or drinks can affect their tinnitus. Consider:

• Reducing Caffeine Intake: Caffeine can increase tinnitus perception in some people
• Limiting Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol can affect blood flow and potentially worsen tinnitus
• Avoiding Salt: Excessive salt intake may affect fluid balance in the inner ear

Sound Enrichment

Creating a sound-rich environment can help mask tinnitus and make it less noticeable:

• Use Background Music: Soft music or nature sounds can provide relief
• Avoid Silence: Keep low-level background noise in quiet environments
• Try Sound Apps: Many smartphone apps offer customizable sound therapy options

Can lifestyle changes alone cure tinnitus? While lifestyle modifications can significantly improve tinnitus management, they are unlikely to completely cure the condition. However, they can be an essential part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Prevention Strategies: Protecting Your Hearing and Reducing Tinnitus Risk

While not all cases of tinnitus can be prevented, taking steps to protect your hearing can significantly reduce the risk of developing this condition or exacerbating existing symptoms.

Noise Protection

Exposure to loud noises is a leading cause of tinnitus. To protect your hearing:

• Wear Earplugs: Use protective earplugs in noisy environments
• Follow the 60/60 Rule: Listen to personal audio devices at no more than 60% of maximum volume for no more than 60 minutes a day
• Take Breaks: Give your ears time to recover after exposure to loud sounds

Regular Hearing Check-ups

Routine hearing tests can help detect early signs of hearing loss and tinnitus:

• Annual Hearing Tests: Especially important for those over 50 or with high noise exposure
• Prompt Evaluation: Seek medical attention if you notice sudden changes in hearing or new tinnitus

Cardiovascular Health

Maintaining good cardiovascular health can help prevent pulsatile tinnitus:

• Regular Exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week
• Healthy Diet: Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Blood Pressure Management: Keep blood pressure within healthy ranges

Is it possible to completely prevent tinnitus? While it’s not always possible to prevent tinnitus entirely, especially in cases related to aging or certain medical conditions, these preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk and severity of tinnitus.

Living with Tinnitus: Coping Strategies and Support Resources

Tinnitus can be a challenging condition to live with, but with the right strategies and support, many people successfully manage their symptoms and maintain a good quality of life.

Education and Awareness

Understanding tinnitus can help reduce anxiety and improve coping abilities:

• Learn About the Condition: Educate yourself about tinnitus causes, treatments, and management strategies
• Share Knowledge: Inform friends and family about your condition to increase their understanding and support

Support Groups

Connecting with others who have tinnitus can provide valuable emotional support and practical advice:

• Online Forums: Participate in tinnitus-focused online communities
• Local Support Groups: Attend in-person meetings if available in your area
• Professional Counseling: Consider individual or group therapy sessions

Relaxation Techniques

Practicing relaxation can help manage stress and reduce tinnitus perception:

• Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Systematically tense and relax different muscle groups
• Deep Breathing Exercises: Focus on slow, controlled breathing to promote relaxation
• Guided Imagery: Use mental visualizations to create calming scenarios

How can tinnitus patients maintain a positive outlook? Maintaining a positive outlook with tinnitus involves a combination of effective management strategies, support from others, and focusing on aspects of life beyond the condition. Many people find that as they develop coping skills, the impact of tinnitus on their daily life diminishes over time.

Living with tinnitus requires patience, perseverance, and often a multifaceted approach to management. By combining medical treatments, lifestyle modifications, and coping strategies, many individuals successfully reduce the impact of tinnitus on their lives. Remember, while tinnitus can be challenging, it doesn’t have to define your life. With the right support and management techniques, it’s possible to find relief and maintain a high quality of life despite persistent ear ringing.

Possible Reasons You Have Tinnitus (Ringing in Ears)

Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, can be caused by many things. But it isn’t a disease. It’s a symptom of another health problem.

What causes the ringing? Usually it’s from damage to tiny hairs in your inner ear. That changes the signals they send to your brain that control how you hear sound. You might get tinnitus as a normal part of aging, but there are other causes. It could be temporary, or it might last for the rest of your life.

Tinnitus Triggers

Age-related hearing loss: For many people, hearing gets worse as you age. This usually begins around 60. It usually affects both ears. You’ll probably notice a problem with high-frequency sounds.

Loud noises: Loud noises are a leading cause. It could be something you hear every day for years, or something that only happens once. That includes everything from concerts and sporting events to loud machinery and backfiring engines. They can affect one or both ears, and they may cause hearing loss and pain. The damage can be permanent or temporary.

Too much earwax: Your body makes this gunky stuff to trap dirt and protect your ears. But if it doesn’t wash away on its own and too much piles up, it could lead to ringing or hearing loss. Your doctor can remove the buildup gently. Don’t grab a cotton swab and try to do it yourself.

Certain medicines: Prescription and over-the-counter drugs can trigger ringing or make it louder. This includes aspirin, diuretics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), quinine-based medication, and certain antibiotics, antidepressants, and cancer drugs. Usually the stronger the dose, the greater your chance of problems. Often if you stop the drug, your symptoms will go away. See your doctor if you think a drug may be to blame. But don’t stop taking any medication without talking to your doctor first.

Ear and sinus infections: You might notice tinnitus when you’ve had a cold. That could be due to an ear or sinus infection that affects your hearing and increases pressure in your sinuses. If that’s the cause, it shouldn’t last long. If it doesn’t get better after a week or so, see your doctor.

TMJ: Problems with your jaw or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can cause tinnitus. You might notice popping or pain in the joint when you chew or talk. The joint shares some nerves and ligaments with your middle ear. A dentist can treat TMJ disorders and help keep ear ringing from getting worse.

Blood pressure issues: This can include high blood pressure and things that raise it in the short term, like stress, alcohol, and caffeine. Hardening of the arteries can also play a role. Blood vessels close to your middle and inner ear become less stretchy, so your blood flow is stronger and seems louder. This iwhat is known as a pulsatile tinnitus.

Other medical problems: These include changes in your inner ear bones, an inner ear disorder called Meniere’s disease, or head and neck injuries. Conditions like fibromyalgia and Lyme disease also can trigger ear ringing. Your doctor will help you figure out the cause and ease the sounds.

Ear Ringing or Buzzing – Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders

Treating Tinnitus: Getting Rid of the Buzzing Sound

Characterized as a persistent buzzing, humming, or ringing in the ears, tinnitus is a problem that many people suffer from. Contrary to popular belief, tinnitus is usually a symptom of a deeper problem. While many forms of tinnitus cannot be cured, almost all of them can be alleviated. If you find yourself suffering from a lack of concentration, insomnia, and persistent noise in the ears, you might benefit from getting your tinnitus diagnosed and treated.

Why Are My Ears Ringing?

This is a loaded question, and it varies from person to person. However, the overarching answer is simple: tinnitus. Tinnitus is an umbrella term used to cover any and all noise in the ears. They might change in pitch, volume, and quality, but tinnitus includes all persistent sounds, including:

• Buzzing
• Humming
• Ringing
• Hissing
• Clicking
• Roaring

How you experience tinnitus might differ from someone else. You might hear a loud, high-pitched ringing, while someone else might hear a dull roar. While some find it easy to ignore, others struggle to hear past it. Your tinnitus might raise in volume, come and go, or change in pitch over time.

