Tinnitus

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Tinnitus is a noise ringing in the ears and it is a symptom of an underlying condition such as age-related loss of hearing, injury on the ear or a circulatory system disorder. Tinnitus is not a serious condition, but it can become worse when the person ages.

Symptoms

• Phantom noises in the ears such as buzzing, ringing, clicking, roaring and hissing.
• The noises vary in pitch like a low roar to a high squeal and can be heard in both ears.
• It interferes with the ability to hear an actual sound
• Tinnitus can be experienced all the time or can recur occasionally

  

There are two kinds of tinnitus – subjective and the objective tinnitus. In subjective tinnitus, only the affected person can hear the sound which is the common type. It is usually caused by problems of the ear in the outer, middle or inner part. In objective tinnitus, the doctor can hear the sound when examining the patient

Causes

• Loss of hearing becomes worse when the person ages and usually begins in the 60s and can cause tinnitus which is also known as presbycusis.
• Exposure to loud noises such as chain saws, heavy equipment and MP3 players or iPods if they are played very loudly can cause loss of hearing due to noise. A long-term exposure to loud noises can cause permanent loss of hearing.
• Earwax blockage of the ear canal can cause loss of hearing or irritation of the eardrum which can result to tinnitus.
• Changes to the ear bones specifically the bones found in the middle ear becomes stiff which is also called otosclerosis can affect the hearing and can cause tinnitus.

Treatment

• Avoid consumption of foods and drinks that makes the condition worse such as coffee, tea, cola and energy drinks
• Avoid smoking in order to help prevent the tinnitus from becoming worse since it damages the flow of blood to the sensitive nerve cells that function in controlling the hearing, acts as a stimulant in the body and makes the ringing in the ears even louder.
• Play some soft music, listen to the radio and turn on a fan helps in distracting the ringing sound in the ears.
• Perform some 15 minute relaxation methods such as tai-chi, meditation, yoga and progressive muscle relaxation to lessen stress and improve the mood of the affected person.
• Get plenty of sleep since being fatigue makes the condition worse. Maintain good sleeping habits for a restful sleep such as making the bedroom dark and cool. You can also use a fan if the room is too quiet. Make it a habit of sleeping 7-9 hours night and sticking to a fixed time on going to bed and getting up in the morning.
• Take a relaxing warm bath before going to bed
• Perform regular exercises at least 3-5 times every week to lessen the symptoms of tinnitus as well as lowers stress, improve sleep and minimize depression.