Tinnitus is

commonly described as a "hissing, roaring or ringing." It may

be constant, pulsed or intermittent. It may begin suddenly or may come

on gradually. It can be perceived in one ear, both ears or in the head.

Recently in

researching tinnitus, I came across the following information that I would

like to share.

As many as

50 million adults experience tinnitus with more than 10 million seeking

help for the condition. Because tinnitus, like pain, is subjective, two

individuals may report similar tinnitus characteristics yet be affected

in significantly different ways.

The severity

of tinnitus and how it affects one's life is largely influenced by the

individual's reaction to the tinnitus. Many tinnitus sufferers report

interference with sleep, concentration and attention to detail. Some are

depressed and anxious and may report additional problems at work or at

home that compound the stress caused by tinnitus.

The onset of

tinnitus often coincides with a change (emotional, physical or social)

in one's life situation. Tinnitus has both a physiological and psychological

component.

The exact mechanism

underlying tinnitus is unknown. It is likely that theRe are many mechanisms.

Some of the potential causes are:

Ear wax (cerumen)

in outer ear canal touching eardrum.

Middle ear

disorders such as Eustachian tube dysfunction, otosclerosis, vascular

abnormalities, infections, and benign tumors.

Inner ear

disorders such as sensorineural hearing loss (nerve damage) due to noise

exposure, hearing loss from aging, Meniere's disease (associated with

hearing loss and dizziness).

Temporary

effects of high dosages of medications such as anti-inflammatories (including

aspirin, ibuprofen and quinine), certain sedatives and anti-depressants;

possible permanent effects from certain antibiotics and chemotherapeutic

agents.

Systematic

disorders such as high or low blood pressure, anemia, diabetes, thyroid

dysfunction, hormonal changes.

Trauma to

head or neck, cervical (neck) problems, temporomandibular (jaw joint)

misalignment.

While the majority

of tinnitus sufferers also have hearing loss, the presence of tinnitus

does not necessarily mean that one is losing their hearing. While there

is no cure for most forms of tinnitus, it is not true that "nothing

can be done about it." Here are some options.

Counseling.

Usually a trained professional will attempt to help the patient deal with

the stress, distress and distraction associated with tinnitus. Cognitive-behavioral

therapy, a procedure used for people suffering from chronic pain.

Hearing

aids. Amplification is among the most effective tools for providing

relief from tinnitus. It may relieve stress by improving communication

abilities and mask tinnitus by improving one's ability to hear environmental

sounds.

Masking.

The use of an externally produced sound either to cover up, inhibit

or alter production of tinnitus. Compact discs and tapes that provide

various sounds may help with tinnitus.

Medications.

While there is no one medication that works for all tinnitus patients

some antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications provide relief for some

patients.

Support-education

groups. These offer a forum for sharing experiences and strategies.

They also offer emotional support for clinical tinnitus patients.

Tinnitus

habituation (re-training). This technique is based on the principles

of neural plasticity, composed of educational counseling and sound therapy

which can remove the fear and de-emphasize the importance of tinnitus.

Here is what

you can do to minimize tinnitus:

Avoid loud

noises.

Wear proper

ear protection in high noise levels.

Control stress.

Avoid fatigue.

Learn to relax.

Maintain good

nutrition such as lowering salt intake, reducing or eliminating stimulants

such as coffee or alcohol.

Exercise.

Consult an

audiologist who is knowledgeable about tinnitus to help develop your management

program. The American Academy of Audiology's Web site ( www.audiology.org )

is a good source of information concerning tinnitus as well as The American

Tinnitus Association.

Andrew Waits

Clinical audiologist

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