Tinnitus is a disease characterized by a ringing sensation or other type of noisy sensation in the ear or ears.
  It is not a serious condition but represents a nuisance disease that is either chronic or resolves itself.
  Tinnitus is a symptom of a range of diseases affecting as many as 36 million people in the US.
  In the vast majority of cases, only the individual sufferer can hear the noise.
Tinnitus can be caused by problems in the outer ear, the inner ear, the middle ear and the brain.
Wax or a foreign body in the ear can cause a noise to be heard.
  Fluid in the middle ear can also cause tinnitus.
  Diseases involving the middle ear bones or tympanic membrane can trigger this disease.
  In actuality, the most common cause of tinnitus involves damage to the tiny endings of the nerve we hear with.
  This is why tinnitus tends to worsen with advancing age and why loud noises can cause the disease.
  Taking aspirin can cause ringing in the ears and Menieres disease is a cause of tinnitus.
  In extremely rare circumstances, a serious condition like an aneurysm or brain tumor can be the cause of hearing things in the ears.
Tinnitus is evaluated by doing a physical exam and trying to determine exactly where the tinnitus is from.
  Doctors ask if the tinnitus is constant, pulsating or intermittent and the hearing is evaluated.
  Doctors check for normal balance.
  A brain stem response test (ABR) is checked to see how the nerves are functioning and sometimes a CT scan or MRI is performed to make sure there is no tumor.
Tinnitus can sometimes be treated but most of the time the individual has to suffer with the excess noise.
  Sometimes biofeedback works to come to terms with the disease and it helps to tell the individual it may go away on its own.
  In some cases, there may be a trial of taking niacin to help treat tinnitus.
Tinnitus can be partially prevented by not inserting cotton swabs in your ear.
  Such a habit can cause wax to become impacted against the tympanic membrane, causing tinnitus.
  One must follow doctors orders and take any blood pressure medication that is prescribed for you because high blood pressure can cause the disease to flare.
  Protect your ears both at the workplace and when at a concert, hunting, sporting event or listening to loud music at home.
  Damage to the hearing nerve from excessive noise can trigger later tinnitus in affected individuals.
  Even daily noises like blow dryers can damage your ears.
  Always have a pair of ear plugs handy in case you are exposed to too much noise.
If you already have tinnitus, you can do things to lessen the disease.
  It is important to protect your ears from noise damage at all costs.
  Keep your blood pressure in good control.
Decrease your intake of salt.
Avoid stimulants like coffee and cola drinks.
  Avoid tobacco which contains nicotine that can make tinnitus worse.
  Reduce your level of anxiety and relax.
  Get enough sleep and try not to get so tired.
  Use a masking noise such as a background noise that will drown out the tinnitus noise you hear.
  Exercise several times per week.
  Try biofeedback to get yourself used to the noise.
  Taking aspirin can make tinnitus worse.