Tinnitus

  • Tinnitus, also referred to as ringing in the ears, can be intermittent or continuous. The sounds can be confined to one ear, or be present in both.
  • Fast Facts:

    1. Not a disease
    2. Associated with hearing loss
    3. Can be a symptom of other health problems
    4. Estimated 12 million Americans have tinnitus
    5. Severe cases make work, sleep and hearing difficult
    6. Can be caused by certain medications
    7. Can also be caused by tumors, allergies, heart and blood vessel problems
    8. Important to see your doctor to determine exact cause
    9. Sometimes listening to music helps mask the sound
    10. Hearing aids can help
    11. Can be worsened by stress
  • Effects of Tinnitus

    Tinnitus can interfere with being able to hear the actual sounds around you and can also disturb sleep. It is is more common in the elderly but can occur at any age. Tinnitus can also lead to problems with concentration and can contribute to depression.
  • Cause

    The most common cause of tinnitus is damage to the nerves in the inner ear. This be caused by exposure to excessive noise such as that generated by loud music or power tools. Other causes of tinnitus include wax in the ear, otosclerosis, Meniere's syndrome and anemia. You can also have temporary tinnitus with a cold.
  • Treatment

    Tinnitus is generally addressed by treating the underlying cause of the symptoms. If the cause can't be identified or resolved, treatment is geared toward coping with it in daily life.MayoClinic.com: Tinnitus
  • Quotes

    “We’ve discovered that tinnitus is not so much ringing in the ears as ringing in the brain.”—Thomas J. Brozoski, Southern Illinois UniversityThe New York Times: New Therapies Fight Phantom Noises of Tinnitus (April 1, 2008)
  • Disclaimer

    The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you are experiencing Tinnitus, please consult your doctor.

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