Take Charge of Your Health - Do You Hear What I Hear?

Do You Hear What I Hear?

No one understands how much I miss silence.
And I wonder if I will ever hear it again.
-Anonymous

Affecting 10-15% of Americans, tinnitus is one of the most common health conditions in the country. Tinnitus can be either chronic or temporary and is a medical condition that occurs when people experience ringing or other noises in one or both of their ears. The noise is not caused by external sounds; it is usually the result of an underlying condition such as hearing loss or an ear injury. If tinnitus occurs suddenly, it is wise to have an ear check within 48 hours.

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders estimates that approximately 25 million Americans experience some form of tinnitus. Five million people struggle with tinnitus as a chronic condition and 2 million Americans report it as debilitating. The condition affects a significant number of first responders, construction workers, musicians, veterans, and others who are exposed to loud noises on a regular basis.

Most people associate tinnitus with “ringing in the ear" even though the symptoms of tinnitus include many different sounds including buzzing, roaring, clicking, humming, or hissing noises. In some cases, the noise is so loud, or long lasting, that it interferes with the person’s focus, concentration, and sleep as well as their overall mood. In other cases, the sound may be faint and disappear quickly.

There are two primary kinds of tinnitus. The most common form is called subjective tinnitus which occurs when the noises are perceivable only to the specific person. Objective tinnitus, which occurs in less than 1% of the total number of tinnitus cases, is when the noises are audible to others. In objective tinnitus the noise is typically caused by sounds related to the person's blood flow or the musculoskeletal system.

Tinnitus can be caused by:

-Age related hearing loss

-Exposure to loud noises either over time or a particular incident

-Injuries to the head, neck, or ear that affect nerves or areas of the brain that support hearing

-Ear conditions such as the blockage of wax in the ear

-Ear infections

-Certain medications such as antibiotics, NSAIDS, cancer drugs, and antidepressants

There is no known cure for tinnitus, but there are quite a few ways to reduce its symptoms. Some examples include: sound/noise therapy devices (machines and also earbuds), hearing aids, behavioral therapies, and medications to help relieve the stress and anxiety caused by ringing ears. Sound therapy can mask the tinnitus sounds and acts as a distraction. Hearing aids are helpful for those with tinnitus caused by hearing loss. Behavioral therapy such as education and counseling can provide patients with coping skills and improve their positivity and well-being. Similarly medications can be used to reduce the anxiety and frustration associated with the tinnitus noises.

If you are experiencing tinnitus consider seeing your primary care provider so they can check for infection, the buildup of ear wax, and review your medications. If none of these issues seem to be present, you will likely be referred to an otolaryngologist (referred to as an ear, nose, and throat or ENT doctor). The ENT specialist can do hearing and balance tests and also may order imaging tests such as an MRI, CT scan, or ultrasound to reveal the underlying condition causing the tinnitus and develop the most effective treatment plan.

If you or someone you love is suffering with tinnitus don't despair; research to help treat this disease is underway with advances in treatment expected in the coming years.