TINNITUS:
-Tinnitus is a condition where we consciously hear sounds or noises even though there is no external source producing those sounds.
-A person suffering from Tinnitus often hears ringing in the ears, but the sounds also include roaring, whistling, buzzing, clicking, or hissing. Since these sounds do not originate from any external source hence only the person suffering from tinnitus can hear these noises.
-For most tinnitus-afflicted people, these sounds last no longer than a few minutes and only in some cases, it might lead to hearing loss.
· Causes of Tinnitus:
- Hearing loss
- Exposure to loud noises
- Head injury
- Side effects of medication
- Hyper or hypotension (high/low blood pressure)
- Wax accumulation inside the ear canal
- Fluid accumulation behind tympanic membrane (ear drum)
- Conditions linked to heart, blood vessels, neck, jaw, or teeth
· Symptoms:
- Intermittent or continuous internal sounds in one or both ears, either low pitched or high pitched.
- Can hear varying sounds like ringing, roaring, whistling, buzzing, clicking, or hissing.
- The volume of a sound might fluctuate.
- There may be some hearing loss.
- Few people might also suffer from insomnia, low concentration, negative feelings such as despair, irritation and depression because of this condition.
· Treatment:
- Stop consumption of alcohol
- Stop smoking or using any kind of tobacco products
- Minimise exposure to loud sounds and noises (use earplugs to protect your ear if working in a noisy environment)
- There is no surgical or medical treatment of Tinnitus, but relief can be provided by the following methods: –
i. Hearing aids makes the ringing, buzzing or whistling sounds less noticeable.
ii. Sound generators make agreeable sounds that go directly into the ear and drowns out tinnitus.