What Causes Ringing in the Ears, Symptoms, and More Tinnitus Info
The American Tinnitus Association defines tinnitus as “the perception of sound in the ears or head where no external source is present.” In the United States alone, around 66 people have had ringing in their ears in one way or another. 12 million of these people are seriously affected to the extent that their daily activities are hampered. However, although it is common, it is often misunderstood, and majority of its sufferers do not know that such a condition exists until their doctors have told them. Information should then be disseminated regarding what causes ringing in the ears, symptoms, treatments, and more.
One thing that should be understood about ear ringing is that it is a symptom of an underlying medical condition. It is not a disease or infection in itself, but signals the presence of one. The medical conditions associated with it vary. These include:
- noise-induced cochlear damage;
- stress;
- sinusitis or allergies;
- Meniere’s Disease;
- presbycusis or age-associated hearing loss;
- earwax impaction;
- acoustic neuroma;
- temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ);
- hyperthyroidism;
- vitamin B12 deficiency;
- high blood pressure;
- atherosclerosis; and
- malformation of the capillaries.
Thus, see your doctor as soon as you can if experience the ringing noise. This way, tests will be run to have the root cause determined, which can help you find the appropriate treatment.
The most common sound associated with tinnitus is a ringing noise, but there are other sounds that can be associated with it. These include buzzing, booming, roaring, whistling, hissing, clicking, and chirping noises. In some cases, either of these sounds may be accompanied by headache, dizziness, earache, and a sense of pressure in the ears.
Ear ringing being a symptom is one reason why there is no known cure for it as of yet, although there are remedies that can help the sufferers cope with it and relieve them of the discomforts it brings. As there is no conventional medication that is specifically designed to treat ringing in the ears, the use of alternative treatments is being patronized by many sufferers. Good examples are homeopathic remedies, herbal preparations, acupressure, acupuncture, hypnotherapy, meditation, reflexology, and relaxation therapy.
Masking the unwanted sound to make it less noticeable with the use of white noise maskers is another commonly used remedy. Natural treatments like reducing salt intake and having a diet that is especially rich in choline, protein, zinc, and the vitamins A, B, and E should also be taken note of.
Now that you know something about tinnitus just like what causes ringing in the ears, symptoms, and treatments, you can contribute in making this unwanted sound known to the public by sharing what you know to your family, friends, your friends’ friends, and so on.
