Tinnitus

Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, can be a nerve-racking condition that robs a person of life’s simple pleasures.

Approximately 17% of the general population in the U.S. has tinnitus – that is 44 million Americans. Most people experience tinnitus in quiet situations, but can "ignore" it when other, more prominent sounds are present.

What is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is a subjective experience: one hears sound when there is no external physical sound present. People experience it as head noises or ear-ringing. A variety of terms are used to identify this sound, such as hissing, roaring or chirping.

What causes it?

There are many causes. Problems ranging in severity from overproduction of wax to ear infections. One of the most common causes of tinnitus is exposure to excessively loud sounds either on the job (musicians, carpenters, pilots) or recreational (shooting, chain saw, loud music). Tinnitus can sometimes result from problems associated with the ear, such as head injury or disorders of the neck vertebrae or the temporomandibular (jaw) joint. It can also be caused by cardiovascular disease, allergies, Meniere’s disease, under active thyroid, or degenerative of the bones in the middle ear. It is important to note that more than 200 prescriptions and non-prescription drugs list tinnitus as a potential side effect.

Who suffers from Tinnitus?

Currently approximately 44 million American adults have tinnitus to some degree. 12 million have it severely enough to seek medical help.

Tinnitus is no more than a nuisance for the majority of people who have it. When tinnitus becomes severe, it can cause loss of concentration, sleep and psychological distress. It can also make a deterioration hearing condition or balance disorder appear worse. Tinnitus can fluctuate from day to day, and even hour to hour.

Do we know what it is?

The actual mechanism responsible for tinnitus is not yet known. We do know that it is a real and not imagined symptom of something that has gone wrong in the auditory or neural system. Researchers are currently using a physiological model that may soon provide the necessary information for identifying its cause(s).

What should you do it you think you have Tinnitus?

• Take note of the details surrounding the onset of your tinnitus.
• Visit a medical doctor and have your hearing checked by an audiologist.
• Talk with your healthcare provider to discuss treatment options such as a hearing aid, maskers, therapy and other treatments available.
• Take care of yourself, use hearing protection when indicated, learn how to relax.
• Keep a diary of your symptoms and improvement.  Be patient with the therapy you are trying.  Many therapies take time before they are effective.

Should you suspect that you have tinnitus or any other disorder, we recommend that you seek a medical consultation. The purpose of this dizzy.com website is to provide education information. We do not provide medical evaluations or diagnosis through the website.

It is always advisable that you seek medical advise regarding your condition. A good place to start is by contacting your primary care or family physician. Should you need additional treatment your physician should be able to refer you to the appropriate professional in your area.

If you are seeking additional information regarding tinnitus please contact the American Tinnitus Association (ATA) at 800.63