Tinnitus

Tinnitus is a common condition where you hear sounds that are not caused by the external environment. This can be annoying and mentally taxing, but the cause is rarely anything serious.

What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus is characterized by hearing sounds that are neither due to external sound sources nor hallucinations. The sound may sound like ringing, beeping, clicking, humming or buzzing in the ears. One can experience this in either one or both ears, and the sound can be present all the time, or it can come and go. This is a common condition. The severity can vary from a mild hiss to a loud ringing.

The incidence of the condition increases with age, and chronic tinnitus is more common in those with hearing loss. In case of poor hearing, sounds from outside the ear will mask the tinnitus to a lesser extent. Tinnitus will go away on its own in many people, while some get chronic tinnitus.

Cause of tinnitus?

Tinnitus is often caused by damage to cells in the inner ear. The damaged cells send different signals to the brain, which then interprets these signals as hearing sounds. The sounds are not caused by anything outside the inner ear, only the person with tinnitus experiences them. For some, the damage to the cells may be temporary, while the sound in the ears is permanent.

Possible causes:

• Injury to the neck or head.

• Aging and hearing loss.

• Stress and depression.

• Otosclerosis.

• Ear infection or blockage of the ear due to earwax.

• Noise damage.

• Ménière's disease.

• Clogged eardrums due to a cold.

• Blood deficiency.

• Side effects of certain drugs, such as some types of antibiotics, anti-cancer drugs, diuretics, anticonvulsant drugs, or anti-inflammatory drugs.

• In addition, tinnitus can in a few cases be caused by a tumor on the auditory nerve, various neurological diseases or blood diseases, but this is rare.

Symptoms of tinnitus

Ringing in the ears. Often high-frequency and steady.

Some may hear other forms of noise such as more buzzing or pulsating sounds.

For some, the sounds may change in intensity during activity or when moving.

Disease course of tinnitus

In some people tinnitus can last anywhere from months to years. If you have had tinnitus for a long time, it may be that the condition is chronic and that it will not go away on its own. Despite the fact that the tinnitus does not necessarily go away completely, many will find that it becomes less bothersome over time. Surveys have shown that approximately 90 per cent of those with tinnitus live well with the condition.

Ear infections can worsen over time, but many will improve with treatment. This applies especially in those cases where there is an underlying disease that can be treated as the cause of the condition.

Good advice

Tinnitus can often occur when you try to rest and relax. Then it can help to put on low music or something else that can mask the ringing in the ears.

• Try to avoid situations that can worsen tinnitus, such as loud noise, great physical exertion, lack of sleep, stress, as well as being in a quiet place for a long time.

• There are patient associations and self-help groups that you can turn to if you want help to deal with tinnitus. Visit the Hearing Impaired National Association here.

Treatment

There is not necessarily a cure for ringing in the ears, but fortunately many will find that it goes away on its own. If the cause of the tinnitus is something that can be treated, this will help. For those who have chronic tinnitus, there are measures that can improve the condition. Treatment often involves learning to live with the bothersome sound.

Possible treatments:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy.

• Relaxation techniques.

• Biofeedback.

• Sound masking devices.

• Hearing aid for hearing loss.

• In case of simultaneous depression or anxiety, it can help with antidepressants.

When should you contact a doctor for tinnitus?

Tinnitus can be annoying, but it is rarely a sign of serious illness. Nevertheless, you should go to the doctor if you experience sounds that others do not hear to make sure that there is nothing wrong with your ears, and to get help to deal with the tinnitus.