Do you suffer from tinnitus ringing in the ears? Before you can get tinnitus treatment, you must visit the doctor for a hearing test, as a common cause of tinnitus symptoms is hearing loss.
What are the symptoms of tinnitus?
Tinnitus symptoms are characterized by incessant noises in one or both ears that are not caused by any actual noise around you, nor are heard by anybody else. Sufferers of tinnitus usually describe the sounds they hear as ringing in the ears, but tinnitus symptoms can vary. Other tinnitus patients complain of constant roaring, whooshing, clicking, whistling, chirping or buzzing sounds in their ears. Other factors can vary according to the severity of the tinnitus symptoms, including noise frequency, volume or pitch of tinnitus sounds. Also, the condition can occur in one ear only, or both ears at once, or it can fluctuate between ears. It is not uncommon for a tinnitus sufferer to go through phases when the tinnitus symptoms are inactive, only to resurface later. Occasionally a person will experience the symptoms of tinnitus only once in his entire lifetime.
What causes tinnitus?
About 50 million people in the US have experienced or currently suffer from tinnitus symptoms. Tinnitus is not a disease, but rather a hearing loss-related condition which happens as a result of contributing factors or causes. Tinnitus can occur in old age, and frequently is accompanied or followed by hearing loss. However, tinnitus symptoms can also be caused by inner ear damage. The cochlea of the inner ear is responsible for translating sound signals, so any significant damage to the inner ear canal can result in tinnitus symptoms and hearing loss.
Examples of inner ear damage which can cause tinnitus ear ringing are:
- Puncturing of the eardrum with cotton swabs or other hard, pointy objects
- Noise-related ear damage caused by in-ear iPod ear buds, exposure to loud special effects, engines, machinery or concert music
- Chronic ear infections
- Meniere’s disease
Sometimes tinnitus is caused by drug interactions, such as anti-inflammatories, birth control, antibiotics or quinine medication. Always tell you doctor if you think a new medication might be giving you tinnitus symptoms.
How do you get treatment for tinnitus?
See a physician if you are experiencing any consistent ringing in the ears. An ENT or audiologist can give you a proper diagnosis. According to most scientists, there is no actual cure for tinnitus, but some treatment options are available. Tinnitus maskers are helpful for reducing some of the tinnitus noises; tinnitus retraining therapy involves wearing a noise generator which produces a competing sound, such as environmental noise, thereby “shushing” the tinnitus ringing noises. Tinnitus sufferers have also found relief by practicing meditation, yoga and visualization.
Tinnitus Retraining Therapy: the Sounds of Silence
Much research has been done on the health benefits of gingko biloba for tinnitus and hearing loss symptoms. Gingko biloba has been used for hundreds of years to treat depression, fatigue and dementia. Because it increases blood flow, gingko biloba is also effective for treating hearing loss, tinnitus, headaches and other conditions which are caused when constricted blood vessels restrict blood flow through the head.
A list of other popular tinnitus treatments are available on the American Tinnitus Association website.
Also read:
Thrill Rides and Scuba Diving: Summertime Activities that Cause Tinnitus
When Children Suffer Tinnitus and Hearing Loss
Sources:
American Tinnitus Association, MedicineNet, Mayo Clinic
Close to 36 million US citizens suffer from the symptoms of tinnitus, which include unrelenting buzzing or ringing in the ears, with pitch and volume varying according to the level of inner ear damage. As there is no cure for tinnitus, many tinnitus sufferers are driven to suicide each year.
Recently, 74-year-old grandfather Roy Sullivan ended his life in Essex, England. His chronic tinnitus symptoms had escalated to the point that he often complained of a “screaming” sound in his ears. His wife described him as a reserved man who was highly sensitive to noise, the sort of person who preferred to keep the radio volume low and enjoyed his peace and quiet. After visiting their grandson on his 14th birthday- a trip which Roy was forced to opt out of because of anxiety, agitation and insomnia caused by tinnitus- Mrs. Sullivan returned home to find a suicide note in the kitchen. Roy Sullivan, who was suffering from hypertension, in addition to chronic tinnitus, was found dead of gunshot wounds.
Stress Management and Tinnitus Relief
In a similar scenario, Greene County Sheriff William L. Morris committed suicide, attributing his tinnitus suffering to a constant roar in his ear. “I hope that my death will help bring about some cure for those that suffer with tinnitus, by bringing attention to it,” he wrote. “It is important that my life will not be wasted.” He likened his tinnitus symptoms to the constant buzzing of a saw. Family members requested that friends and relatives send donations to The American Tinnitus Association instead of sending flowers.
Mark Hughff, a 42-year-old shop worker whose tinnitus was caused by excessive noise exposure, ended his life when high frequency tinnitus noises made his life unbearable.
