Otolaryngology

Tinnitus

What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus is the sound of ringing, roaring, buzzing, or clicking that occurs inside the head. The sounds:
  • may come and go.
  • may be continuous.
  • vary in pitch.
  • may occur in one or both ears.

Currently, more than36 million people in the United States suffer from some degree of tinnitus.

What causes tinnitus?

Tinnitus may result from a variety of causes, including:
  • damage to the nerve endings in the inner ear
  • stiffening of bones in the middle ear
  • advancing age
  • exposure to loud noises
  • allergy
  • high or low blood pressure
  • tumor
  • diabetes
  • thyroid problems
  • head or neck injury
  • reaction to certain medications

Treatment for tinnitus:

Specific treatment for tinnitus will be determined by your physician based on:
  • your age, overall health, and medical history
  • extent of the disease
  • your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
  • expectations for the course of the disease
  • your opinion or preference

Generally, there is no specific treatment for tinnitus. If a particular cause can be identified, treatment for the cause may reduce or eliminate tinnitus.

Suggestions for reducing the severity of tinnitus include:

  • avoid loud sounds

  • have blood pressure checked

  • decrease intake of salt, which impairs blood circulation

  • avoid stimulants such as coffee, colas, and tobacco

  • exercise daily to improve blood circulation

  • get adequate rest

  • learn to ignore the sounds of tinnitus as much as possible

  • practice concentration and relaxation exercises

  • hearing aid(s) may reduce the sounds of tinnitus

  • mask the sounds of tinnitus with other, low-level sounds such as a ticking clock or specially-purchased "white noise" products

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