Regardless of how your tinnitus manifests, it can have a serious impact on your daily life.

Symptoms and Side Effects of Tinnitus

• Lack of focus. With the persistent ringing in your ears, you might find it difficult to settle down and focus on tasks, including work or school.
• Insomnia. Many of us need quiet while sleeping, and tinnitus can get in the way of that.
• Irritability. Lack of sleep and focus can lead to irritability, which might put strain on your conversations or relationships.
• Difficulty hearing. If the sound in your ears is particularly loud, you might have trouble hearing people through the noise.
• Memory problems. Tinnitus has been shown to affect memory, since the brain has to allocate resources to stay aware and make out sounds — leaving little room for remembering details.
• Social isolation. Conversations might become difficult if you have moderate to severe tinnitus. Instead of asking people to speak louder or repeat themselves, you might avoid social situations entirely.
• Losing enjoyment in music/sound. Music and television may be less enjoyable with the constant background noise in your ears.
• Anxiety and stress. When tinnitus begins to affect your life, it might lead to stress about work, relationships, and even general anxiety.
• Mental fatigue. When your brain has to strain to make out sound through noise, it leads to mental fatigue. Even if you aren’t actively trying to hear through the noise, you might feel excessively tired at the end of the day.
• Depression. Social isolation, anxiety, and other side effects of tinnitus can easily compound the issue and lead to depression. When it gets this far, it’s vital that you get your tinnitus treated.

What Causes Ringing in the Ears?

The causes of tinnitus are the real conditions, not tinnitus itself. In most cases, tinnitus manifests as a symptom of a deeper issue. This issue might involve general hearing loss, injuries, or even blockages in the ear canal.

Regardless of what’s causing your tinnitus, it’s important that you go in for a hearing test and checkup. This gives your doctor a chance to determine what type of tinnitus you are experiencing. There are two types:

• Objective Tinnitus: a very rare form of tinnitus. It’s characterized by a sound that your doctor can hear. When they examine your ear, they might find a blood vessel or muscle causing the noise in your ear.
• Subjective Tinnitus: this type of tinnitus is more common. When your doctor does an examination, they won’t be able to hear anything on their end. That’s because the sound is only audible to you. This type of tinnitus can be caused by many things, but most cases involve some kind of hearing damage.

As for what causes tinnitus, there are a number of possibilities. While some are more likely than others, tinnitus is a symptom of many conditions, including:

• Abnormal bone growth. If the small bones in the middle ear begin to grow abnormally, this can cause tinnitus and conductive hearing loss.
• Circulatory issues. As mentioned above, a damaged vein in the ear can cause a persistent ringing or humming.
• Medications. Certain medications have been known to cause tinnitus. In these cases, stopping or switching medications is recommended.
• Head injuries. Some people report tinnitus after car accidents or head injuries. While it may disappear over time, some people end up with tinnitus forever. Many of these cases only occur on one side of the head.
• TMJ. TMJ disorder, an issue with the temporomandibular joint, can lead to tinnitus in some people. If your tinnitus is caused by this, you might be referred to a specialist.
• Blockages. Blockages in the ear canal, usually caused by earwax, can be the root of tinnitus and conductive hearing loss. Once the blockage is removed, the problem goes away.

How to Stop Ringing in Ears

Depending on the cause of your tinnitus, the treatment may vary. However, before you seek treatment for anything, it’s important that you visit your doctor and receive a full aural checkup. This will include a physical examination and a hearing test, both of which will help your doctor narrow down the source of your tinnitus. If your tinnitus is objective, you might have a muscle or blood vessel that needs treatment. If it’s objective, you’ll need a hearing test to determine whether it’s caused by hearing loss.

Tinnitus caused by blockages, tumors, circulatory issues, muscle spasms, and medications can be solved using the obvious methods. Removing the blockages, treating circulatory and muscle issues, and switching medications. However, tinnitus caused by hearing-and-hearing-loss requires other solutions. Which one you choose is entirely up to you. Your experience with hearing loss is completely unique, and how you choose to approach it is your decision.

Your doctor or hearing care provider might give you suggestions on how to handle the issue. If your tinnitus is mild, it might only affect you during quiet moments. White noise makers can be bought online, and they provide background noise while you sleep, study, or relax. If you need a more constant coverage, tinnitus maskers can provide the dampening sound you need. If your tinnitus is drowned out by the sound of a running faucet, you’ll likely benefit from a white noise maker or noise in ear masker.

However, those with more severe cases of tinnitus might need other solutions. Tinnitus therapies exist to “retrain” your brain to ignore the hum of tinnitus, and some hearing aids come equipped with these programs. If your tinnitus is caused by hearing loss, hearing aids might solve more than one problem.

How Hearing Aids Help with Tinnitus

When dealing with sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus, it’s important to remember that tinnitus is a symptom, not a condition in itself. While tinnitus might be the thing you notice, it’s just a part of the bigger problem. Wearing a masker or using a white noise maker will not make the root issue — hearing loss — go away.

While you might not notice hearing loss, it can affect your life more than you’re led to believe. Once that hearing loss is treated, you’ll be able to hear better, and your tinnitus will be alleviated. New natural sounds, like voices and music and birdsong, will replace the humming that you heard before. As mentioned above, many hearing aids also come equipped with tinnitus retraining programs, which give you the opportunity to target your tinnitus directly. Even if tinnitus is the core issue you want to solve, treating your hearing loss can kill two birds with one stone.

If you’re interested in learning more about tinnitus, hearing loss, and aural health, Signia provides in-depth articles on all of these topics and more, including hearing aids. The newsletter will keep you in the loop, and there’s a backlog of content already available. The more we learn about our ears, the better we can confront issues like tinnitus when they arise.

It Might Be More Than Just Noises In Your Head

Do you hear that ringing in your ears and wonder where it comes from? You’re not alone. The Hearing Health Foundation estimates 20 percent of Americans listen to that same annoying sound, or ones similar to it, daily. Only about 16 percent of them will talk to a doctor about the phantom noise even though it disrupts their lives. Ninety percent of people with tinnitus will also have hearing loss and maybe not even realize it. It is an escalating problem in this country, but what exactly is behind all the noise?

What is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is the medical name for the ringing in your ears. There is no singular source for this sound – it’s actually a symptom of an underlying problem usually associated with loss of hearing.

Tinnitus is more of a sensation than an actual sound, too. That is why no one else hears the noise that is keeping you up at night. There are no sound waves causes this phenomenon, instead, it relates directly to tiny hairs inside the inner ear that produce an electrical signal telling the brain there is a sound. These cells are misfiring, sending random electrical impulses not based on any true noise.

It’s Not Just Ringing Either

It’s usually described as a high-pitched ringing in the ears, but the sounds vary. People with tinnitus report:

• Buzzing
• Roaring
• Clicking
• Hissing

Some say it sounds like you are pressing your ear up against a seashell to hear the waves. The variety of sounds involved with tinnitus makes this condition so much more confusing for those who don’t get medical treatment or a hearing test.

