If you are hearing any kind of noise (ringing, humming, buzzing, beeping, rushing.......) and it is not coming from anything, in your immediate surroundings, you probably have Tinnitus [ti-nahy-tuhs, tin-i-].

I have been a practicing Audiologist for 13+ years.  During that time, I have seen many people, who report this very subjective phenomenon.  In addition, I am a Tinnitus sufferer myself.  Over 25 years ago, I suddenly started hearing high pitched ringing, in my ears, and it has never gone away.

My goal here is to share some information, regarding Tinnitus, as well as links to reputable websites.  I do not claim to know everything there is to know about Tinnitus.  Therefore, this is only the "tip of the iceburg" and does not represent the only thoughts and opinions out there.

Types of tinnitus:

• Tonal tinnitus is often called "ringing in the ears." This type of tinnitus produces a continuous sound, like a single note playing over and over.

   

• Pulsatile tinnitus, in which the tinnitus sounds are intermittent, continuous, or pulsating in time with the heartbeat.

   

• Tinnitus in which the sound is a ringing, buzzing, roaring, whistling, or hissing noise.

   

• Less common tinnitus, in which the sounds are described as beeping, Morse code type of signals, or even a musical notes.

   

• Less common still is tinnitus experienced as several different types of noises at the same time.

   

In a rare, unusual type of tinnitus, known as "objective tinnitus," the noise is heard not only by the affected individual but also by others.

Concerns and Fears Surrounding Tinnitus:

Tinnitus is typically not a serious condition; however, it is frequently accompanied by hearing loss. Many people with tinnitus are concerned that they may become completely deaf; however, tinnitus does not cause deafness.

Others fear that they have a brain tumor or that they have some form of mental illness. While possible, such underlying conditions are most unlikely and rarely found in people with tinnitus.

Some people believe that depression produces tinnitus and if the depression is treated, their tinnitus will be relieved. Most experts believe that the opposite is more likely the case; namely, that tinnitus may cause a depression. Therefore, treatment is required for the depression.

There are effective treatments for depression, including antidepressant drugs and "talk" therapy. Some research studies suggest that certain antidepressant medications actually worsen the symptoms of tinnitus.

 How is tinnitus evaluated?

A medical history, physical examination, and a series of special tests can help determine precisely where the tinnitus is originating. It is helpful for the doctor to know if the tinnitus is constant, intermittent or pulsating (synchronous with the heart beat), or is it associated with hearing loss or loss of balance (vertigo). All patients with persisting unexplained tinnitus need a hearing test (audiogram). Patterns of hearing loss may lead the doctor to the diagnosis.

Other tests, such as the auditory brain stem response (ABR), a computerized test of the hearing nerves and brain pathways, computer tomography scan (CT scan) or, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI scan) may be needed to rule out a tumor occurring on the hearing or balance nerve. These tumors are rare, but they can cause tinnitus.

What is the treatment of tinnitus?

After a careful evaluation, your doctor may find an identifiable cause and be able to treat or make recommendations to treat the tinnitus. Once you have had a thorough evaluation, an essential part of treatment is your own understanding of the tinnitus (what has caused it, and your options for treatment).

In many cases, there is no specific treatment for tinnitus. It may simply go away on its own, or it may be a permanent disability that the patient will have to "live with." Some otolaryngologists have recommended niacin to treat tinnitus. However, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that niacin helps reduce tinnitus, and it may cause problems with skin flushing.

 Is there anything, to do, to lessen intensity of the tinnitus?

It is important to realize that the hearing system is one of the most delicate and sensitive mechanisms in the body. Since it is a part of the general nervous system, it is sensitive, to some degree, by anything that affects the overall health of the individual (both physical and psychological). Therefore, in order to lessen the intensity of tinnitus, it is advisable to make every effort to:

• Avoid exposure to loud sounds and noises.
  
  
• Control blood pressure.
  
  
• Decrease salt intake.
  
  
• Avoid nerve stimulants such as coffee and colas (caffeine) and tobacco (nicotine).
  
  
• Reduce anxiety.
  
  
• Try to stop worrying about the tinnitus. Often, the more you worry and concentrate on the noise, the louder it will become.
  
  
• Get adequate rest and avoid fatigue.
  
  
• Exercise.
  
  
• Utilize masking noise. Tinnitus is usually more bothersome when the surroundings are quiet, especially when you are in bed. A competing sound such as a ticking clock, a radio, a fan or white noise machine may help mask tinnitus. Small hearing aid like devices which generate a competitive sound may help reduce the awareness of the tinnitus.
  
  
• Biofeedback may help or diminish tinnitus in some patients.
  
  
• Avoid aspirin or aspirin products in large quantities

A summary of the important facts and information related to Tinnitus:

• Tinnitus is noise that originates within the ear rather than from the outside environment. This may affect one or both ears.

   

• Tinnitus is a relatively common condition.

   

• Tinnitus is not likely to worsen, even if associated hearing loss increases.

   

• Tinnitus usually decreases in severity with time.

   

• Tinnitus does not cause deafness, though a high percentage of people with tinnitus do have some degree of deafness.

   

• The sounds of tinnitus are not in fact usually loud when compared with many everyday sounds; they may only seem to be very loud.

   

• Coping with the symptoms of tinnitus may be a matter of learning to control reactions to the irritations caused by the symptoms

   

• Many people attempt to ignore tinnitus and not allow the symptoms to "take control."

   

• It is not true that "nothing can be done" for people with tinnitus. There are various means adapting to tinnitus. In fact, most people learn to cope with the condition and try not to let it affect their quality their day-to-day life.

   

• There are several treatment options for people with tinnitus, including masking, medications, lifestyle changes, or, in severe cases, cochlear implant surgery.

   

• Masking is the camouflage of the annoying sound associated with tinnitus by more pleasant, soothing sound.

 Links to Informational Websites:

 http://www.asha.org/default.htm

 http://www.hearinglosshelp.com/articles/tinnitus.htm

http://www.tinnitussa.org/default.php?http%3A//www.tinnitussa.org/Factsheet13.htm

http://www.ata.org/