RINGING IN THE EAR

Almost everyone has experienced some type of "ringing in the ears" at one time or another. These noises are called tinnitus and do not have any external cause. The noises may be high or low-pitched and vary in the type of sound produced.

Symptoms include noises, such as humming, clicking, buzzing, whistling, chirping, or roaring. One or both ears may be affected. The symptom may be short or long in duration and it may be constant or intermittent.

Many people are bothered by tinnitus with a significant number having severe symptoms. It occurs most often in adults between ages 20 and 40. Only the person who experiences it can hear the noise. Tinnitus is a symptom, not a disease, and is not threatening to one's health by itself.

Causes of tinnitus include:

cardiovascular disorders, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol
metabolic abnormalities, such as low thyroid levels
neurologic disorders, such as multiple sclerosis
head trauma
side effects caused by long-term use of drugs such as aspirin, anti-convulsants, or diuretics
psychological factors, such as depression or stress
tumors in the brain or in the ear
ear infection and
buildup of excess wax in the ear

Many types of treatment have been suggested for relief of tinnitus, but it is not always treatable. Tinnitus usually decreases or goes away with time and will persist in only 25 percent of cases. Treatment of the underlying causes may eliminate it. More aggressive management may be needed if the symptom affects activities of daily living.

Make every effort to avoid loud sounds and noises, avoid nerve stimulants like caffeine, tobacco, and aspirin and reduce nervous anxiety through relaxation techniques and daily exercise. More aggressive ways to deal with tinnitus include the use of a hearing aid, tinnitus instrument or masker, stress management through biofeedback or behavior modification, or with medication, electrical stimulation, or surgery.

If you experience tinnitus, hearing loss, or dizziness, call your healthcare provider.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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