What Causes Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is simply a mechanical breakdown of a critical part of the human ear but what is behind this breakdown? For most people, it’s presbycusis, a form of hearing loss related to aging. Presbycusis is degenerative, so it tends to get worse as the person gets older. Other potential illnesses that present with tinnitus include:

• Loud sounds – It might be a one-time bang or something that is a day to day problem like machinery, earphones or exposure to loud music
• A build up of earwax – Earwax in the ear canal block sound waves interfering with your hearing
• Ear bone growth – This is a genetic problem that changes the bones in the ear

There are other possibilities, although they are rare, such as Ménière’s disease, which refers to increased pressure inside the ear. Jaw problems may be a source of the ringing, as well. For some, the noise is a consequence of a head injury that damaged the nerves in the ear. It might also be a sign of high blood pressure, a rare tumor in the ear or a side effect of a medication.

What Can You Do About Tinnitus?

First, make an appointment for a hearing test and ear examination to figure out the cause of the ringing. Once you treat the underlying hearing loss with something like a hearing aid, the ringing may resolve over time. Tinnitus is usually a sign of hearing loss that may be affecting your life in other ways, too, like isolating you during conversations or leaving you feeling like you are missing things. Once you identify your hearing loss, then getting hearing aids increases real sounds so the phantom ones are less of an issue.

There are other things you can do at home, too, to help deal with what can be an annoying and distracting problem. White noise machines produce environmental sounds that sooth your mind, especially if tinnitus is keeping you awake. You can fall asleep listening to the rain, for example, instead of that buzzing in your head.

You can create your own background noise, too, to deflect some of the tinnitus chaos. A fan blowing in the room might help or a humidifier – anything that produces a soft, but persistent sound to keep the hair cells in the ear busy so they don’t misfire.

It’s important to remember, though, that the ringing is trying to tell you something. Most likely the message is about hearing loss, so it’s worth a trip to the doctor to get a hearing test and find out more about your ear health.

Tinnitus symptoms & treatments – Illnesses & conditions

There’s not usually a quick fix for tinnitus, but it will often improve gradually over time. A number of treatments are available to help you cope.

If your tinnitus is caused by an underlying health condition, treating the condition will help stop or reduce the sounds you hear.

For example, if your tinnitus is caused by an earwax build-up, eardrops or ear irrigation may be used. Ear irrigation involves using a pressurised flow of water to remove the earwax.

Read more about how an earwax build-up is treated.

However, in many cases a cause for tinnitus can’t be found, so treatments will be used to help you manage the problem on a daily basis. These are described below.

Correcting hearing loss

Any degree of hearing loss you have should be addressed because straining to listen can make tinnitus worse.

Correcting even fairly minor hearing loss means the parts of the brain involved in hearing don’t have to work as hard and therefore don’t pay as much attention to the tinnitus.

A specialist will test your hearing and recommend appropriate treatment. This could involve having a hearing aid fitted, and occasionally surgery.

Improving your hearing will also mean sounds you wouldn’t otherwise hear will now be audible, which may help override the sounds of your tinnitus.

Read more about treating hearing loss.

Sound therapy

Tinnitus is often most noticeable in quiet environments. The aim of “sound therapy” or “sound enrichment” is to fill any silence with neutral sounds to distract you from the sound of tinnitus.

This may involve simple measures such as opening a window to hear noises coming from outside, leaving a radio or television on, or listening to sounds on a portable music player.

You can get specially-designed sound generators that look similar to a radio. These produce quiet natural sounds, such as leaves rustling in the wind and waves lapping on the shore. White noise generators are similar devices that produce a continuous “shushing” sound at a level that’s comfortable and soothing.

Also available are pillows containing built-in speakers to help distract you from tinnitus when you go to sleep, and small sound-generator devices that fit in your ear like a hearing aid. Some hearing aids have built-in sound generators for people with tinnitus.

Counselling

Understanding tinnitus plays an important part in learning how to cope with the condition and manage it more effectively.

Tinnitus counseling is a type of therapy where you work with a healthcare professional to help you learn more about your tinnitus and find ways of coping with it. It’s usually carried out by hearing therapists, audiologists (hearing disorder specialists) or doctors.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is often used to treat mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. It’s based on the idea that your thoughts affect the way you behave. Treatment aims to retrain the way you think to change your behaviour.

This technique can be effectively applied to tinnitus. For example, if your knowledge about tinnitus is limited, you may have certain ideas about it that make you feel anxious and depressed. This can make your tinnitus worse.

Changing the way you think about your tinnitus and what you do about it can help reduce your anxiety and enable you to accept the noises, which after a while may become less noticeable.

Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT)

Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) is a special type of therapy that aims to help retrain the way your brain responds to tinnitus so you start to tune the sound out and become less aware of it. The therapy involves a combination of more intensive sound therapy and long-term counselling.

TRT is widely available privately and may be available on the NHS for people with very severe or persistent tinnitus. It should only be carried out by someone specially trained in the technique.

Self-help

Some people find self-help techniques useful for managing their tinnitus. These techniques include:

• relaxation – stress can make your tinnitus worse, so relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and yoga may help
• listening to music – calming music and sounds may help you relax and fall asleep at bedtime
• sleep hygiene – if tinnitus is affecting your sleep, sleep hygiene measures such as sticking to a regular sleep pattern and avoiding caffeine or alcohol shortly before going to bed may help
• hobbies and activities – having a hobby or regularly participating in any activity you find enjoyable may help distract you from tinnitus
• support groups – sharing your experiences with others who have tinnitus may help you cope better

Action on Hearing Loss provide further details about support and activities in your local area. Their free information line telephone number is 0808 808 0123.

You may also find the British Tinnitus Association a useful source of information. You can call their confidential helpline free of charge on 0800 018 0527.

What Causes Ringing In My Ears? · Conway Medical Center

For some, it is a vague hiss that persists throughout the day. For others, it’s an annoying, high-pitched whistle. In certain cases, it may even be a short sound similar to music. It can even resemble crickets or ocean waves.

But in all cases, it doesn’t stop. It may cease temporarily, but it comes back.

Ringing in the ears, or tinnitus, affects thousands of Americans, transforming their everyday lives. There is no cure for tinnitus, however, there are treatments that our ear, nose and throat specialists provide that can significantly relieve symptoms.

What is Tinnitus?

Ringing in the ears is called tinnitus. Tinnitus isn’t always a “ring.” It can also be different sounds, such as hissing, whistling or buzzing.

Tinnitus is not from an external source. That means it is a subjective noise. Therefore, if you have tinnitus, and have a ringing in your ears, you will be the only one who hears it.

What Does Tinnitus Sound Like?

The American Tinnitus Association provides this short sound clip of what tinnitus may sound like.
Warning: be sure your computer volume is low when you play this clip because it emits a high-pitched tone.

Now imagine having to live with a sound like that in your ear. All the time.

It can be exhausting and frustrating. That’s one reason why we wanted to provide information you need to get help and seek tinnitus treatment.

What Causes Ringing in the Ears?

Many believe that tinnitus itself is a disease. It isn’t. Instead, it’s a sign that there is an underlying health problem. Usually, these issues center around nerve damage to the ear and auditory symptoms. It’s also associated with hearing loss.

