Tinnitus is the ringing like sound originating in the head or ear. The problem is not acute in majority of cases but is more of a irritating nuisance that resolves on its own. It is very rare that tinnitus causes serious health condition. About 36 million of Americans suffer from this underlying condition. And the person suffering from tinnitus can hear all kinds of noises.
Cause
There are many origins from where tinnitus can come into the scene and they are: the inner ear, middle ear and the outer ear. It could also result from abnormalities that hit the brain. The very common reasons that contribute to tinnitus are:
a. If the ear drum or middle ear bones get infected or some fluid gets filled into them.
b. Exposure to loud noises caused by high sound of music or the fire alarms.
c. Aging is also a reason for nerve impairment in the inner ear.
Diagnosis
To check if tinnitus has originated, some physical examinations and special tests are carried out. A brief medical history of the patient is also taken. These tests let the doctors to know of the level of tinnitus is pulsating (in coordination with the heartbeat), intermittent and constant or if the disorder is linked to loss of hearing balance called vertigo balance disorders. Individuals who face the problems of tinnitus for no known reason are given an audio test known as audiogram. During the course of the test, the patterns of loss in the hearing abilities are recorded.
A computerized and advanced test of the brain pathways and the sensitive hearing nerves is tested through Auditory Brain Stem. Magnetic Resonance Imaging and CT scans are also recommended to check the presence of a tumor on any of the hearing nerve. The chances of having a tumor are very less but they are capable enough to cause tinnitus if not removed.
Treatment
After the diagnosis, your concerned doctor finds a valid cause for the disorder and then recommends the treatment for the disorder. While diagnosing the disorder, it is important to know a few aspects such as the cause of the disease, its signs and the relevant options to cure the disease.
Tips to relief pain
There are some easy remedies to get rid or lessen the effects of the disease which provides relief to the individuals.
a. If you are addicted to smoking, quit it. Avoid caffeine and reduce the salt intake also.
b. It has been observed that many patients with tinnitus have zinc level at a decreased ratio. They might get some benefits from supplementing zinc.
c. Ginkgo biloba is a herb which has been said to be a remedy for curing tinnitus but till yet the results have not proved to be effective in this regard.
d. Individuals who suffer from tinnitus might witness some problems in sleeping can find melatonin helpful in treating tinnitus.
e. Some cognitive and behavioral therapies have been employed to cure the disorder in a fine manner.
Prevention
The only right way to protect your ears from tinnitus is to prevent them from hearing loss. There are a lot of things to prevent the ears from being exposed to noise in the following ways:
a. Avoid the use of cotton swabs to clean your ears as it pushes the wax closer to the ear drum and causes tinnitus.
b. Wear earmuffs and earplugs at the workplace if it is prone to hearing hazards. Occupational Safety and Health Administration has a set of regulations for the workplace and the workplace in turn should follow them.
c. If you hear any noise that bothers and troubles your ears then do make an attempt to wear something that prevents the noise to get in. earplugs are effective to create a barrier for such high noise levels. Do not insert cotton balls inside the ear as they are not effective in giving protection against noises with high frequencies. The chances of getting lined up in the ear canal are also higher.
d. Music lovers have been found to hear music in loud volume. If the music is audible to others when the headphones are inserted and you do not hear any noise from outside, you are exposing yourself to the risk.
e. The devices that you use in the everyday life like hair dryer are also equally harmful and that’s why you need some protection from these noises. Earmuffs and earplugs should be kept ready every time when you engage in such activities. Precautions are meant to keep the diseases at bay and one must follow them.
