Definition

     Tinnitus is the medical term for "hearing" noises in your ears when there is no outside source of the sounds. The noises you hear can be soft or loud. They may sound like ringing, blowing, roaring, buzzing, hissing, humming, whistling, or sizzling. You may even think you are hearing air escaping, water running, the inside of a seashell, or musical notes.

Causes

• Spherical damage to the inner ear structure of tiny nerve endings that carry information to the brain.

• The majority of cases, especially in the young, are due to the cumulative effect of loud noises higher than 90 decibels.

• Otosclerosis -- stiffening in the bones of the middle ear

• Wax build up in the air can give temporarily tinnitus

• High or Low Blood Pressure

• Circulatory problems bring about the hardening of arteries due to age

• Aneurysms

• Ototoxic medications, including aspirin, some diuretics, heavy metals, alcohol, and certain antibiotics

• Sinus infections

• Ear infections

• Head trauma

• Temporomandibular joint misalignment of the jaw

• Diabetes

Symptoms

• May be associated with varying degrees of hearing loss.

• The sounds heard in Tinnitus are of ringing, whooshing, roaring, high-pitched hissing, buzzing, and whistling in one or both ears.

• May be continuous or periodic

Screening and Diagnostics

• A diagnosis is difficult unless there is evidence for underlying disorders such as aneurysms.

• An ENT doctor may be consulted

• A hearing test may be done

Treatment

• Treat the underlying cause

• Change the offending medication or reduce the dosage

• Control blood pressure

• Correct TMJ problems

• Hearing aids may be prescribed

• Hypnosis may help

• Masking devices can be worn that mask the noise of Tinnitus

• In severe cases, Cochlear implants may be placed.  This surgical procedure is used as a last resort.

• Reduce salt, coffee, alcohol, tobacco and increase fluid intake (e.g., water)

• Supplements such as vitamins (e.g., B), Minerals (e.g., zinc, Magnesium) and herbs (e.g., Gingko biloba) may help.

• Biofeedback and other relaxation exercises may help.

• Medications may be prescribed.

Prevention

     Wear ear protection in any situations where ear damage is possible (such as loud concerts or jackhammers). If you have hearing loss, avoid further damage to your hearing by avoiding excessive noise.

     Make sure your blood pressure is normal by maintaining proper body weight, exercising regularly, and seeing your doctor for yearly check ups.