It might surprise you to find out that about 36 million Americans experience tinnitus, a term used for a ringing in the ears. This problem might come and go sporadically in someone that is afflicted with it or it can be a never-ending sound. It can also range in tone from a whine to a squeal and it can be in only one or both ears. Some people suffer so greatly from tinnitus that it impacts their day to day lives.
But, how is tinnitus caused ? At some phase of their lives everyone experiences tinnitus. Have you ever heard the old saying that if you hear a ringing in your ear it means that someone is talking about you? Well, it's not valid. Sometimes tinnitus is caused by a small plug of wax in the ear canal that causes the temporary tinnitus. With other people, tinnitus is not such a brief duration. Don't you recall when you were younger and you plugged in your headphones so load that others could hear it and your parents said you were going to ruin your ears? Well, it turns out they knew what they were talking about. Tinnitus could be caused by being exposed to load noises. The ringing occurs from damage to the microscopic endings of the hearing nerve in the inner ear. Loud noises can cause hearing as well. Tinnitus can also occur due to aging. There are many other causes for tinnitus like, blood circulation problems such as high or low blood pressure. It could also be brought on by an allergy, a tumor, diabetes, or a thyroid condition. Tinnitus can also be caused by taking certain medications like anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, sedatives, antidepressants, and aspirin. It is very important to notify your GP if a ringing in your ear could be caused by taking aspirin. Your doctor will need to adjust your dosage in relation to your size. He ringing in your ear can also be due to a head or neck injury.
The treatment for tinnitus might be very different in each case and according to the cause. Unless your otolaryngologist can find a specific cause of your tinnitus, there is very little they can do. Most causes of tinnitus cannot be determined even after having tests like x-rays, balance tests, and laboratory work. But, there are things that you can do that can lessen the severity of the problem. If you suffer from tinnitus, you should avoid exposure to loud sounds or noises. You can also be examined for your blood pressure and make sure it stays under control. You could also take steps to improve your circulation like exercise on a consistent basis or limiting salt consumption in your diet. Salt impairs blood circulation in the body. You should also try to keep away from stimulants like caffeine and tobacco.
Sadly, the only thing that one can do sometimes is learn to live with it. Try to ignore the ringing as much as possible. The times when tinnitus is most problematic is in quiet places such as when you are trying to get to sleep The best thing is to try to mask the noise. You can place a ticking clock within the room or get a machine that will emit an underlying noise while you sleep. Some people find that the sound machines which produce the noise of waves crashing on the seashore and other relaxing sounds are remarkably soothing and mask the ringing within their ears well.