Tinnitus is a "phantom" noise; presents as buzzing, whistling, crackling, clicking or rustling perceived by the patient without an external source of noise present. The cause is often to be found in damage to the inner ear caused by noise, but also by infections, some drugs, hypertension and old age. In some cases, it resolves quickly without any intervention, while in others it is necessary to treat the underlying disease to make it disappear. Sublingual drug therapy with steroids, barbiturates, opioids, vitamins and minerals can also be used. About fifty million Americans suffer from this chronic problem, which is defined as such when it persists for at least six months. Even in these severe situations it is possible to find relief from the discomfort.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Treating Tinnitus
Step 1. Check for ear wax
Sometimes this ailment is triggered by an excess of this waxy material and cleaning is enough to reduce many symptoms. An otolaryngologist will be able to assess the situation and proceed with cleaning.
Professionals recommend not using cotton swabs to remove earwax. A water wash may help, but if the earwax buildup is so severe that it causes tinnitus, it's best to leave it to a doctor
Step 2. Rule out a head injury
Somatic tinnitus is a ringing that occurs inside the ear and is caused by trauma to the head. Generally, it is a loud sound, with a frequency that varies considerably throughout the day and causes difficulty in concentration and memory. Sometimes somatic tinnitus is treated with surgery to realign the jaw.
Step 3. See your doctor to check for any vascular disease
If the tinnitus appears as a pulsating noise, in sync with the heartbeat, then it could be of vascular origin. Your doctor may prescribe appropriate medications even if surgery is needed in some cases.
Pulsating tinnitus (described above) can indicate a serious condition, such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, a vascular tumor, or an aneurysm. Seek immediate medical attention if you hear a pulsing sound in your ear
Step 4. Consider changing medications
The list of medicines that cause tinnitus is quite long and includes aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, blood pressure regulators and heart medications, antidepressants and chemotherapy. Ask your doctor if your drug therapy may be causing the problem and if you can take alternative medicines.
Step 5. Talk to your doctor about hearing impairment
Tinnitus is often caused by damage to the lash cells in the inner ear, which in turn can be caused by age or by exposure to loud noises. People who work with machinery or who listen to music too loudly can experience tinnitus. Sudden, very loud noise can even cause temporary hearing loss.
- The other causes of hearing dysfunction are the use of certain medications, stiffening of the small bones of the middle ear, tumors in the ear system, vascular problems, neurological disorders, and genetic factors.
- The severity of the disease is variable and 25% of patients find that the symptoms worsen over time. Long-term tinnitus will not go away completely, but it can be managed.
Step 6. Consider other treatments with your otolaryngologist
Tinnitus can be a minor, temporary disease that does not always require the intervention of a doctor. However, if you hear a loud, sudden sound that lasts more than a week or that seriously interferes with your standard of living, you need to see a doctor. You should consider medical treatment even if you experience related effects, such as fatigue, difficulty concentrating, depression, anxiety, and memory loss.
- Be prepared to tell your doctor about the time of noise onset, any illnesses you suffer from, and any medications you take.
- A diagnosis is made through a physical examination, history analysis and an audiometric test. The patient may also undergo computed tomography or MRI of the ear to look for other conditions.
- The management of the disorder also includes the treatment of the underlying disease, including insomnia and depression. Tinnitus retraining therapy, sound masking, biofeedback, and stress reduction are all part of the treatment plan.
Part 2 of 2: Living with Tinnitus
Step 1. Try alternative remedies
Gingko biloba, available in many health food stores, is sometimes useful, although its effectiveness is still a matter of debate in the scientific community. Occasionally, attempts are made with B vitamins, zinc supplements, hypnosis, and acupuncture, although there is even less evidence that these treatments are effective than gingko biloba.
Step 2. Don't worry
Stress only makes tinnitus worse, remember that it is rarely a life-threatening condition. While there are no ways to cure your case, know that the noise often goes away on its own. You should focus on making the situation as less disabling as possible and understanding what you can do to manage the disorder.
At least 15% of the population suffers from tinnitus of varying intensity. This is a common problem, which is generally not a cause for serious concern
Step 3. Take medication to control adverse effects
There are medicines that can help treat some of the effects of tinnitus even when the problem itself is not curable. Antidepressants have proven useful; Xanax promotes falling asleep, but lidocaine also suppresses symptoms.
- Antidepressants should only be used in extreme cases, as they cause dry mouth, blurry vision, constipation and heart problems.
- Xanax must be taken sporadically, as it is addictive and addictive.
Step 4. Listen for white noise
External noises can often mask the ringing in the ear. In this regard, a white noise machine that reproduces natural sounds can help. If you can't get one, use some items in the house. You can turn on the radio, turn on a fan or run the air conditioner.
A soothing, repetitive, regular noise can be of great help when trying to fall asleep
Step 5. Use a tinnitus masking device
Doctors have developed a number of treatments based on the principle that white noise can manage hum. Some of these are devices that amplify auditory perception. A new technique uses personalized acoustic therapy. Talk to your otolaryngologist to find the best solution for your condition and budget.
- Hearing aids have been shown to treat tinnitus by amplifying external noise. Cochlear implants suppress hum in 92% of cases.
- Ask your doctor for more information on neuromonics devices; it is a new treatment that uses acoustic and psychological therapy to treat tinnitus. It is still an experimental technique which however seems to promise good results.
Step 6. Learn about tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT)
If the tinnitus persists and cannot be "disguised" with a device, you can try TRT. This does not try to eliminate the buzz, but uses a long-term therapy combined with acoustic treatments to accustom the patient to live with the sound without experiencing stress. Although tinnitus masking devices have been shown to be most effective in the first six months of treatment, TRT is the most appropriate long-term (more than a year) cure.
Step 7. Make lifestyle changes
Relax, as stress makes tinnitus worse. Exercise and rest to improve your health. Eliminate from your life everything that can trigger a tinnitus crisis, reduce the consumption of alcohol, caffeine and nicotine. Very loud sounds make the disorder worse.
Step 8. Go to a psychologist
Tinnitus is a source of stress and depression. If you have a hard time keeping it under control physically, try to manage the psychological side of the disorder with the help of a professional. There are support groups specifically for individuals suffering from tinnitus; find one organized and managed by a qualified psychologist.
