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Ringing In The Ear

Almost everyone has experienced some type of "ringing in the ears" at one time or another. These noises are called tinnitus and do not have any external cause. The noises may be high or low pitched and vary in the type of sound produced.

Symptoms include noises, such as humming, clicking, buzzing, whistling, chirping, or roaring. One or both ears may be affected and the symptom may be short or long in duration it may be constant or intermittent.

Of nearly 50 million people who are bothered by tinnitus, 20 percent have severe symptoms. It occurs most often in adults between ages 20 to 40. Only the person who experiences it can hear the noise. Tinnitus is a symptom, not a disease, and is not by itself threatening to one's health.

Causes of tinnitus include:

• cardiovascular disorders, such as high blood pressure

• metabolic abnormalities, such as low thyroid levels

• neurologic disorders, such as multiple sclerosis

• head trauma

• side effects caused by drugs such as aspirin

• psychological factors, such as depression or stress and

• tumors in the brain or in the ear

Many types of treatment have been suggested for relief of tinnitus, but it is not always treatable. Tinnitus usually decreases or goes away with time and will persist in only 25 percent of cases. Treatment of the underlying causes may eliminate it. More aggressive management may be needed if the symptom affects activities of daily living.

Take every effort to:

• avoid loud sounds and noises

• avoid nerve stimulants like caffeine, tobacco, and aspirin and

• reduce nervous anxiety through relaxation techniques and daily exercise

More aggressive methods may include:

• a hearing aid, tinnitus instrument, or masker

• stress management through biofeedback or behavior modification or

• medication, electrical stimulation, and surgery

If you experience tinnitus, call your healthcare provider.

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