Diagnosis And Coping Mechanisms For Tinnitus
Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is a common problem that can significantly impact your hearing. It is also distracting and, in some cases, debilitating. While it is normal to have some ringing in your ears now and then, it shouldn't be persistent. If it is, then it is a sign that something is wrong. Here are some things you should know about tinnitus and what you can do to alleviate or cope with it:
What are the symptoms of tinnitus?
Tinnitus is any ringing, buzzing, roaring or clicking noises in your ear that can't be attributed to an outside source. Usually, it affects only one ear at a time but can affect both ears with different severity. For most people, tinnitus happens infrequently and goes away in a few minutes. It is usually not a problem unless it does not dissipate or disappear after a short time.
What causes tinnitus?
Many things can cause tinnitus including age-related changes to the inner ear, loud noises, medications, and diseases. Most of the causes revolve around damage to the middle or inner ear or changes in the bones around the ears. You can also get tinnitus from too much ear wax which irritates and causes pressure to the ear drum. There is also a genetic connection and it can run in families.
How is tinnitus diagnosed?
Both conventional and specialized hearing tests are used to diagnose the severity of the tinnitus and the amount of hearing loss. In addition to tone testing, you may also receive imaging tests to check for damage to your ear structures and blood vessels, as well as movement tests. Other tests may include tests on the middle or inner ear structures to check for unusual bone and muscle movement.
How is tinnitus treated?
Unfortunately, there are no cures for tinnitus, but there are ways to reduce the sounds as well as coping techniques. Certain hearing aids can help with reducing tinnitus as well as making it easier to hear outside sounds. If the problem is caused by ear wax, then you can have the ear wax removed. Some tinnitus sufferers have found that certain background noises and white noise help them be less distracted and be able to sleep at night.
If you're hearing constant noises in your ear that aren't coming from an outside source, then have your hearing checked for tinnitus. Tinnitus can not only make your hearing worse, it can be very distracting and irritating. The sooner you get it checked out, the less impact it will have on your quality of life.
Contact a company like Desert Knolls Hearing Center for more information and assistance.
