Tinnitus describes the condition when patients hear noises in their ears or heads. Usually, this noise is masked by environmental sounds. However, when it becomes noticeable in everyday life, it can become very irritating and is known as “tinnitus.” The noises vary in pitch from low frequency to high frequency and may be intermittent or permanent. Hearing words, songs, or voices is not included in the definition of tinnitus. The intensity of the noises can alter with exercise, the drinking of coffee or wine, and other stimuli. Children can suffer from tinnitus as well. When tinnitus is first noticed, it can be very worrying, especially when considering the causes of tinnitus. Some people spend a long time looking around the house for whatever it is that must be making the noise, while others fear they may be developing a brain tumor. It is estimated that somewhere between 30% and 40% of the population will suffer from tinnitus at one point in their life, particularly if they have a hearing loss.
Further Investigations
Tinnitus affecting only one ear needs further investigation by an ENT surgeon. Investigations usually include hearing tests, blood tests, and scans. However, not everyone with tinnitus in both ears will need every investigation. Typically, no definite cause for the tinnitus is found. Rarely, a more serious condition, such as a tumor of the auditory nerve, will be discovered.
Treatment
The medical treatment for tinnitus falls into two main areas: firstly, counseling; and secondly, the use of mechanical devices such as hearing aids or white noise generators in order to control the symptoms. There are numerous other “methods” to be found in the literature, many of which are largely discredited. In general, drug treatments are not very helpful. Some types of sedatives have been used, but they are not suitable for long-term use and do not solve the problem.
The vast majority of patients with tinnitus will be able to control it without any significant treatment. Through a detailed consultation and investigations where appropriate, we will be able to exclude treatable causes and recommend the best treatment for tinnitus.
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