Tinnitus

What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus is a condition characterized by constant roaring, hissing, clicking, or buzzing noises in the ear that don’t originate in one’s surroundings. These sounds can be continuous, intermittent, or keep time with a person’s breathing or heartbeat. In some cases, symptoms can be so severe that they interfere with daily activities such as hearing, working, and/or sleeping.

Approximately 25 million Americans have experienced tinnitus. Though it is a common symptom of many forms of hearing loss, it can also indicate other health problems.

What causes tinnitus?

There are several causes of tinnitus, including:

• Hearing loss
• Exposure to loud noise
• Certain medications, including aspirin
• Cardiovascular problem
• Varied ear diseases such as Meniere’s disease
• Excessive earwax
• Jaw and neck problems

In many instances there is no cure for tinnitus. However, when medical intervention is not an option, Dr. Randolph offers possible solutions designed to provide some degree of relief.

How is tinnitus treated?

Hearing aids

When tinnitus is due to hearing loss, hearing aids can provide partial or complete relief. These devices cannot only improve hearing, they may also work to minimize the awareness of tinnitus symptoms.

Maskers

Today many tinnitus maskers are incorporated in hearing aid devices. Therefore, a hearing aid can have dual purpose: improve hearing acuity where needed and also minimize the awareness of tinnitus by introducing a masking noise. There are other types of tinnitus maskers that are used to only address tinnitus.

In addition to tinnitus treatments, Dr. Randolph might also recommend counseling and relaxation techniques. These approaches can help manage the condition and relieve any stress or emotional problems it may cause.

For more information on tinnitus, call Community Audiology Services or schedule an appointment online today.