What is Tinnitus?

Noises perceived to be originating in the ears or head are called “tinnitus.”  Tinnitus may sound like:

• Ringing
• Whistling
• Buzzing    
• Roaring
• Clicking
• Chirping
• Static
• Pulsing
• Fluttering 
• Hissing
• Popping

Causes of Tinnitus

• Hearing Loss
• High Blood Pressure, Heart Disease or other Circulatory problems
• Central Nervous System problems, including:
  • Stroke / Cerebrovascular Accident
  • Head Trauma
  • Seizure Disorders
  • Neurological Diseases
• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) problems
• Exposure to Loud Noise
• Ototoxic reactions or side effects from medication, drugs or other chemicals
• Kidney Disease
• Metabolic Diseases, such as Diabetes
• Meniere’s Disease
• Ear Infection
• Acoustic Neuroma - Tumors affecting the hearing or balance nerves
• Cochlear Fistula - A hole or weak spot in the inner ear

 

What can I do about my tinnitus?

• Avoiding overly quiet places will help make your tinnitus less noticeable.
         Use amplification if a hearing loss is present.
         Play music or other pleasant sounds, or leave a TV playing softly in the background.
         Listen to a radio tuned to no station, so you can hear soft static noise. 
         Leave a fan running in the background.
         Use a Tinnitus Masker instrument.

• Consult your otolaryngologist to find out if there is a medical treatment for whatever is causing your tinnitus.

• Use hearing protection and avoid loud noises, such as power tools, machinery and noisy appliances, loud motors, or gunfire.  Also avoid loud music.

• Avoid cholesterol, salt, caffeine, alcohol and other unhealthy foods and beverages.

• Keep your blood pressure under control.

• Avoid ototoxins, such a chemicals or medications that might be harmful to your hearing.

• Consult your dentist if you have a clicking or popping noise or pain when you open and close your mouth.  This could be a sign of a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problem.