When someone says, “My Ears Are Ringing”, it’s no joking matter. Tinnitus is a symptom with a large range of underlying causes and characteristics. It is not to be misinterpreted as a disease, though. In this article we will have a closer look at tinnitus, along with some possible treatments and hopefully offer some piece of mind concerning that often incessant noise in your head.
Within the inner ear are thousands of tiny hairs, called stereocilia, which vibrate in response to sound waves. Sensing and vibratory cells, along with these hairs send a signal to the brain, which regulates what we hear through a complex process. Any disruption within this process can lead to tinnitus.
Characteristics of Tinnitus
The particular characteristics and symptoms of tinnitus run the gamut:
- Can be perceived in one or both ears or the head
- The noises can be constant or intermittent
- Reveals itself in sounds from “ringing”, “swooshing”, “beeping” to “songs”
- Most people with tinnitus have some degree of hearing loss
Possible Causes of Tinnitus
If you, or someone you know, have been experiencing these “phantom sounds”, you may be interested in some of the many causes of this often-irritating condition called tinnitus.
One of the most probable causes of tinnitus is “noise-induced hearing loss” caused from exposure to excessive or loud noises such as loud machinery and music (more often than not…earphone/earbud audio devices played too loudly – as there is very little way for the decibels to escape the ear canal).
There are a myriad of other causes of tinnitus and its annoying symptoms – beyond overexposure to loud sounds – which include (but are not limited to):
- Ear infections
- Acoustic shock
- Earwax impaction
- Middle ear effusion
- Mercury and lead poisoning
- Aspirin consumption
- NSAI drugs
- Consumption of a wide range of antibiotics
- Chemotherapy
- Antiviral drugs
- Head injuries
- Metabolic disorders (e.g., thyroid disease and certain vitamin and mineral deficiencies etc.)
- Psychiatric disorders such as stress and anxiety
As you can see, there are so many different causes that may result in you saying, “my ears are ringing.” There are also a multitude of possible treatments should you, or someone you know, be experiencing the symptoms of tinnitus and wish to seek treatment.
First of all, avoid loud music in your headphones and at concerts. If you are mowing your lawn, working with power tools or anything else that emits loud frequencies and noise… protect your ears. It’s the best preventative method for preventing (or minimizing) damage to the fine functions of your inner ear.
Possible Treatments for Tinnitus
Here’s a brief list of some possibilities for treatment that are out there, depending on your particular case. These include (but are not limited to):
- The use of certain drugs and nutrients (most of which can be purchased over the counter)
- Electronic stimulation
- Surgery
- Hearing aid
- Tinnitus retraining therapy and many other alternative approaches
As you can see, tinnitus can be caused by so many different injuries, afflictions and conditions. This brief article was written to give you a basic overview of tinnitus. What it is, where it may be coming from and what you may do about it.
The best thing you can do is to, once again… protect your ears. Secondly, should you, or someone you know, wish to find a possible treatment it is very important you contact your primary physician first. They will ask you many questions to attempt a diagnosis. He or she may be able to help you or perhaps recommend a specialist such as an Audiologist or an ENT (ear, nose, throat) doctor.
Throughout this site I present loads of information, recommendations and unbiased reviews to help you more effectively deal with your tinnitus. Hopefully, this information has given you a basic understanding of the subject as well. I truly want you to get the tinnitus relief you deserve. I look forward to the day when we will hear, for the last time, “Help, my ears are ringing”.
