Summary about Disease
Tinnitus is the perception of noise or ringing in the ears. A common problem, it affects about 15% to 20% of people and is especially common in older adults. Tinnitus isn't a condition itself — it's usually a symptom of an underlying condition, such as age-related hearing loss, an ear injury or a circulatory system disorder. Although bothersome, tinnitus usually isn't a sign of something serious. Although it can worsen with age, for many people, tinnitus can improve with treatment.
Symptoms
Tinnitus involves the perception of sound when no external sound is present. Tinnitus symptoms include these types of phantom noises in your ears:
Ringing
Buzzing
Roaring
Clicking
Hissing
Humming The phantom noise may vary in pitch from a low roar to a high squeal, and you may hear it in one or both ears. In some cases, the sound can be so loud it can interfere with your ability to concentrate or hear actual sound. Tinnitus may be present all the time, or it may come and go.
Causes
Tinnitus can be caused by a number of things. Here are some common causes:
Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis): Hearing typically worsens with age, usually starting around age 60. Hearing loss can cause tinnitus.
Exposure to loud noise: Loud noises, such as those from heavy equipment, chain saws and firearms — are common sources of noise-related hearing loss. Portable music devices, such as MP3 players or smartphones, also can cause noise-related hearing loss if played loudly for long periods. Tinnitus caused by short-term exposure, such as attending a loud concert, usually goes away; long-term exposure to loud sound can cause permanent damage.
Earwax blockage: Earwax protects your ear canal by trapping dirt and slowing the growth of bacteria. When too much earwax accumulates, it becomes too hard to wash away naturally, causing hearing loss or irritation of the eardrum, which can lead to tinnitus.
Ear bone changes: Stiffening of the bones in your middle ear (otosclerosis) may affect your hearing and cause tinnitus. This condition, caused by abnormal bone growth, tends to run in families.
Meniere's disease: Tinnitus can be an early indicator of Meniere's disease, an inner ear disorder that may be caused by abnormal inner ear fluid pressure.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders: Problems with the TMJ, the joint on each side of your head in front of your ears, where your lower jawbone meets your skull, can cause tinnitus.
Head injuries or neck injuries: Head injuries or neck injuries can affect the inner ear, hearing nerves or brain function linked to hearing. Such injuries usually cause tinnitus in only one ear.
Acoustic neuroma: This noncancerous (benign) tumor develops on the cranial nerve that runs from your brain to your inner ear and controls balance and hearing.
Blood vessel disorders: Conditions that affect your blood vessels, such as atherosclerosis, high blood pressure or twisted or malformed blood vessels, can cause tinnitus.
Other chronic conditions: Diabetes, thyroid problems, migraines, anemia and autoimmune disorders have all been associated with tinnitus.
Medicine Used
There is no specific medicine that cures tinnitus for everyone. Treatment focuses on managing the condition and addressing underlying causes. Medications that may be used to help manage tinnitus symptoms include:
Treating underlying conditions: If tinnitus is related to a health condition, treating that condition may help.
Hearing aids: If tinnitus is caused by hearing loss, hearing aids can help improve hearing and reduce tinnitus.
Sound suppression: White noise machines, masking devices, and other sound therapies can help mask the tinnitus sound and make it less noticeable.
Medications for related issues: Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications might be prescribed to help manage the emotional distress associated with tinnitus, but they don't directly treat the tinnitus itself. Note: Use these medications as prescribed by a doctor.
Other medications: In some cases, doctors may prescribe medications to help manage tinnitus symptoms. These may include anti-anxiety medications, antidepressants, or other medications. Note: Use these medications as prescribed by a doctor.
Is Communicable
Tinnitus is not communicable. It is not an infectious disease and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
While you cannot prevent all causes of tinnitus, you can take precautions to reduce your risk and manage symptoms:
Use hearing protection: Wear earplugs or earmuffs when exposed to loud noises, such as at concerts, sporting events, or when using power tools.
Turn down the volume: Limit your exposure to loud music, especially when using headphones or earbuds.
Manage stress: Stress can worsen tinnitus. Practice relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
Limit alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine: These substances can worsen tinnitus symptoms.
Control blood pressure: High blood pressure can contribute to tinnitus. Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, to control blood pressure.
Get regular hearing checkups: Regular hearing tests can help detect hearing loss early, which can be a cause of tinnitus.
Remove earwax: If earwax buildup is causing tinnitus, have it removed by a healthcare professional.
Be aware of ototoxic medications: Some medications can cause or worsen tinnitus. Talk to your doctor about potential side effects before taking any new medications.
How long does an outbreak last?
Tinnitus isn't technically an "outbreak" like an infectious disease. It can be temporary or chronic:
Temporary tinnitus: This can last from a few minutes to a few days, often after exposure to loud noise.
Chronic tinnitus: This is ongoing and can last for months or years. There is no set duration; it can be constant or intermittent.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis of tinnitus typically involves:
Medical history: The doctor will ask about your medical history, including any past ear problems, noise exposure, and medications you are taking.
Physical exam: The doctor will examine your ears, head, and neck to look for any underlying causes of tinnitus.
Hearing test (audiogram): This test measures your hearing sensitivity and can help identify hearing loss, which is a common cause of tinnitus.
Tinnitus matching: This test helps determine the pitch and loudness of your tinnitus.
Other tests: In some cases, the doctor may order additional tests, such as a tympanometry (to test middle ear function), auditory brainstem response (ABR) test (to assess the hearing nerve), or imaging scans (MRI or CT scan) to rule out other conditions.
Timeline of Symptoms
The development and progression of tinnitus symptoms can vary:
Sudden onset: Tinnitus can appear suddenly, often after exposure to loud noise or a head injury.
Gradual onset: Tinnitus can also develop gradually over time, especially with age-related hearing loss or chronic noise exposure.
Fluctuating symptoms: Tinnitus symptoms may fluctuate in intensity or frequency over time, depending on factors such as stress, fatigue, or exposure to loud noise.
Persistent symptoms: In some cases, tinnitus symptoms may be constant and unchanging.
Improvement: For some individuals, tinnitus symptoms may improve over time, either spontaneously or with treatment.
Important Considerations
Tinnitus can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, so it's essential to see a doctor to determine the cause.
While there is no cure for tinnitus in many cases, various treatment options can help manage the symptoms.
Tinnitus can significantly impact quality of life, leading to sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depression. Seeking support from healthcare professionals, support groups, or counseling can be beneficial.
If you experience sudden hearing loss or dizziness along with tinnitus, seek immediate medical attention.
Early intervention and management can help prevent tinnitus from becoming a chronic and debilitating condition.