Tinnitus is an auditory experience of hearing something when no other physical sound is present. Some refer to it as "ringing in the ears" or "head noises". It may also be described as a humming, buzzing, shushing sound or may seem like a seashell when held to the ear. There are many other words to describe the sound people hear. The type of sound may vary from person to person and may even vary from time to time for the same person.

It is surprising how many people suffer from tinnitus. It is currently estimated that 50 million American adults have tinnitus. For 12 million, the tinnitus is severe enough to cause them to seek medical help.

Tinnitus is not a disease, but is a symptom of something wrong in the body, most often the auditory system. Tinnitus is a common symptom of hearing loss. Common causes of tinnitus may be impacted earwax, exposure to excessively loud sounds, poor circulation, medications or diet, to name a few.

For most people, tinnitus is no more than a nuisance. In its most severe form, tinnitus can cause lack of concentration, problems sleeping and physiological distress.

Loud noise

Excessive use of alcohol

Caffeine

Other medications

Nicotine

Stress

Aspirin

Initially a physician should examine each tinnitus sufferer. Your physician will determine if there is a medical condition causing tinnitus for which treatment may be prescribed. You should also have a complete audiological evaluation of your hearing system by an audiologist.

Non-Medical

Use of hearing instruments, if a hearing loss is present

Use of masking sounds to cover up the noise

Biofeedback

Counseling

Auditory habituation

Medical

Dental treatment

Drug therapy

Electrical stimulation

Surgery

Cochlear Implants

Non-traditional Methods

Acupuncture

Holistic Methods

Contact the following:

America Tinnitus Association

Tinnitus & Hyperacusis Centre – University of Maryland

Royal National Institute for Deaf People

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