What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the sense of a noise in the ears when no external sound is present. It can occur in both ears or just one and can consist of multiple sensations including: ringing, clicking, hissing or roaring. Tinnitus is often a symptom of an underlying issue such as an ear injury, circulatory disorder or hearing loss.
In some rare cases, Tinnitus can be causes by issues with blood vessels or bones in the middle ear. This is called objective tinnitus and can be heard by your doctor upon examination.
Causes of Tinnitus
Most causes of Tinnitus involve inner ear cell damage and can include:
Age Related Hearing Loss
Exposure to Loud Noise
Blockage to the Ear Canal
Changes in the Ear Bone
Abnormal Ear Pressure
Neck & Back Injuries
Blood Vessel Disorders
Treatment of Tinnitus
Certain treatments have been shown to improve symptoms of Tinnitus, however, it can be most effectively treated by addressing the underlying cause. If the condition persists, tinnitus treatment could include noise masking, hearing aids, and masking devices.
Certain at risk demographics such as individuals working in loud environments, smokers, individuals with cardiovascular conditions and men over the age of 60 may want to take part in precautionary measures against tinnitus. Monitoring your cardiovascular health , using ear protection and avoiding loud noises when possible can help prevent the need for future tinnitus treatment.