Following are some of the more common conditions that can contribute to tinnitus:

• Hearing loss, either caused by age or long-term exposure to loud noises
• Blockages in the middle ear
• Congestion
• Neck or head injury
• TMJ, a type of jaw joint disorder
• Sinus pressure
• Rapid change in air pressure (such as when scuba diving)
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Tumors

In addition, there is a class of medications called ototoxic drugs. Tinnitus can be a side-effect of these medications. Fortunately, in most cases, the tinnitus goes away once the medication is stopped.

In some cases, doctors are unable to find the cause of tinnitus. However, they can take steps to help diminish the effect tinnitus has on your daily life.

What Is Used for Tinnitus Treatment?

The key to successful treatment is to address the underlying cause of the tinnitus In cases where no one cause can be determined, there are other strategies for how to stop ringing in the ears.

Some of these include:

Noise suppression

Sometimes, utilizing a white noise machine can help. Anything that creates a non-distracting, relaxing sound, such as fans, humidifiers and air conditioners, can help cover internal noise.

Hearing Aids

Because hearing loss is one of the main causes of tinnitus, a hearing aid can not only resolve your hearing problems but will likely go a long way toward treating your tinnitus as well.

Masking Devices

These are similar to hearing aids. They are worn in the ear and produce a soft, low-level white noise that helps suppress the ringing, buzzing or other sounds caused by tinnitus

Medications

There is no cure for tinnitus, so medication won’t completely treat the condition. However, they can reduce the severity of it. Certain antidepressants and medications like Xanax can help, but are often only used in the most severe cases.

If You Have Tinnitus, You’re Not Alone

Tinnitus dramatically transforms your quality of life, and it affects roughly 50 million Americans. If you are experiencing ringing in your ears, you’re not alone. You might want to review some of the information and support resources available through the American Tinnitus Association.

Ringing in the Ears? We Can Help

Our ear, nose and throat specialists ensure that you get the care you need. Not only have they helped patients overcome and cope with the frustration and anxiety of tinnitus, but they have treated countless other conditions, including tumors of the head and neck.

In addition to routine procedures such as tonsil and adenoid removal, our surgeons also provide extensive facial plastic surgery to treat facial trauma. They help patients with:

• Voice problems
• Hearing loss
• Facial fractures
• Thyroid issues
• Swallowing problems
• Ear infections
• Ruptured eardrums
• Meniere’s disease

We’re always ready to help you. Please visit CMC Ear, Nose and Throat for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Why do I hear ringing in my ears?

Have you ever experienced that annoying ringing in the ear? This is called tinnitus. It often doesn’t indicate a serious health problem, but if constant, it can be irritating and may indicate hearing loss. If due to hearing loss, the ringing comes from tiny damaged cells in your inner ear, commonly called hair cells, which alters the way your brain hears sound. Tinnitus isn’t the same for everyone. The sounds can range from hissing, clicking, buzzing to even an ocean sound.

What cause tinnitus?

There are plenty of triggers that cause tinnitus and it can be a temporary or a chronic condition. Almost everyone has experienced temporary tinnitus after hearing loud noises, such as at a concert or a Saints football game. Loud noise is a common cause both of tinnitus and hearing loss.

Other causes:

• Earwax. If you develop too much earwax, it can lead to tinnitus and hearing loss. You can visit an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) physician to help remove the earwax buildup.
• Ear and sinus infection. A sinus infection increases the pressure in your sinuses that can lead to tinnitus. An ENT physician can prescribe medication or surgery to eliminate a sinus infection.
• Aging. Tinnitus is especially common in adults over the age of 55.
• Medication. Some over-the-counter medications, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, can cause ringing in the ear.
• Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ). The joint in your jaw shares nerves and ligaments with your middle ear, which causes a popping noise in your ear.
• High blood pressure. The hardening of your arteries can cause your blood flow near your ear to become louder.
• Meniere disease, fibromyalgia or Lyme disease.
• Head and neck injuries.
• Anxiety. Anxiety, stress and even depression can contribute to tinnitus or make the perception of it more bothersome

How to treat tinnitus?

If you are experiencing temporary tinnitus, here are a few recommendations:

• Wear earplugs when around loud noises.
• Limit the amount or dosage of certain medications.
• Avoid caffeine.
• Lower your blood pressure by adapting a healthy lifestyle or taking medication.

If you are experiencing chronic tinnitus that won’t go away, our ENT physicians can provide innovative care to help you cope with this condition as well as help find an underlying cause. Some causes of tinnitus may benefit from surgery. Below are the procedures that we specialize in to help with tinnitus.

• Cochlear implantation
• Tympanoplasty (ear drum reconstruction)
• Mastoidectomy
• Stapedectomy
• Implantable hearing aids
• Temporal bone resection
• Removal of glomus tumors
• Myringotomy with tube placement (tubes)
• Repair of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks
• Treatment for clogged/blocked ears (Eustachian tubes)

Ochsner also offers audiology care. Our comprehensive hearing center specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis, treatment and management of hearing disorders in newborns, seniors and everyone in between. They provide a full spectrum of hearing health care from hearing screenings and diagnostic exams to the fitting of hearing aids and programming of implants.

Click here to learn more about Ear, Nose and Throat at Ochsner Health.

Click here to learn more about the Audiology & Hearing Program at Ochsner Health.

How to get rid of tinnitus – Rossiyskaya Gazeta

Tinnitus itself is not a disease. But it can be a symptom of very serious health problems.

Scientifically, the sensation of noise, ringing, buzzing, buzzing in the ears, which occurs without external sound stimuli, is called tinnitus. Typically, this sensation appears suddenly, in a quiet environment, often before bedtime. And this alone is a cause for concern and for referring to an otolaryngologist. Moreover, a visit to the doctor should not be postponed if tinnitus has been following you for more than a day, and even more so if tinnitus is accompanied:

• hearing impairment (or loss);
• dizziness, nausea, vomiting, impaired coordination of movements, unsteady gait, etc.etc .;
• severe headache, pain in the region of the heart.

What warns about tinnitus?

1 Increased blood pressure is one of the most common causes of tinnitus. It is necessary to measure the pressure in those periods when the ringing appeared, and in the moments of its absence. If the difference is noticeable, then the reason is obvious, and you need to contact a cardiologist for help. The appearance of noise in combination with a headache, flashing of flies before the eyes, pain in the region of the heart may indicate a hypertensive crisis or even the development of a stroke.Here you should call an ambulance

2 Atherosclerosis of the cerebral vessels to varying degrees can also lead to tinnitus and ringing in the ears. The fact is that with atherosclerosis, the vessels lose their elasticity and cannot pulsate in time with the movement of blood. This leads to the fact that the blood flow in the vessels becomes turbulent (that is, with vortex) and there is a sensation of noise with each pulsation. Also, the noise can be caused by a spasm of the muscles attached to the auditory ossicles, or by the beating of the pulse in the vessels that are associated with the middle and inner ear.This can occur with high fever, otitis media, or significant physical exertion. To make sure that the diagnosis is correct, it is necessary to be examined by a neurologist.

