Tinnitus (Ringing in the Ears)

Pronounced: tin-NIGHT-us or TIN-it-us
Defined as "Ringing in the Ears"

Tinnitus has been defined as a perception of sound in the ears or head when there is no external sound source present. It is most often perceived as a high pitch ringing in the ear, but it can also present itself as a buzzing, hissing, roaring, or clicking. Tinnitus can either be constant or pulsing. It is not a disease in itself, rather it is a symptom of some abnormality in the auditory system or neural pathways. In some cases tinnitus is caused by a medically treatable condition, ranging from a simple ear infection to an acoustic tumor. In most cases, however, the tinnitus is associated with hearing loss.

Chronic tinnitus is experienced by over 50 million Americans. Most of these, while aware of the tinnitus, are not bothered by it to any significant degree. However, roughly 20% (10-12 million) of those with tinnitus are sufficiently disturbed by it that it affects their quality of life. Some of these are so affected by it that they experience depression, difficulty sleeping, frustration, and difficulty concentrating on even simple tasks.

Causes of Tinnitus are varied and the condition is typically accompanied by hearing loss. Your AudigyCertified™ professional can properly diagnose and treat both conditions.

Treatment Options

     • Medical Management      • Drug Treatment       • Acoustic Therapy      • Counseling

Medical Management

Every tinnitus patient should have a medical evaluation to rule out head or neck trauma, systemic diseases, ear canal impactions, acoustic neuromas, circulatory abnormalities, or drug interactions as the cause of their tinnitus.  These cases make up a very small percentage of the total population.

Drug Treatment

Because the actual mechanisms of tinnitus are unknown, it has not been possible to find a drug to control it. In fact, many drugs can actually initiate tinnitus or make it worse in patients. For example, there are a variety of over-the-counter or homeopathic remedies on the market, none of which have been found to have a significant effect on tinnitus. Some that are advertised on the radio or internet actually contain ingredients that we know can cause tinnitus in certain dosages. While there is anecdotal evidence of various drugs helping relieve tinnitus for some people, these results have not been replicated in controlled clinical studies for any pharmaceutical. Certain drugs have been found helpful for people whose tinnitus has contributed to depression or sleep disorders.

Acoustic Therapy

This is the most common and effective treatment for the majority of tinnitus patients.  It is provided in two different ways:

1. sound/noise generators, and
2. properly fitted hearing instruments.

The overwhelming majority of patients with tinnitus also have some amount of hearing loss, and receive double benefit from being fitted with appropriate hearing instruments.  Sound/noise generators, used in conjunction with counseling, can provide relief during quiet moments or at bed time.

Counseling

As mentioned, there is no cure for tinnitus in most cases.  Tinnitus therapy and counseling is therefore targeted at helping people cope with the physiological, emotional, and psychological effects of tinnitus which can include loss of concentration, frustration, depression and sleep disorders.

At Treasure Valley Hearing and Balance, we use acoustic therapy in conjunction with counseling to help our tinnitus patients. 

What Causes Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is most frequently caused by exposure to loud noises, an injury to the head or ear, the use of certain medications, or it develops as a natural part of the aging process.  Many causes of tinnitus, remain unknown, however.

In addition to being evaluated by a hearing health professional to explore the use of hearing aids to alleviate tinnitus, the American Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO-HNS) recommends these additional tips for minimizing the tinnitus:

• Avoid exposure to loud sounds and noises.
• Get your blood pressure checked.  If it is high, get your doctor's help to control it.
• Decrease your intake of salt.  Salt impairs blood circulation.
• Avoid stimulants such as coffee, tea, cola, and tobacco.
• Exercise daily to improve your circulation.
• Get adequate rest and avoid fatigue.

Source:  Better Hearing Institute

Hearing Instruments Offer Hope to Those Suffering From Tinnitus

A survey of 230 hearing care professionals suggests that six out of ten patients (60%) experience minor to major relief of tinnitus when wearing hearing aids, and a total of one in five (22%) receive major relief. 

Studies show undeniably that people's lives are affected negatively in many ways when their hearing loss is left untreated.  Some of the side affects include:

• Irritability, negativism, and anger;
• Fatigue, tension, stress, and depression;
• Avoidance or withdrawal from social situations;
• Social rejection and loneliness;
• Reduced alertness and increased risk to personal safety;
• Impaired memory and ability to learn new tasks;
• Reduced job performance and earning power; and
• Diminished psychological and overall health.

Individuals that have both tinnitus and hearing loss suffer a double-whammy.  So if hearing care professionals can treat tinnitus while concurrently treating someone's hearing loss, the impact on that individual can be double in terms of increasing their quality of life.

By viewing hearing aids as physiotherapy or sound therapy for the ears, the very act of listening to sound exercises the auditory portion of the brain.  Taking the focus off the tinnitus itself spells relief for many people.