Ringing In The Ears: Tinnitus Cures

That dreaded ringing in the ears, otherwise known as tinnitus, affects millions of people throughout the entire world. Although it is more prevalent among older people, a lot of younger people also complain of having the condition. It tends to have a higher incidence in men than women, perhaps due to the male workforce being more exposed to loud industrial noises in sectors like construction, transport and other outdoors occupations. What is tinnitus you ask? Well, tinnitus is a sensation of odd sounds or noises that seem to come from one or both ears. These noises have been described variously as an audible ringing in the ears, tingling, clicking, whooshing or electrical type sounds. Some people have described the sensation as like hearing crickets or even TV interference. Others have gone on to say that they can hear a pulsating sound like a pulse or a heart beat. Unfortunately, some degree of hearing loss often accompanies the onset of tinnitus.

When asked about its severity, many people claim that while the sounds are noticeable and ever present, they can still function normally and get on with their lives. A lesser number of people report the noises as being distracting and severe, giving rise to feelings of fatigue, moodiness and even depression. Yet others say that their tinnitus suddenly appeared and later on went away of its own accord. It would seem that the condition is a very personal one and varies considerably in how it affects the sufferer.

When the ringing in the ears is at its worst, it can drive you crazy and to the brink of despair. As the sufferer is the only one who hears the sounds resonating in their head, they can be forgiven for thinking that they’re going slowly but surely insane.

There are two categories of tinnitus. One category is objective tinnitus where a sound can actually be picked up by a specialist using sensitive instruments that are used to test the body’s auditory system. Objective tinnitus is not very common but does offer a glimmer of hope to the patient because it means there is usually a physical condition that might be causing the tinnitus which may be treatable. The other category is known as subjective tinnitus. Subjective tinnitus can only be heard or perceived by the sufferer and may not be linked to any obvious underlying physical malady. In the case of the latter, remedies tend to be ones that encourage stress reduction and symptom masking treatments.

Several things can cause tinnitus. One cause is nerve damage to the cochlea located in the inner ear. If the nerves become damaged and fail to function properly, the signals that transmit sounds to the brain become distorted causing the brain to produce a proxy noise. This manufactured noise then takes the place of the normal signals and is subsequently interpreted by the brain as tinnitus.

Exposure to loud noises may also bring about the onset of tinnitus. Many people who work in close proximity to industrial machinery and equipment, those who work in the construction and transport industries and in factories complain of hearing ringing in the ears after being on the job for extended periods and are at a higher than normal risk of getting tinnitus. Musicians and spectators at live music concerts, people using excessive volume on stereo or audio devices or those regularly using firearms (or near where they discharge) are also prone to complain of tinnitus.

Tinnitus may also be brought on by wax build ups in the ear drum, ear infections, Menieres disease, vascular disease, tumors, increased fluid around the brain as can certain medications or withdrawal from medications. Problems with the Temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) can also induce tinnitus. However, this can be treated by consulting a dentist.

Many people who sufferer from tinnitus can also experience forms of anxiety and sleep deprivation. Ringing in the ears may seem louder at night because it’s usually the quietest time of the day. This, in turn, means it’s more noticeable to the sufferer making it more difficult to float off to sleep. This can turn into a viscous cycle owing to the lack of sleep making the sufferer more tired during the daytime hours which only serves to elevate anxiety and stress levels. A lack of good quality sleep over extended periods can bring on fatigue, listlessness and lead to depression. This can then build up further and result in even higher levels of anxiety and a gradual worsening of the symptoms associated with the tinnitus.

Although in most cases there is no “sliver bullet” to cure tinnitus, there are things that tinnitus sufferers can do to reduce or minimise its effects, allowing them to reclaim and enjoy their lives.

• Avoid loud noises as much as possible.
• Reduce caffeine intake, stop smoking and improve your general health.
• Review and if need be, revise any medication you’re on with your doctor. Some medications can bring on tinnitus or make it worse (aspirin being one of those).
• Always wear appropriate ear protection at work and when using power equipment such as drills, power saws, mowers, chain saws etc.
• Take some time out and look at ways to reduce stress levels. Consider alternative lifestyles, exercise more, meditate, take up yoga or indulge in the occasional massage. Think about what might work best for you.
• Discuss other options with your doctor such as white noise therapy, herbal remedies or hearing aides