Celebrity William Shatner admitted that he once contemplated suicide because of tinnitus ear damage which was caused by an explosion on the set of Star Trek. Now a spokesman for the American Tinnitus Association, William Shatner described his tinnitus symptoms as a hissing sound which would keep him up nights. Tinnitus retraining therapy has taught him to ignore the ringing in the ears.
Celebrities Raise Tinnitus Awareness
Causes of tinnitus include:
- Excessive loud noise exposure
- Frequent iPod earbud usage
- Hearing loss caused by old age
- Earwax buildup
- Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)
- Overuse of medications, such as anti-inflammatories, antidepressants and antibiotics
For more information, read:
6 Anxiety Busting Tricks- Try Them Now!
Tinnitus Maskers: Relief is on the Way
Sources:
Daily Mail, Daily Progress, ContactMusic, The Mirror, The American Tinnitus Association
Many is the number of times a tinnitus sufferers has asked himself, “What did I do wrong? How did I cause this tinnitus, and how do I get rid of it?” Although noise-related damage is the #1 cause of tinnitus, there are other known triggers.
What is tinnitus?
Tinnitus (ti-NIGHT-us or TIN-i-tus) is a hearing loss related condition which affects 50 million people in the US alone, although only 12 million seek medical help for their tinnitus. The symptoms of tinnitus are mild to loud whooshing, buzzing, clicking or ringing noises in the ears of varying pitch, duration and frequency. Some individuals have mild enough symptoms of tinnitus that it doesn’t interfere with their lives; they might not even notice it. Chronic tinnitus sufferers who have severe symptoms find difficulty concentrating on even small tasks, become extra-sensitive to extraneous noise and are often woken up in the middle of the night by tinnitus ringing in the ears; many experience anxiety and depression because of their tinnitus symptoms and even begin to contemplate suicide.
Here is a list of many medications and conditions which could be causing your tinnitus:
- 90% people diagnosed with tinnitus have suffered inner ear damage due to prolonged exposure to dangerously loud noises; many tinnitus patients are musicians, actors, stunt men, job shop workers and individuals who have served in the army or the military. There is evidence that listening to your iPod excessively while wearing ear buds can also create irreversible ear damage.
- Sometimes tinnitus can be caused by excess ear wax or an ear infection; rarely tinnitus symptoms could signal a benign tumor in the ear. See your pharmacist about choosing a safe ear wax removal kit, and visit your doctor to find out if you have an ear infection. You’ll be glad you did.
- Some medications have been proven to cause tinnitus over an extended period of time; aspirin is one widely recognized culprit, in addition to certain antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, tranquilizers, antidepressants and quinine medications. Tinnitus symptoms have been linked to approximately 200 prescription and nonprescription drugs and medications.
- Sometimes tinnitus is a symptom of hearing loss due to old age; as we age, our cochlea in the inner ear begins to deteriorate, significantly reducing our hearing abilities and often producing the ringing noises associated with tinnitus.
- Meniere’s disease causes damage to the inner ear and is a common cause of tinnitus.
- Otosclerosis affects the bones in the middle ear, causing hearing loss and tinnitus.
- Medical conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, bad circulation, anemia, allergies, diabetes and underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) may contribute to hearing loss and tinnitus symptoms, as they restrict blood flow to the ears.
- In some cases tinnitus is caused by Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ), which may be caused by teeth grinding, excessive gum chewing, stress, jaw damage or dental problems.
- Head or neck injuries can also cause tinnitus symptoms.
Sources:
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, MedicineNet, Medicine Plus, Wikipedia, WebMD, American Tinnitus Association
Music legend Phil Collins, renowned former lead singer of Genesis and accomplished musical choreographer, is stepping off the stage of his career. The 60-year-old performer has announced that health problems, including hearing loss, have made it impossible for him to continue as a musician.
Phil Collins on the cover of Rolling Stone
Did chronic noise exposure make the music die?
Your ears can only handle so much stimulation; hearing loss and tinnitus, a condition where sufferers hear a constant ringing or buzzing in the ears, are common ailments of musicians, as exposure to unhealthy levels of decibels is one of their occupational hazards. Jam sessions, never-ending concert line-ups and frequent iPod ear bud usage all account for irreversible damage to the cochlea in the inner ear.
Celebrities raise tinnitus awareness
How much is too much?
The National Institutes of Health define noise induced hearing loss as damage done to the ears as a result of constant exposure to loud noises greater than 75 decibels. Comparatively, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets a safety standard of no more than 110 decibels. Musicians, stunt men and individuals who have served in the army or the air force are constantly exposed to decibels much greater than the amount advised by health experts; as a result they are most likely to suffer from irreversible hearing loss and tinnitus.
How can we protect our hearing and avoid the symptoms of tinnitus?
