Tinnitus is a ringing or other type of noise that begins in the ear or head that only the individual with tinnitus can hear. Nearly 36 million Americans suffer from tinnitus. However, in most cases, it is not a serious problem so much as a nuisance. Tinnitus usually resolves itself with time.
Causes
The most common cause of tinnitus is nerve damage to the hearing nerves in the inner ear. However, age, other diseases of the inner ear, such as Meniere's syndrome, and excessive exposure to loud noises, such as loud music and firearms, can also cause tinnitus. In rare cases, tinnitus can be caused by a tumor on the hearing or balance nerve.
Symptoms
If you hear ringing, swishing or other noises when no one else around you appears to, you may have tinnitus. Tinnitus can be accompanied by a loss of balance and is often associated with hearing loss. Be sure to tell your doctor if the tinnitus is constant, intermittent or pulsing, like a heartbeat, as the type of sound can distinguish between normal tinnitus or a more serious problem.
Testing
In most cases, tinnitus is not a serious condition. However, if you have persistent tinnitus, a doctor will most likely schedule a type of hearing test called an audiogram. An audiogram will usually reveal the depth and reason for the tinnitus. However, if it does not, other tests, such as the auditory brain stem response, an MRI scan or a CT scan may be given to be sure the tinnitus does not have a more serious cause.
Treatment
Treatment for tinnitus varies. It can include stopping a behavior that may be causing it, like listening to loud music, or there may be no treatment. You might just have to learn to live with the noise. In other cases, tinnitus simply goes away. Although there is no scientific evidence to support it, some doctors recommend that patients with tinnitus take niacin, as it is believed to help the disorder.
Prevention
To prevent tinnitus, it is strongly recommended that you do not put cotton swabs in the ear, as is this can cause an impaction of earwax against the eardrum. It is also recommended that individuals wear hearing protection when around loud noises, such as concerts, lawn mowers or work equipment.
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