BASIC INFORMATION

DESCRIPTION
A persistent sound heard in one or both ears when there is no environmental noise. Tinnitus can be an extremely common symptom of nearly all ear disorders as well as many other medical problems.

FREQUENT SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
A noise, that may be ringing, buzzing, roaring, whistling or hissing sound, that is heard in one or both ears. The sound may be continuous, intermittent or synchronized with the heartbeat.

CAUSES
Normally the acoustic nerve transmits impulses to the brain as a result of vibrations produced by external sound waves. With tinnitus, for reasons not fully understood, the nerve transmits impulses that originate inside the head or within the ear itself.

RISK INCREASES WITH
Hearing loss. Labyrinthitis. Meniere's disease. Otitis media or externa. Otosclerosis. Ototoxicity. Earwax blockage. Aneurysm or tumor in the head (rare). Foreign body in the ear. Certain medications (antibiotics, diuretics and others). High or low blood pressure. Head trauma. Anemia. Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Allergies. 

PREVENTIVE MEASURES
No specific prevention known. Avoid the risk factors where possible.

EXPECTED OUTCOME
Treatment of an underlying disorder may help, but often there is no cure and learning to cope is the only therapy. Some people tolerate the condition much better than others.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
There are usually no medical complications. Psychological problems may develop due to feelings of distress for those who find the noise intolerable.

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES
A thorough medical examination is conducted to be sure all possible causes have been sought out and corrected. If tinnitus continues, the treatment is basically finding methods that help you cope with constant noise. Try to ignore sound by
directing your attention to other things and activities. Play music in the background during the day and while falling asleep.  Don't smoke. Get help with a cessation program if you need it. A hearing aid for any associated deafness may help mask tinnitus.   Wear a tinnitus suppressor or masker, a device that fits in the ear like a hearing aid, and presents a more pleasant sound. Electrical stimulation with cochlear implant may reduce tinnitus, but is appropriate for severe deafness only. Additional information available from:
The American Tinnitus Association
P.O. Box 5
Portland, OR
(503)248-9985

MEDICATION
Medications do not help tinnitus.

ACTIVITY
Avoid getting overfatigued as it may worsen the tinnitus.

DIET
Cutting back on caffeine and chocolate may help some patients.

NOTIFY OUR OFFICE IF
You or a family member has symptoms of tinnitus. Feelings of distress about tinnitus worsen.