What is that ringing in my ears?
Tinnitus is a hearing ailment which affects a projected fifty million US citizens somewhere between 60 and 75 years old. The principal manifestation of tinnitus, which usually impacts significantly more men than women, is hearing tones that nobody is able to hear.
These sounds might be experienced as coming from the ear itself, or possibly from inside the head. Even though the nature of the sound may differ, probably the most commonly-reported are usually relentless high-pitched ringing, whistling, roaring, buzzing, or humming sounds, or a fast clicking noise akin to crickets chirping. Sometimes the clicking sounds can be rhythmic or pulsating, as if in synch with one’s heartbeat. These signs and symptoms constitute subjective tinnitus, and only the sufferer may hear the sound, but on occasion a health care professional might be able to notice weak sounds as well, in that case the complaint is recognized as objective tinnitus.
Tinnitus commonly indicates a problem developing within the four parts of the auditory system – the outer ear, the middle ear, the inner ear, and the brain – and consequently is more of a sign of other conditions than just a disease itself. Although it is not a form of hearing loss by itself, it can be connected to other forms of either conductive or sensorineural hearing loss. In addition, because tinnitus fills the ears with a ongoing base level of ever-present sound, it lowers the absolute threshold of hearing and makes it increasingly difficult to listen for faint sounds “over” the constant buzzing or ringing.
There are many reasons for tinnitus, but the most widespread is getting older, and age-related hearing loss. Some of the other things that can cause tinnitus are physical transformations in the bones or hair cells in the inner ear, extended exposure to loud music or sounds, injuries to the ears, neck, or head, or even sustained anxiety or depression. Tinnitus is oftentimes seen as a secondary symptom of other conditions, along the lines of Meniere’s disease, TMJ disorder, hypertension, arteriosclerosis, and some tumors. A small number of prescribed medicines can also induce tinnitus, such as certain antibiotics, cancer and malaria medicines, diuretics, and aspirin consumed in abnormally high doses.
Sadly, there is no standard cure for ringing in the ears. Certain cases vanish without the need for therapy after a couple of months. Some success has been achieved in managing the rest of the cases with electrical stimulation, nutrition and drug therapy, and when necessary, a surgical procedure. If you have or suspect you might have tinnitus, see a professional for an assessment.
