Tinnitus

This unusual noise may be experienced as a ringing, whining or hissing sound. Some individuals hear that it may be a low rumble while to other individuals it may be a very high-pitched squeal. The tinnitus can be very mild, noticeable only in quiet rooms, or it can be so loud and annoying that victims hear nothing else. In some cases it is pulsating, intermittent or throbbing.

About 30 million adults suffer from tinnitus. For over 3 million of them the disorder is so severe that they are incapacitated. While tinnitus does not cause hearing disorders, it usually accompanies them. Some people describe the noise as blocking out sounds. In fact, it is usually the other way around. There is a disease that causes a hearing loss and the brain’s response creates the tinnitus.

Causes
Many times the abnormal sound perception is caused by a hearing loss that is reversible. Perforations of the eardrum or fluid accumulation behind the eardrum can cause symptoms of tinnitus. In rare instances a doctor can actually hear a pulsating noise in the ear referred to as objective tinnitus. Pulsation in only one ear can be a danger signs of a more serious problem and should be directed to a physician immediately. Unilateral or one-sided hearing loss of any type is a warning sign for more serious conditions.

Inner ear problems
Tinnitus arising from the inner ear frequently indicates a more permanent hearing loss. Many times this process can be caused by a sudden loud noise such as gunfire. Repeated exposure to loud noises can cause tinnitus and is thought to be one of more frequent causes of both hearing loss and tinnitus. Any disorder that will cause a permanent hearing loss can induce tinnitus. 

Treatment
The primary method to treat tinnitus is to eliminate the hearing loss. In those cases where fluid or other problems have resulted in a hearing problem, if the hearing problem is corrected, the tinnitus will be relieved. In some cases it is not possible to successfully amplify the sound. In these cases masking devices may be suggested. Many times sensorineural hearing loss can be treated by the use of a hearing aid. The hearing aid will improve hearing of normal background sounds and will minimize the symptoms of the tinnitus. It can be as simple as clock radios or FM radios turned to a background sounds. Other background noises such as a moving fan might provide a sufficient block for relatively mild symptoms of tinnitus.

If symptoms are more severe your physician may consider other alternative methods of treatment. The drug Xanax has been shown to minimize the symptoms of tinnitus. Some physicians have concerns that Xanax may be habit forming. This drug has relatively low addiction potential but will cause sedation side effects. If used over a longer period of time these effects tend to be less severe. Because of the potential for complications, some physicians have recommended the use of other medications. Antidepressants are often suggested. These medications may alter brain chemistry and improve the ability to detect and hear sounds in a more normal way. They prevent the abnormal perception of hearing associated with tinnitus.

Electrical stimulation has been shown to be effective in minimizing the symptoms. The patients who have had success with this enjoy the moments where it is used but permanent solutions have not usually occurred. Cochlear implant users almost always find that their symptoms of tinnitus improve when they use their device. 

Psycho-acoustic methods have been shown to have a positive effect on the symptoms of tinnitus. Pavel Jastreboff has written extensively on this subject and offers a treatment approach for tinnitus. 

Because none of these approaches is ‘fool proof’, other less effective treatments have advocates. Ginkgo, acupuncture, vitamins and other treatments are available but success is uncommon.

Conclusion
Because tinnitus may be symptomatic of a more serious disorder, it is important to try to find the cause of the hearing loss. It is also important to determine as much information about the tinnitus before it becomes a more serious problem. If you or someone you know suffers from tinnitus, we urge you to contact an ear specialist as soon as possible.