- If you work in an setting which requires constant exposure to loud noises, be vigilant about wearing protective earplugs.
- Avoid wearing iPod ear buds; opt instead for volume-controlled safe headphones which can be purchased on the internet.
- Listen to music on a moderate setting.
- Turn off the television or radio when not engaged; don’t be tempted to keep them on as “background noise.”
Sources:
Tinnitus sufferers know these symptoms all too well: constant buzzing, even in a “quiet” room, recurring crackling or clicking sounds in the head, anxiety, depression and difficulty relaxing and sleeping.
Often tinnitus is caused by ear damage due to exposure to loud sounds, frequent iPod earbud usage and in many cases, old age.
Below are some homeopathic remedies which are used to treat tinnitus:
- Ginkgo Biloba- Researchers have proven that ginkgo biloba leaf is beneficial for the treatment of tinnitus and other hearing-related illnesses. Scientists explain that the extract taken from the leaf of the ancient ginkgo biloba tree enhances blood flow to the ears, thus reducing some of the irritating buzzing sounds and clicks which accompany tinnitus. Ginkgo biloba extract is also used to treat attention deficit, depression, anxiety, dizziness and headaches.
- Lipoic acid- The antioxidant power of lipoic acid is known by medical practitioners who treat patients for cancer; its ability to enhance the free-radical-killing attributes in other antioxidants such as grape seed extract, making it a viable choice for warding off ear infections.
- Zinc- Otology and Neurotology published a report, The Role of Zinc in the Treatment of Tinnitus, which reveals a correlation between tinnitus symptoms and low zinc levels. Of the tinnitus who received zinc tablets, 82% reported a noticeable decrease in their symptoms.
- Black Cohosh- It is believed that tinnitus is sometimes caused by low serotonin; according to a University of Illinois study, chemicals found in this North American herb are beneficial for improving serotonin receptors.
- Ginger- Chinese healers used ginger extract for boosting the immune system; its powerful properties include improving circulation, decreasing nausea and destroying harmful bacteria and viruses which might damage hearing.
- Garlic- The antiseptic qualities in garlic are beneficial for generating circulation, killing harmful bacteria and boosting the immunity. Sufferers of tinnitus who experience frequent respiratory problems have found the severity of their symptoms reduced through supplementation of odorless garlic.
Sources:
Livestrong, National Institute of Health, Healing.About.com, American Cancer Society, Otology and Neurotology
Nearly 36 million Americans suffer from tinnitus, a constant buzzing, roaring or chirping sound in the inner or outer ear. While some head noise is normal, individuals with severe tinnitus are plagued with incessant babble throughout their day. Routine activities such as checking one’s email and driving to the market become unbearably difficult and full of distractions. Many patients of this incurable disease fall into bouts of anxiety and depression.
What causes tinnitus?
Tinnitus is often caused by exposure to loud noises; musicians and army soldiers make up for a large percentage of its patients. Health experts predict an increase in tinnitus and other hearing-related diseases as a result of the popularity of noise-cancelling iPod earbuds which produce unhealthy levels of noise waves and may cause permanent ear damage.
Musicians warn teens to lower the volume
Most people are unaware of this affliction; many probably have it and didn’t realize they were not alone. Celebrities such as Wil.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas and William Shatner are trying to change all that.
Wil.i.am told the Sun that music is his only escape from the constant ringing of tinnitus; much of his success can be attributed to his inability to slow down.
Music is his only escape
“I don’t know what silence sounds like any more. Music is the only thing which eases my pain,” says the singer for the Black Eyed Peas.
Jack Black, famous for his rowdy rocker persona, also warns teens to protect their hearing in this YouTube video:
Heavy metal drummer Lars Ulrich of Metallica, who also suffers from tinnitus, delivers his speech on hearing loss in this video funded by H.E.A.R:
The Tinnitus Foundation released this montage of famous people with tinnitus, including Pete Townshend, David Letterman, Barbra Streisand and Ronald Reagan.
William Shatner and co-star Leonard Nimoy were often exposed to loud eruptions on the sets of the Star Trek films. In his video for the American Tinnitus Association, William Shatner describes an explosion during filming which forever altered his hearing ability.
Find your inner sanctum.
Tranquility with Tinnitus? Sounds like an oxymoron if there ever was one, but it’s no joke. Finding peace of mind with a constant ringing in your ear or some of the various other sounds associated with tinnitus might seem like a distant dream. Whooshing, clicks, cricket sounds- it seems like more than you can handle.
There might not be any outright cures for tinnitus in this day and age, but there are coping mechanisms to help you find peace of mind: meditation, homeopathic remedies…and faith.
Part I of Tranquility with Tinnitus will help you find your inner sanctuary from tinnitus using three relaxation techniques recommended by the Mayo Clinic.
