Tinnitus: Causes, Symptoms, and What to Do

The medical term for ringing in the ears is "tinnitus" and is considered a symptom of an underlying medical problem. It can have many causes. Although it occasionally a sign of gradual hearing loss, it rarely is a symptom of a serious medical condition. Nonetheless, it can create tremendous anxiety, nervousness, insomnia, and depression in those who suffer from it.

Types

• Acute tinnitus generally results from an injury to the inner ear, an ear infection, or a build-up of earwax. Once the underlying cause is addressed, it most often can be treated or managed. People with chronic tinnitus suffer from daily or constant ringing in the ear that could be caused by exposure to loud noises, diet, environment, medication, stress or other factors.

Symptoms

• Tinnitus sounds can vary, from ringing, clapping and buzzing, to chirping, rhythmic pulsations (pulsatic tinnitus) and others. The symptoms are sometimes accompanied by dizziness, vertigo, and nausea.

Treatment

• Consulting a doctor or ear-nose-throat specialist must be done first, to diagnose the underlying cause. Most treatments depend on a possible cause, but range from hearing aids to over-the-counter remedies, or making changes to diet, medication or environment (humidity, air pressure, lighting). Some find relief through acupuncture, meditation or hypnosis. Tinnitus may also be a symptom of other health problems, such as allergies, high or low blood pressure, tumors and problems in the heart, blood vessels, jaw and neck, according to the National Institutes for Health.

Medications

• Clinical studies have shown some success with the prescription medicines amitriptyline, nortriptyline, gabapentin and acamprosate.

Support

• Although there is no cure for tinnitus, there are support groups through health care providers and the Internet for the millions who suffer from this debilitating condition. To find out if there is one near you, visit the Vestibular Disorders Association's website: www.vestibular.org/support-groups.php