3 Otitis . In this inflammatory disease, noise (ringing, buzzing, buzzing) in the ear is combined with itching and redness of the external auditory canal, soreness when touched, decreased hearing acuity, purulent discharge from the ear. Otitis media often appears after water gets into the ear (for example, while swimming), damage to the ear canal when cleaning with matches, toothpicks, etc.and also as a complication after respiratory infections.

4 Migraine . Its main symptom is a throbbing, intense pain that usually captures one half of the head. It is usually accompanied by ringing in the ears.

5 Otosclerosis (growth of bone tissue in the elements connecting the middle ear with the inner ear, the cause of which is unknown). This chronic condition usually starts in one ear and later spreads to the other.It usually occurs in adolescence, rarely in childhood, in women it is observed much more often than in men. It is manifested by progressive hearing loss and tinnitus, often leads to a significant decrease in hearing, sometimes to deafness.

6 Multiple sclerosis . If tinnitus is combined with dizziness, impaired movement in the limbs (paralysis), a feeling of “creeping” on the skin, urinary incontinence, etc., then one can suspect the development of this serious disease of the nervous system.Its manifestations can be extremely diverse, so that an accurate diagnosis can only be made by a specialist after a thorough examination.

7 Neurinoma (tumor) of the auditory nerve . It is characterized by a combination of noise or ringing in the ear with a gradual decrease in hearing acuity (up to deafness) and dizziness. A neuroma can be asymptomatic for a long time until it begins to squeeze the structures surrounding the ear, leading to hearing loss, impaired coordination of movements, a tingling sensation or running creeps on the face, etc.e. When the described symptoms appear, you should consult an ENT doctor as soon as possible to examine and clarify the diagnosis.

Something got into the ear

Tinnitus can occur not only as a symptom of some disease. Often it is caused by taking medications (for example, such as gentamicin, streptomycin, furosemide, cisplatin, etc.).

Sometimes noise appears when poisoning, stress, water or any foreign body getting into the ear.

Tinnitus can cause sulfur plugs, a sharp drop in atmospheric pressure (after flying in an airplane, skydiving or diving), and a change in the weather.

The causes of tinnitus in children and adults are the same. But it must be borne in mind that ear diseases in childhood have a tendency to relapse, as well as the transition to a chronic form. So, all the more, the child should be immediately shown to the ENT doctor at the first symptoms.

Have you heard that …

It is safe for hearing, you can listen to music with headphones for no more than 20 hours a week at low volume and no more than 4 hours at maximum (97-103 decibels).Otherwise, the manifestation of deafness will begin in 1-2 years.

When playing sports, the risk of acoustic injury is doubled. Many people use players for jogging, aerobics. But with intense physical exertion, the blood drains from the head and the ears become much more vulnerable to sound.

A sudden change of scenery (when a person enters absolute silence from a noisy room) can be even more dangerous to the ears than just a loud sound.

By the way

Recently, Austrian researchers from the Medical University of Vienna concluded that the risk of developing ringing or tinnitus increases the regular use of a mobile phone.They gathered 100 volunteers already suffering from tinnitus and 100 completely healthy people. Next, the scientists compared their frequency of cell phone use. It turned out that tinnitus tormented people in more than 70% of cases when the time of using a mobile phone was equal to 10 minutes a day.

Symptoms of tinnitus

Tinnitus, or tinnitus, is a very common condition in which you constantly hear ringing, buzzing or whistling in your ears. But why is this happening, and what can you do about it?

Except for you, nobody hears these sounds, you hear them constantly.This is ringing in the ears or tinnitus.

Where does it come from?

The most common cause is noise-induced hearing loss.

Have you ever noticed that after a concert you hear ringing in your ears for a while? This happens often after high-profile events. In this case, the tinnitus does not last long, but even then it causes irritation.

But if you are exposed to loud noise for a long time, you will notice that you hear ringing in your ears all the time.It can be ringing, humming, or buzzing. The good news is that there are ways to reduce tinnitus.

What causes tinnitus?

The exact cause of tinnitus is unknown. However, prolonged exposure to loud noise is considered one of the main causes.

Tinnitus can also be associated with ear infections, wax buildup, changes in the ossicles, and damage to the auditory nerve. Some of these problems can be resolved, but treatment may not completely resolve the symptoms of tinnitus.

Finally, age-related hearing loss can also lead to tinnitus. Like any other organ in your body, hearing gradually deteriorates with age, and in some cases, this deterioration can lead to tinnitus.

There is no explanation yet of what happens inside the ears and in the brain when tinnitus appears. One theory is that if hair cells in the ears are damaged (often as a result of loud noise), the brain will no longer receive the same amount of signals.Instead, the brain begins to create these signals on its own, and the illusion of sound appears – what we call tinnitus.

What causes tinnitus to get worse?

Several factors can trigger an increase in tinnitus. Tinnitus becomes more noticeable when you are tired or stressed, or when you are in a very quiet environment (because you start paying more attention to the ringing or buzzing).
Smoking, excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeine, taking certain medications, aspirin, antibiotics can also increase the sensation of tinnitus.

How is tinnitus treated?

Of course, first of all, you need to get rid of bad habits and lead a healthy lifestyle. There are also different types of therapy. The effects of tinnitus, such as insomnia or tension, can be alleviated by listening to different types of sounds.

For example, there are phone apps that play soothing sounds and reduce the sensation of tinnitus. There are also portable noise generators.

Some experts believe that this therapy changes the sensitivity of the auditory areas of the brain, others think that such sounds are just a distraction.

How are hearing impairment and tinnitus related?

If you are hearing impaired, tinnitus will seem louder to you. Very often, hearing loss is accompanied by tinnitus. In fact, many people with hearing loss suffer from tinnitus and vice versa. But this is not always the case.

If you are concerned about tinnitus, please contact your ear specialist or hearing care professional.

Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tinnitus/symptoms-causes/syc-20350156
https: // www.amplifon.com/uk/ear-diseases-and-disorders/tinnitus/symptoms https://www.tinnitus.org.uk/sound-therapy
https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides / understanding-tinnitus-basics
https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/tinnitus-ringing-in-the-ears-and-what-to-do-about-it
https: / /www.news-medical.net/news/2006/03/13/16544.aspx

Noise, ringing, whistling in the ear treatment in Kiev

The common name for tinnitus in English-speaking countries is tinnitus ( tinnitus ).Literally “tinnitus” is translated as “ringing in the ears.” Tinnitus is described in different ways: as “hum”, “noise of the sea”, “noise in the head”, “whistling in the ears”, etc.

Tinnitus – sensations that occur without the participation of sound vibrations of the environment. Noise in the ear indicates a pathology of the organ of hearing.

Tinnitus is a phenomenon related to neurological pathology. Because the process of perceiving sound and transmitting it to the brain (for analysis) occurs through the auditory nerves.

Hearing is a complex neurological process. It fits organically into complex reflex behavioral acts. For example, in the subconscious mind there is a turn of the eyes and head towards the sound source. This is a defensive reaction. Turn your head in the direction of danger, an approaching car, a loud sound …

The auditory is directly related to the vestibular nerve. They are considered as one nerve – “vestibular-cochlear” (vestibular-auditory). This explains the fact that tinnitus is often accompanied by dizziness, instability, staggering …

The tinnitus may be persistent or it may appear sporadically.For example, when changing the position of the body.