Setting the Scenario
Begin by finding a nice warm, quiet room free of disturbances. If there is a telephone, disconnect it. Cover the television or computer with a small throw. Soften the lights, set up some soothing “white noise” like a gentle fan or relaxation CD. Take off your shoes, lay down on a mat or soft rug and begin…
1) Autogenic relaxation
Autogenic relaxation means looking inwards with your “third eye,” as it’s referred to in transcendental meditation.
- Slowly breathe in at the count of three;
- Hold the breathe for the count of three;
- Very slowly release your breathe at the count of six, imagining a balloon gently losing air through a pinhole.
- Concentrate on slowing your heartbeat.
- Make a mental checklist of any sensations, sounds or pains which are going through your body; recognize them, accept them and breathe towards them.
- Repeat a soothing mantra; use that mantra throughout the day anytime you feel stressed and feel and need to return to your “safe place.”
2) Progressive muscle relaxation
Progressive relaxation is a great way to give your muscles a massage from the inside. In times of acute anxiety a mini-PMR can be done inconspicuously at your desk or even while dining at a restaurant.
- Lie flat, getting yourself into a relaxed position.
- Will your muscles to let go, release tension.
- Direct your inner eye to your right foot; clench it tightly. Now, let go and feel the warmth as your muscles relax. Repeat with the left foot.
- Slowly and systematically work your way upwards, tightening and releasing your legs, abdominal muscles, chest, back, shoulders and arms.
- Much stress is stored in the head, so don’t neglect this vital area. Focus on your neck, jaws, cheeks, ears, eyes and forehead.
- Many find that PMR, with practice, brings on a deep sensation of euphoria and inner quietude.
3) Visualization
Another common practice is to use your imagination as a tool for relaxation; many meditation CD’s are available which will guide you through various exercises.
- Imagine yourself in your comfort zone; this could be anyplace that makes you feel happy and safe, such as the beach or a rustic woods. See the deep blue ocean, a purplish sunrise or emerald green pastures.
- Focus on all the sounds of your comfort zone; crashing waves, birds winging, etc.
- Now imagine tactile sensations, like the gentle breeze, woolly pine needles, or the warm sun on your face.
- Smell the salty ocean air or the deep incense of the forest.
Many tinnitus sufferers have found their symptoms lessened through practiced meditation. If you have a hectic schedule, try waking up a half-hour early and setting aside that time to meditate. Not only will it get your day off to a good start, it will also give you a sort of mental “home page” to go back to when things seem to be spiraling out of control.
Recommended reading: The Calm Technique: Meditation without Magic or Mysticism, by Paul Wilson
Sources:
Birmingham and District Tinnitus Group
Ear tinnitus has affected 619,826 veterans of the armed forces, according to the National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research. This annoying phantom noise in the head can take on the form of a buzz, whoosh, high-pitched whistle, hissing, chirping or other sounds.
The primary cause of ear tinnitus is exposure to loud noises. Members of the armed forces must deal with noise levels well above those recommended by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). NIOSH had stated that noise levels higher than 85 decibels can cause hearing loss and tinnitus.
The source for ear tinnitus among veterans stems from the key tactic employed by the enemies, the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The resulting explosive blasts are as loud as 170 decibels, much higher than the 85 decibel threshold recommended by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The implication is that veterans of the armed forces, who may be only in their 20s, are susceptible to a lifetime sentence of ear tinnitus.
The American Tinnitus Association (ATA) reports that 49 percent of all soldiers exposed to explosive blasts in Iraq and Afghanistan developed tinnitus. Furthermore, it speculates the Veterans Association will be paying out nearly one billion dollars in disability compensation by 2010.
More research is recommended to remedy this problem.
Tinnitus is a Latin word which means “ringing”. We use tinnitus to refer to ringing of the ears, a sound that is heard but does not exist outside a person’s head. A person with tinnitus may also hear sounds of buzzing, hissing, high-pitched whistling or other sounds. There are approximately 50 million Americans who are afflicted, according to the American Tinnitus Association (ATA).
Many people suffering from tinnitus try to get information about this condition from Google. On average, 450,000 searches each month are performed on Google using the word “tinnitus.” Other search terms used in this endeavor include, “causes tinnitus” (9,900 searches) and “tinnitus cure” (14,800 searches).
Some people are not sure how to spell tinnitus. This results in many creative ways that they will search for information about this condition.
The search term “tinitus” is used 22,200 times each month in Google, and the misspelled “tinnitis” is used 18,100 times each month. The variation “tenitis” is searched by 1,900 users each month.
So, if you don’t know how to spell “tinnitus,” don’t feel bad because you are in good company.
We are the manufacturers of Tinnitus DX, a homeopathic supplement for tinnitus. .
