We’re all going to experience a ringing in our ears when there is no external source of that sound. For many
people this buzzing or ringing sound can be persistent, intermittent, and prolonged. Known as “tinnitus”, it is a
cause of great frustration and distress for sufferers. While tinnitus can occur in every stage of life and affects
both men and women, the condition is most common among men. According to an American study, almost
12% of men who are 65 to 74 years of age are affected by tinnitus 8 . Tinnitus is not a disease but rather a
reflection of something else that is going on in the hearing system or brain
Research has yet to discover a cure for the condition. As there are varying causes of tinnitus, Expert Hearing Care concentrate instead on “management” rather than solutions.
Often the best place to start is a hearing evaluation, which can be performed at Expert Hearing Care. If this assessment reveals significant hearing loss, we may advise you that a hearing aid is likely to reduce or, in some cases, completely alleviate the condition.
We may also recommend an evaluation by an Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist who can prescribe medical treatments. Following successful surgical treatment for some ear problems (e.g. otosclerosis or middle ear effusion), tinnitus may fade away.
A tinnitus masker is another option to help manage the condition where hearing loss is not present. While it looks like a hearing aid, it actually produces a blend of external sounds that stimulate hearing nerve fibers, helping deviate attention away from the tinnitus.
Clinical psychologists often recommend Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) where other treatments have failed. This therapy can be effective for some people to help alleviate distress and help them adjust to tinnitus
Almost anything that can affect a person’s hearing can lead to tinnitus.
The following have been identified as potential causes of tinnitus:
Extreme noise: The most common cause. Both long-term exposure and sudden loud noises can trigger a permanent hearing loss that results in tinnitus.
Hearing loss: Having to strain to hear can raise tinnitus levels.
Meniere’s disease: A medical condition that also causes dizziness, nausea, and fluctuating hearing loss.
Some medications: Tinnitus can be a side effect of common medicines such as antibiotics and arthritis pills.
Stress and fatigue: Elevated stress and a poor sleep can make tinnitus worse.
Caffeine: Tea, coffee, cola, and chocolate can all increase the severity of tinnitus, along with food and drinks containing quinine.
Smoking: This can cause tinnitus by restricting the blood flow through your ear canal and limiting the supply of Oxygen.
Alcohol: Red wine and champagne are well known for triggering tinnitus.
Pregnancy, anemia and an overactive thyroid can cause certain types of tinnitus.
Jaw joint misalignment or muscles of the ear or throat “twitching” can cause a “clicking” type of tinnitus.
Unfortunately, tinnitus is not a simple problem and treatments need to be tailored to the individual.
Call us today or complete the form below to arrange a tinnitus assessment and consultation.
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