The organ of hearing includes the sound-receiving part (ear) and the auditory nerve. Plus – the central analyzer of sounds – the cerebral cortex.

What to do if tinnitus bothers you?

1. Establish the cause of the tinnitus (establish a diagnosis).
   
2. The cause of the tinnitus will be established by a neurologist using a clinical and apparatus examination. He will also carry out the treatment. The tactics of treating each type of tinnitus is selected depending on the diagnosed cause.
3. Teach the patient to control tinnitus. Make sure that tinnitus does not bother you in the future.

Who diagnoses and treats tinnitus at the Meddiagnostika clinic:

Gongalsky Vladimir Vladimirovich

Doctor of Medical Sciences, orthopedist-traumatologist, neurologist, vertebral neurologist

Kostyev Igor Kimovich

Medical director, neurologist

Maximov Grigory Alexandrovich

Assistant Director

Volkov Mikhail Viktorovich

Neurologist

Mazur Oleg Vasilievich

Neurologist

Our diagnostic equipment

Diagnostics and treatment at the Meddiagnostika Center are carried out in the same building.

We have been treating neurological diseases and pathology of the musculoskeletal system (pain in the joints, spine, etc.) since 1978 – since the moment we created the first clinic of vertebral neurology (vertebrology) in the USSR on the basis of the neurological department of the Central City Clinical Hospital in Kiev.

Cost of services

Causes of tinnitus and head

The mechanism of noise in the ear : the conduction of sound is disturbed or the nerve cells of the parts of the brain responsible for hearing are irritated.Such spontaneous bioelectrical activity of nerve conductors or receptors can occur during ischemia (impaired blood circulation – stroke or precursors of stroke), with a brain tumor, with intracranial CSF or venous hypertension. In this case, a person “hears” the noise by the cerebral cortex in the absence of a real source of noise. Noise can appear during treatment with certain drugs, when working in conditions of vibration and noise, with neurinoma (tumor) of the vestibular cochlear nerve.

Tinnitus usually occurs when the system that conducts sound impulses – the auditory nerve – is damaged. This condition is called auditory nerve neuropathy. Tinnitus may not be associated with hearing loss at first. But, if tinnitus is not treated, then hearing will inevitably deteriorate. Partial or complete deafness may even develop.

Noise in the ear most often occurs in cerebrovascular pathology. For example, with atherosclerosis. If a person is prone to the development of atherosclerosis, then there is a considerable likelihood of a vascular pathology of the brain.One of the manifestations of which may be tinnitus or noise in the head. It is easy to determine a person’s tendency to develop atherosclerosis. It is enough to conduct an ultrasound atherosclerotic test.

Also, tinnitus can occur with congestion in the brain associated with impaired venous outflow from the cranial cavity.

Possible swelling and compression of the auditory nerve, which runs in the bone canal.

Damage to the auditory nerve occurs, for example, with infections. More often viral.

After a cold.

Tinnitus may appear in case of poisoning with salts of heavy metals, poisons, oil products, alcohol, etc.

Of course, with the development of vascular pathology in elderly people, the risk of tinnitus increases.

Diagnostics

What do you need to clarify the diagnosis?

The most important thing is to get an initial consultation with a neurologist and an ENT doctor. To a neurologist in order to exclude vascular or tumor pathology of the brain.The neurologist will need to have the results of a duplex scan of the cerebral vessels with functional tests (ultrasound, which will clarify functional changes in the blood flow of the brain) and MRI of the brain with MRI reconstruction of the head vessels (general picture of the cerebral vessels). MRI reconstruction of the head vessels is an extremely important study to exclude aneurysms and congenital vascular changes. MRI reconstruction of the vessels of the head and ultrasound of the vessels of the head are two different types of studies that complement each other, and do not duplicate.MRI of the brain – will show if there is a brain tumor, neuroma of the auditory nerve or areas of ischemia (stroke) that affect the auditory analyzer and can lead to the appearance of noise in the ear or head.

How to treat

tinnitus ?

For vascular pathology, drugs are used that improve blood flow in the vessels of the brain and ear. The effect can be quickly obtained by the method of selective action on spasmodic precapillary arterioles (developed by the Meddiagnostika center).

Application of the method allows in the shortest possible time to restore microcirculation of blood in the vessels of the inner ear, in the auditory nerve itself and in the brain. The obtained positive effect confirms the vascular cause of the development of acoustic neuritis. If noise disappears after a procedure or a series of procedures, this will indicate a spasm of small blood vessels in the brain.

If there is no effect, it is necessary to carry out ultrasonic atherosclerotic test (developed by the Meddiagnostika center) to detect atherosclerotic vascular lesions.If the test is positive, it means that the cause may be atherosclerosis of the vessels. In this case, it is necessary to clarify the causes of atherosclerosis, at least to stop vasoconstriction, or, as a maximum, to cure them .

Of course, a neurologist should treat with the consultation of an ENT doctor.

It should be specially noted that the identified atherosclerosis is a reason to pay special attention to the vessels: the most frequent complications of atherosclerosis are not only the threat of deafness ( tinnitus may be the first call of an impending catastrophe), but also get a heart attack or stroke with a very high percentage mortality.Atherosclerosis is diagnosed and treated.

Treatment can only be effective if the diagnosis is correct. Tinnitus is diagnosed and treated at the Meddiagnostika Center.

To make an appointment
How to get to

90,000 Treatment of tinnitus, tinnitus in the ArtMed clinic in Omsk

Tinnitus or tinnitus is nothing more than the subjective perception by the hearing organ of any sounds that are objectively absent. The noise can be heard both in one ear and in both, giving a person considerable moral discomfort.

This condition is not an independent disease. It is considered symptomatic. This condition often accompanies hearing loss. The patient describes the noise that he hears in his ears as buzzing, buzzing, ringing.

The elderly complain about the occurrence of tinnitus.

The development of tinnitus is associated with vibrations of the auditory hairs in the ear, which convert sound into electrical impulses that enter the brain. Irritation or damage to the hairs results in chaotic movements of the hairs, causing the formation of various electrical impulses, which are perceived by the brain as noise.

Causes of tinnitus

The causes of tinnitus can be various pathologies of the outer, middle or inner ear. It can be various inflammations, sulfur plug, trauma, tumor formations, otosclerosis, hearing loss, damage to the eardrum due to loud sounds, prolonged listening to loud music in headphones, a long stay near a running tractor engine, circular saw or chainsaw, and many others. factors.

In addition to diseases of the organ of hearing, the causes of tinnitus are some systemic diseases, for example, acoustic neuroma, diabetes, hypertension, vascular atherosclerosis.

Head trauma, stress, as well as water or any foreign body trapped in the ear can also cause tinnitus.

Treatment of tinnitus

Treatment of this condition is determined by what causes it. Correct diagnosis and treatment of the underlying disease leads to a decrease in the manifestations and the complete disappearance of this symptom. If earwax is the cause of the tinnitus, removing it and rinsing the ear solves the noise problem. Likewise, if the noise is caused by a pathology of the joints of the brain or a head injury, the noise disappears after a course of complex therapy prescribed by a specialist doctor.

