Tinnitus is a collection of symptoms you may experience without knowing that it's an actual health issue. It is described as hearing a ringing or other noise that has no source. The intensity of these sounds can vary from person to person. Because tinnitus is not life-threatening, most people simply cope with their "phantom sounds." You may, however, suffer from anxiety, stress, and depression as a result and want to seek treatment.
Causes
Tinnitus is thought to be caused by many different factors, meaning that testing is required for a proper diagnosis. Most common causes are related to the natural deterioration of hearing that comes with age. People who are constantly bombarded by loud noises or are suffering from poor blood vessel integrity, such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure, may also experience symptoms. Other causes of tinnitus include certain cancer medications, aspirin, and head or neck injuries.
Diagnosis
The steps to treatment usually start with a physical exam to assess overall health. If poor health is the suspected culprit, doctors will address the underlying condition. Additional auditory tests that are specific to tinnitus may be ordered. If you are undergoing a health evaluation, be sure to provide accurate descriptions of the sounds you're hearing. These noises are generally graded on a scale of intensity.
Treatment
Although there is no known medication specifically designed to cure tinnitus, medical professionals do suggest certain treatments that can reduce symptoms. Sometimes medications are administered to reduce the level of noise within the ear, or hearing aids are used to filter out some of the sound. Home remedies have also been suggested to address tinnitus. Consuming specific salts or reducing caffeine intake is believed to resolve some issues. The success of these remedies varies among those who have participated in related studies. Behavioral therapy has also been a positive experience for people who have tinnitus. These therapies help reduce stress, depression, and anxiety that may result from the constant noise.
Considerations
In many cases, tinnitus amounts to little more than a temporary inconvenience. You should, however, speak with your doctor if your life is being negatively impacted. There is also a possibility that your tinnitus may be symptomatic of a more serious circulatory-system issue that could pose serious problems in the future.
