Tinnitus – What Is It?

Tinnitus, also known as ringing in the ears, is a common condition that affects millions of people. Tinnitus is not a disease or illness, it is a symptom of a problem. The symptom can be caused by many different problems. In some cases there is no cause at all, and the symptom persists without any apparent cause.

Tinnitus is defined as an intermittent sound heard in one or both ears that is not associated with an external sound source. The sound is usually described as a ringing, buzzing, roaring, hissing, clicking, or humming noise. The noise can be very loud or barely audible.

There are many causes of tinnitus, including:

• Noise exposure (such as from loud music or a noisy workplace)

• Earwax build up

• Ear infections

• Sinus infections

• Otitis (ear infection)

• Acoustic trauma

• Vibrating devices such as hearing aids

• Meniere’s disease

• A tumor in the ear

• Tumors in other parts of the body

• Hearing loss

• Hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system

• Hyperactivity of the parasympathetic nervous system

• Excessive stimulation of the auditory nerve

• Excessive stimulation of other nerves in the ear

• Abnormal blood flow to the brain

• Abnormal blood flow in the ear

• Other factors

There are many ways to treat tinnitus. Some treatments may be effective for only a short time, while others may provide relief for months or even years. There is no single treatment that will work for everyone who has tinnitus. The best way to find out if you have tinnitus is to see your doctor. He or she can examine you and listen to your ears. Your doctor will probably order tests to determine what is causing your tinnitus. The tests may include:

• X-rays

• MRI

• CT scan

• Auditory brainstem response test

• Electrocochleography

• Electronystagmography

• Otoacoustic emissions test

• Tympanometry

• Audiogram

• Tinnitus masking

• Tinnitus retraining therapy

• Botox injections

• Other therapies

If you do have tinnitus, you should make an appointment with your doctor so he or she can decide which treatment options are right for you.