The appearance of tinnitus is a symptom that cannot be ignored. Quite often, it is caused by neurological problems. In this case, a timely appeal to a neurologist and correct diagnosis of the causes of the disease will quickly eliminate the problem.

Neurologist

KBB Istanbul

Singing in the ears

Noise in the head / ringing in the ears

Ringing in the ears or noise in the head is a disturbing situation that we often encounter.Intermittently or continuously: It can be in a variety of forms from mild noise to powerful noise. There are types that may or may not be heard from other people. May or may not be accompanied by hearing loss.

Ringing, always needs to be assessed as a “complaint”, it is not a name for a “disease”; and the same as pain. Suppose that pain is assessed by the cause of a disease and not the disease itself, so the ringing is assessed as a sign of a disease. Due to the fact that the function of the auditory nerve is to carry sound, a person will feel tinnitus only after excitation of the nerve at any point.

Just as pain can be the cause of various diseases, so the ringing can be the cause of various diseases.

Hearing mechanism: in order to understand how the ringing occurs, it is necessary to be familiar with the hearing mechanism. This mechanism has five main parts: the outer ear, the middle ear, the inner ear, neural pathways, and the brain.

Outer ear: formed from the canal of the outer ear and the auricle. This structure collects sounds and transfers them to the eardrum.

Middle ear: Located between the eardrum and the inner ear.The waves located on the eardrum are transmitted to the inner ear by means of three bones located in the middle ear space. Lead to fluctuations in the inner ear fluid.

Inner ear: The inner ear is formed from a bone capsule filled with fine nerve endings and fluid. The fluid in this bone capsule moves from the side of the bones, and thus the nerve endings are stimulated.

Nerve pathways: nerves stimulated in the inner ear, the stimulation is transferred to the brain.The nerve is located in a thin bone canal. In the same channel are the nerves of the face that translate the muscles of the face and the nerves of balance into motion.

Brain: The pathways of the auditory nerves, after entering the brain, split into many more directions than telephone lines. Thereafter, nerve stimulation is transmitted to a familiar and appreciated area of ​​the brain.

Ringing in the outer ear: the outer ear canal may be blocked due to secretions, foreign bodies and swelling; for this reason, pressure occurs in the eardrum and ringing is produced.The veins in the eardrum or ear canal expand or contract and stimulate the auditory nerve, which triggers the ringing.

Ringing in the middle ear: Any damage formed in the function of the middle ear can cause a buzzing sensation in the head.

Ringing in the inner ear: Events affecting the pressure of the fluid in the inner ear can also cause ringing in the ears. Causes such as “Allergies, poor circulation, inflammation” can cause changes in pressure and changes in the eardrum around the fluid.

Ringing in the nerve pathways: the appearance of a slight swelling or disturbance in these tissues, immediately stimulates and affects the hearing. Local inflammation, allergic edema, toxic effects of systemic diseases, powerful explosive sounds, long-term exposure to loud noise in sensitive people, vascular disorders and certain medications affect neural pathways.

A spasm or rupture of one of the veins located on the ear canal causes circulatory disorders.For this reason, with or without hearing loss, sudden ringing can occur. But if the blood clot is small, it can heal without damage. Just because what happened due to pressure on only one side does not mean that it will happen again on the opposite or the same side.

Ringing in the brain: Nerve pathways accumulate in specific centers in the brain. If swelling occurs in one of them, a violation of blood circulation, then a rumble is felt in the head.

Hearing impairment: ringing may be accompanied by hearing impairment or without hearing impairment.When identifying the causes of the ringing, it will be easier to find out the cause of the impairment and hearing. If there is a decrease in hearing and ringing at the same time, this does not mean that the cure will become more difficult or the disease more serious. Many patients with tinnitus are afraid they will go deaf. This is unnecessary fear. Many people with hearing impairment do not experience ringing.
Treatment: if any disease is detected as a result of examination and analysis, then treatment is applied in the appropriate direction.For patients who have not found any cause, the following advice is recommended:

1 – Try to be away from stress or stress, as stress affects the stimulating nerves the most.
2 – do not overwork and be sure to take time to rest.
3 – should avoid nerve stimulants. Avoid excessive consumption of tea, coffee and cigarettes.
4 – As soon as possible, try to find out and ignore the cause of your tinnitus complaint.
5-ringing in the ears will not cause deafness, mental loss or death, for this reason, get rid of this terrible thought.
6 – The ringing is usually most felt when a person is retiring and there is silence around. A radio that turns off automatically after a certain time or a clock that makes noise in the room can help you fall asleep by suppressing the noise in the room.
7 – if you sleep on several pillows with your head up, then the blood will stay less and for this reason ringing in the ears may disappear.
8 – if used in a short period of time, sedatives can provide relief.

Result: Hearing is the most sensitive and easily stimulating mechanism of the human body. Due to the fact that it is directly related to the nervous system, it is closely associated with feelings such as tension and anxiety.

To successfully treat head noise and ringing, it is essential that the person fully understands the mechanism of this disease.

Tinnitus Disability Questionnaire

Description: The purpose of this questionnaire is to identify a problem you have with tinnitus.For each answer, answer yes, no, or sometimes.

1-Do you have attention problems due to tinnitus?
2-is there a problem hearing people due to high ringing?
3- is your ringing in your ears unnerving?
4- do you get confused by ringing in your ears?
5-do you feel desperate because of ringing in your ears?
6-do you suffer greatly from ringing in your ears?
7- Do you have a problem falling asleep at night due to ringing in your ears?
8-Do you feel like you won’t get rid of ringing in your ears?
9- does tinnitus interfere with social activities?
10-do you consider yourself blocked due to ringing in your ears?
11-Do you feel bad about ringing in your ears?
12-Does tinnitus make it difficult to enjoy life?
13-Does ringing in your ears prevent you from fulfilling your responsibilities in connection with home or work?
14-do you often feel offended because of ringing in your ears?
15- is ringing in your ears interfering with your reading?
16-Do ringing in your ears bother you?
17- Do you have a problem with friends or family due to ringing in your ears?
18-is it difficult for you to separate your attention from tinnitus and concentrate on other subjects?
19-do you feel like you can’t control your tinnitus?
20-how often do you feel tired from ringing in your ears?
21-do you feel frustrated with ringing in your ears?
22-are you getting depressed because of ringing in your ears?
23-do you think you can’t deal with ringing in your ears?
24- does tinnitus get worse during stress?
25- do you feel insecure due to ringing in your ears?

Evaluation of the results of the questionnaire (Aksoy S.2007)
4 0 2 points
YES NO SOMETIMES

Total:

1. Degree 0-16 Weak (hears only in a quiet environment)
2. Degree 18-36 is medium (can be easily masked by the noise of the environment and easily forgotten by the activity)
3. Degree 38-56 moderate (despite the difference in noise coming from behind, daily activities can be performed)
4. Degree 58-76 severe (almost always felt, interrupts sleep and interferes with daily activities)
five.Degree 78-1000 distress (always felt, interrupts sleep and complicates daily activities)

When it rustles, whistles, rings in the ear …

One terrible day, a whistle, howl or rustle may be heard in the ear, although the people around them do not hear these sounds. Such a deceptive sensation, when the perception of sound is present, but there is no external stimulus, is sometimes called phantom hearing.

