Tinnitus Treatment for Ringing in the Ears
Tinnitus occurs when a patient hears a persistent ringing or noise in the ears.
Generally, this issue is not a specific condition warranting treatment.
Rather, it is a symptom of another health issue occurring.
To diagnose and resolve the issue, a physician will perform a complete examination and then proceed based on findings.
Common Causes Miniscule hairs line the surfaces of the inner ear.
As sound waves enter the inner ear, the hairs move thanks to pressure changes.
The moving hairs send a message to ear cells, making them release special signals through auditory nerves that are connected to the brain.
The brain receives these messages and interprets them as sounds.
If the hairs are damaged or missing, random signals could reach the brain, which results in the ringing or buzzing noises.
People may seek tinnitus treatment as a result of typical hearing loss that accompanies old age or due to excessive or prolonged noises from machinery, music devices, or engines.
Sometimes the problem is as simple as earwax blocking the ear canal.
Describing the Sounds People experiencing these noises may hear a variety of sounds.
Some people hear a low- or high-pitched ringing.
The ringing could occur in only one or both ears.
Sometimes ringing can accompany dizziness.
Sometimes the noises can manifest as a heartbeat sound, a rushing or humming sound, or clicking.
A physician may be able to narrow the cause of the problems by knowing the nature of the noises.
Diagnostic Tests Diagnosing the underlying issues causing the problem will require a number of tests.
A physician will perform an audiological exam to measure a patient's hearing.
The physician will compare hearing results based on typical hearing for people of comparable age to determine whether hearing levels are normal.
A physician may also order an MRI or CT scan to explore symptoms to determine a cause.
Treatment Options A simple tinnitus treatment option involves removing excess earwax blocking the ear canal, because this could enable the tiny hairs to move efficiently once again.
If a patient is experiencing an associated vascular condition, medication or surgery may be necessary to correct the problem.
On other occasions, medication for another condition could be causing the noises.
In this situation, the doctor may adjust a dosage or change the medication to eliminate the tinnitus.
Some patients experience relief from the ringing or buzzing by using an external white noise machine to suppress it.
A tiny device can also fit into the ear that emits a soft sound or music, which helps a patient focus attention away from the ringing.
A physician could also prescribe medication that will lessen the severity of tinnitus.
Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications can be effective.
However, these medications have side effects associated with them, which may cause other problems.
When you seek tinnitus treatment, explore all of your options with your physician to ensure that you work to resolve any underlying problems.
Some trial and error may be necessary until you find a remedy that eliminates the noises.
Generally, this issue is not a specific condition warranting treatment.
Rather, it is a symptom of another health issue occurring.
To diagnose and resolve the issue, a physician will perform a complete examination and then proceed based on findings.
Common Causes Miniscule hairs line the surfaces of the inner ear.
As sound waves enter the inner ear, the hairs move thanks to pressure changes.
The moving hairs send a message to ear cells, making them release special signals through auditory nerves that are connected to the brain.
The brain receives these messages and interprets them as sounds.
If the hairs are damaged or missing, random signals could reach the brain, which results in the ringing or buzzing noises.
People may seek tinnitus treatment as a result of typical hearing loss that accompanies old age or due to excessive or prolonged noises from machinery, music devices, or engines.
Sometimes the problem is as simple as earwax blocking the ear canal.
Describing the Sounds People experiencing these noises may hear a variety of sounds.
Some people hear a low- or high-pitched ringing.
The ringing could occur in only one or both ears.
Sometimes ringing can accompany dizziness.
Sometimes the noises can manifest as a heartbeat sound, a rushing or humming sound, or clicking.
A physician may be able to narrow the cause of the problems by knowing the nature of the noises.
Diagnostic Tests Diagnosing the underlying issues causing the problem will require a number of tests.
A physician will perform an audiological exam to measure a patient's hearing.
The physician will compare hearing results based on typical hearing for people of comparable age to determine whether hearing levels are normal.
A physician may also order an MRI or CT scan to explore symptoms to determine a cause.
Treatment Options A simple tinnitus treatment option involves removing excess earwax blocking the ear canal, because this could enable the tiny hairs to move efficiently once again.
If a patient is experiencing an associated vascular condition, medication or surgery may be necessary to correct the problem.
On other occasions, medication for another condition could be causing the noises.
In this situation, the doctor may adjust a dosage or change the medication to eliminate the tinnitus.
Some patients experience relief from the ringing or buzzing by using an external white noise machine to suppress it.
A tiny device can also fit into the ear that emits a soft sound or music, which helps a patient focus attention away from the ringing.
A physician could also prescribe medication that will lessen the severity of tinnitus.
Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications can be effective.
However, these medications have side effects associated with them, which may cause other problems.
When you seek tinnitus treatment, explore all of your options with your physician to ensure that you work to resolve any underlying problems.
Some trial and error may be necessary until you find a remedy that eliminates the noises.
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