| Tinnitus:
Probably the least understood and most common form of hearing difficulty.
Modern science has few answers to what causes Tinnitus, we don't know how
to solve the problem there are some things we do know. The following
questions and those on the Treatment
page were prepared by The American Tinnitus Association and are
reproduced with their permission. Their WEB site has the most comprehensive amount of information found
anywhere on the WEB. Click on their Logo to access it.
Frequently
Asked Questions:
What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the medical term for the perception of sound when no external sound
is present. It is often referred to as "ringing in the ears," although
some people hear hissing, roaring, whistling, chirping, or clicking. Tinnitus
can be intermittent or constant—with single or multiple tones—and its
perceived volume can range from subtle to shattering.
How many
people have tinnitus?
Over 50 million Americans experience tinnitus to some degree. Of these, about 12
million have severe enough tinnitus to seek medical attention. And about two
million patients are so seriously debilitated that they cannot function on a
"normal," day-to-day basis.
I have
heard two different pronunciations. Which is correct?
Tinnitus has two pronunciations: ti-NIGHT-us or TIN-i-tus. Both are correct,
though the American Tinnitus Association uses ti-NIGHT-us. The word comes from
Latin and means "to tinkle or to ring like a bell."
What
causes tinnitus?
The exact physiological cause or causes of tinnitus are not known. There are,
however, several likely sources, all of which are known to trigger or worsen
tinnitus: noise-induced hearing loss, wax build-up in the ear canal, certain
medications, ear or sinus infections, jaw misalignment, cardiovascular disease,
certain types of tumors, thyroid disorders, and head and neck trauma. Of these
factors, exposure to loud noises is by far the most probable cause of tinnitus.
Up to 90 percent of all tinnitus patients have some level of noise-induced
hearing loss.
Is there
anything I can do to protect myself from tinnitus?
The Occupational Safety & Health Act (OSHA) suggests that noises above 90
decibels over the course of an eight-hour workday should be avoided. And for
some people, 90 decibels is still too loud. The next time you are around a noise
that bothers your ears—either in the workplace or at a sporting or
recreational event—wear earplugs. And be aware of other activities or
situations that include loud noises, like hair drying or lawn-mowing. Make it
easy for yourself to protect your ears by hanging earmuffs over the lawn mower
handle, or keeping ear plugs in the bathroom next to your hair dryer. Repeated
exposure to loud noises can have a cumulative effect on your hearing.
What
kinds of treatments are available?
There are many treatments for tinnitus. Please see the Tinnitus
Treatment Options page. You will want to talk with your doctor, audiologist,
or other healthcare professional to find the best treatment for you. Because
tinnitus is so individual, treatments work differently for different people.
Can
anything make tinnitus worse?
Exposure to loud noises, as mentioned above, can have a negative effect on your
hearing and exacerbate tinnitus. Be sure to protect yourself with earplugs,
earmuffs, or by simply not taking part in noisy events.
Some medications can make tinnitus worse. Tell your physicians—not just your
ear, nose, and throat doctor—about all prescription and over the counter
medications you are currently taking or have recently taken.
Many people find that alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine can worsen their tinnitus,
as can eating certain foods. Nicotine, for example, affects the vascular system
by narrowing blood vessels that carry important oxygen to your ears, thereby
increasing the level of tinnitus. Some people find that foods with a high-sugar
content or any amount of quinine (tonic water) make their tinnitus seem louder.
Monitor how you respond to different stimuli, and find a healthy balance where
you do not eliminate all the foods that you love, but also where you do not
unnecessarily exacerbate your tinnitus.
Finally, stress and fatigue can affect your tinnitus. Make time to relax, and
understand that life events can manifest themselves in your body in the form of
increased tinnitus.
Where
can I get help for tinnitus?
If you have tinnitus, your first step is to see an otolaryngologist, or Ear,
Nose, and Throat doctor (frequently shortened to ENT). He or she will help you
determine if your tinnitus is caused by a medical condition and if a medical
treatment option is most appropriate. To find a doctor near you, contact the
American Tinnitus Association.
You may also want to see an audiologist, who can conduct hearing tests and
prescribe non-medical treatments for your tinnitus, like masking or
amplification. To find an audiologist near you, please contact ATA. Also, for
suggestions on questions to ask a healthcare professional.
For more help coping with your tinnitus, consider joining an American Tinnitus
Association self-help group. Self-help groups are a wonderful resource for sharing with and learning from
others with tinnitus. Many groups bring outside speakers to share tinnitus
treatments, coping skills, and success stories. Other groups have libraries of
information available for borrowing and newsletters with helpful hints.
self-help groups incorporate compassionate support with meaningful suggestions
to help you manage your tinnitus.
Where
else can I turn for answers?
The American Tinnitus Association’s friendly staff answers questions from 8:30
a.m. to 5 p.m. (Pacific time) Mondays through Fridays. Call (800) 634-8978. In
addition, Dr. Jack Vernon, one of the nation’s most knowledgeable tinnitus
experts, answers patient questions on tinnitus. Contact Dr. Vernon on Wednesdays
from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 5 p.m. (Pacific Time) at (503) 494-2187.
Can you tell me more about other kinds of hearing disorders?
Other hearing
disorders are association with tinnitus, including hearing loss, Ménière’s
disease, and hyperacusis.
© 2000 American Tinnitus Association, All Rights Reserved.
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