According to Dr. Siirde, this can be compared to a situation where a person feels an amputated limb, as if the missing arm or leg is causing him pain.

There are a lot of cases when a person hears rustling or ringing in the ears; at a certain period of life, about 15 percent of people encounter such a phenomenon, of which about two percent suffer from a severe and restless illness. Such people may experience impaired concentration, mood decline, insomnia, headache, hearing impairment.

Rustle can only occur in one or both ears, it can be a separate disorder or it can be associated with a disease in some part of the ear.

Tinnitus can be caused by psychological factors, changes in the auditory system, in various parts of the heart and circulatory system, and in the central nervous system. It can also be associated with very high or low blood pressure, anemia, diabetes, metabolic and thyroid disorders.
Tinnitus can be caused by a wax plug or foreign body in the ear canal of the outer ear.

In addition, ringing in the ears can also accompany diseases of the middle ear – hearing loss due to aging, noise damage, impaired blood supply, etc.
Taking certain medications (eg pain relievers) may cause temporary or permanent rustling in your ears.

Long-term treatment
To get rid of extraneous sounds in the ears, you must first find out what causes them (for example, the presence of a cerumen or a foreign body in the ear canal, inflammation, etc.), and then start treatment.

According to Siirde, tinnitus usually diminishes if you get down to business. In addition to drug treatment, the doctor recommends using well-known folk remedies, for example, drinking tea with St. John’s wort and mint, taking preparations based on ginkgo biloba extract.

If tinnitus is accompanied by hearing loss, it is necessary to use a hearing aid, which at the same time will help to muffle extraneous sound.

The so-called retraining treatment helps people get used to and adapt to tinnitus. A person is forced to constantly adapt to the environment and various sounds.

There are many different household appliances around us, but we no longer notice the rumbling of the refrigerator, the ticking of a clock, etc.n. If tinnitus causes severe irritation, silence should be avoided.

Siirde recommends using pleasant music from the radio, TV or music player as background sound. Various natural sounds work well, for example, the murmur of water in a small indoor fountain. “You will have to get used to tinnitus and learn to live with it,” says the otologist.

Ear plug
A common cause of tinnitus is a sulfur plug in the external auditory canal.The wall of the ear canal constantly releases sulfur, a yellow substance that protects the ear from dust, foreign bodies, infections, and inflammation. Sulfur is water-repellent and protects the ears from harmful bacteria and viruses. Usually, excess sulfur spontaneously flushes out of the ear.

Excessive sulfur production can cause problems for older people – they often have dense plugs in their ears, which cause hearing impairment.

Severe hearing impairment may be caused by water entering the ears.Because of it, the sulfuric plug swells and blocks the ear canal. At the same time, the rustle and echoes of your own voice can be heard in the ear.

The otologist does not advise trying to get the sulfur plug on your own; to remove it, as well as to treat all other ear ailments, you need to see a doctor.

Tinnitus

• The causes of tinnitus can be: psychological factor, changes in the auditory, cardiovascular and central nervous systems, very high or low blood pressure, anemia, diabetes, metabolic and thyroid disorders, sulfuric a blockage or foreign body in the ear canal, taking certain medications (such as pain relievers).
• People with tinnitus should see an otolaryngologist to help them choose the right type of treatment.
• If the otolaryngologist can determine the cause of the problem, tinnitus can be treated.
• To reduce tinnitus, you can use folk remedies, such as drinking tea with St. John’s wort and mint, taking preparations based on ginkgo biloba extract.
• If tinnitus is accompanied by hearing impairment, a hearing aid should be used, which at the same time will help to muffle extraneous sound.

Tinnitus (tinnitus) and tinnitus: how is it treated?

What are the types of tinnitus

Tinnitus can be objective or subjective. In the first case, the doctor can fix it using special equipment. It is also called vibrational – signals come from muscles, nerve fibers or parts of the auditory system. Subjective tinnitus is most often non-vibrational. It happens:

• central – comes from the brain and is felt in the head;
• peripheral – originates and is felt in the ears.

In some cases, there is a mixed ear noise, combining all the options described.

There are other classifications of this phenomenon. By the time of development, it can be:

• acute – up to 3 months;
• mild – 3-12 months;
• chronic – more than 1 year.

According to symptoms, ringing in the ears can be compensated and decompensated. In the first case, a person can cope with it and live comfortably, does not feel additional symptoms.In the second, noise strongly affects all areas of life, spoils its quality and is accompanied by sleep disturbances, increased anxiety and other symptoms. It is also classified according to the degree of intensity – there are 4,

in total.

How to Diagnose Tinnitus

In case of complaints of this symptom, the doctor prescribes:

• Otoscopy – the outer ear and tympanic membrane are examined using a special optical device. This allows you to identify the causes associated with impaired sound conduction: inflammation, edema, trauma.
• Impedance measurement – with the help of a sensitive probe, the functions of the auditory tube are investigated. So you can diagnose otitis media, pathologies of the auditory tube, auditory ossicles, etc.
• Tone audiometry – signals of certain frequencies are transmitted to the patient through headphones and the response to them is recorded. This allows you to identify hearing impairments and thresholds of sound perception.
• OAE – shows the degree of performance of the hair cells of the inner ear.
• Auscultation of the temporal region – the temporal artery is examined.This helps to identify hypertension and atherosclerosis.
• MRI, CT and X-ray – performed if there is a suspicion of structural abnormalities and neoplasms.

How to treat tinnitus

Therapy for ear noise depends on its cause:

• for sulfur plugs and foreign bodies, the auditory canals are washed;
• for otitis media, otomycosis and injuries, a course of drugs is prescribed that relieve inflammation and accelerate tissue healing;
• with otosclerosis perform an operation;
• for chronic pathologies, the necessary complex treatment is prescribed.

If tinnitus is due to sensorineural hearing impairment, the patient is advised to wear a hearing aid that:

• helps to hear “missing” sounds clearly and loudly;
• creates the necessary sound load for the hearing system;
• masks noise in the ears.

Today hearing solution manufacturers offer many advanced digital models with tinnitus therapy options. They do not “turn it off” in an instant, but gradually make it less obvious, and then completely reduce it to nothing.Models with this function can be found in the catalog of the American brand Starkey. The manufacturer offers powerful, reliable and easy-to-use hearing solutions that use advanced technologies.

An audiologist at the Betterton Center will help you find the right device for hearing correction. He will analyze the results of the audiogram and select several models with the option to mask the ear noise. From them you can choose the best option. After that, the specialist will make individual settings and will support you during the habituation period.

Prevention of tinnitus

To keep your ears quiet, you need:

• maintain their hygiene;
• protect from hypothermia and water ingress;
• to treat inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract in time;
• to find out side effects and consult a doctor before taking medications;
• to treat chronic systemic pathologies;
• monitor the health of the auditory system and regularly check with an ENT doctor;
• use hearing aids for hearing loss;
• eat right and live a healthy lifestyle.