What Is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is a fairly common problem experienced by many people although occurrence of this is more recurrent in old age than in the younger generation. However, individuals who are often exposed to loud noises can develop tinnitus even at a young age. So what is tinnitus? Is it a congenital condition, a hereditary irregularity, or a problem acquired with the passing of time?
Tinnitus is characterized by ringing, buzzing, hissing, humming, whistling, or other similar sound sensations with apparently no external source. It is sometimes referred to as “ringing in the ears”. Tinnitus noises are often described by the patients as irritating and unsettling sound sensations. These noises may also vary from individual to individual in its occurrence, which may be incessant or sporadic.
Pulsatile tinnitus – This is a rhythmical sound sensation that beats in time with your pulse. It is an atypical type of tinnitus and it can be caused by hypertension, malformation of a vein or an artery, or heart murmur. Pulsatile tinnitus is also known as objective tinnitus.
Nonpulsatile tinnitus – This is the more common type of tinnitus which is an annoyance rather than an acute medical problem for many people. Also termed as subjective tinnitus, this can be caused by disorders in the auditory nerves and the noises are perceived by the patient alone.
The accurate cause of tinnitus has not been fully identified by medical science yet. Nevertheless, it can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition such as an acute ear infection, blocked ear passage, or Meniere’s disease. In some cases, tinnitus can also be an indication of a tumor in one of the nerves in the ear. It is therefore advisable that a person who has tinnitus to visit a specialist and have his affected ear or both of his ears checked. Finding out more about the condition will cause less worry and prove less stressful.
Many people with tinnitus problems are able to tune it out and function normally. But it is still recommended that a visit to a specialist is best since the cause of tinnitus is still not fully understood and may only be a symptom of a more serious medical disorder. Treatment options are based, in large part, to the cause of the problem and the extent it affects the individual.
There are available medications as well as homeopathic tinnitus treatment and cures available in the market to relieve from the condition. Surgery may also be an option if the doctor prescribes it. However, before taking any medication, care must be taken since these may have undesirable results.
Pulsatile Tinnitus
Pulsatile Tinnitus
If you are experiencing tinnitus or noises in your head that pulse rhythmically in time with the beating of your heart you have what is known as pulsatile tinnitus.
This condition is very irritating and indeed the noises are actually your body’s way of warning you that something is wrong. Generally if you are experiencing pulsatile tinnitus it is likely that your blood cholesterol levels are too high.
This could result in a build-up of plaque in the tiny arteries that feed the delicate inner ear organs.
I have written a 120 page tinnitus survival guide which discusses all aspects of tinnitus, its causes, as well as the various tinnitus treatments and remedy options available to you.
I have called it Living Tinnitus Free and you can get it absolutely free of charge by visiting my web site www.t-gone.com.
If you need tinnitus support or advice, you are welcome to call me toll free on 800 314 2910 and I will do my very best to help you.
Pulsating Tinnitus
Pulsating Tinnitus
If you are hearing noises in the ears that are in time with your heartbeat, a type of throbbing, pulsating noise, then it is highly likely that you are experiencing pulsatile tinnitus.
This particular sort of tinnitus is often caused by a narrowing or a blockage of the arteries and blood vessels leading to and inner ear.
When these tiny vessels become blocked the ears simulate noises which you hear as tinnitus. This can be a chronic condition as it could signify a clot or raised blood cholesterol levels which is what is causing the problem.
This should be attented to as soon as possible. The pulsating tinnitus you are hearing is actually a warning from your body.
Pulsatile Tinnitus
Pulsatile tinnitus
I have posted this email and my reply as this tinnitus type is actually a warning signal that your body is sending. If you are experiencing pulsatile tinnitus should you should get yourself checked by a specialist physician.
From: Daphne [mailto:dapxxxxx@bigpond.net.au]
Sent: 06 August 2008 08:06
To: John Currie
Subject: noisy heart beat
Dear John It is not the high pitch sounds or crickets in my ears that bothers me. It really is the constant sound of my heart beating and it gets so loud that even listening to my tape at night does not drown it out. It gets worse when I turn over in bed and races like mad. I really don’t know what else to do as I have tried just about everything. Can you help me any further?
Thank you regards Daphne
Hello Daphne,
If you are hearing the beating of your heart, this could be a warning to you.
Pulsatile tinnitus such as you are experiencing is very often a symptom if vascular disease or high cholesterol levels or both. I would recommend you see a physician who works with this specialty as soon as possible.
Treat the tinnitus a warning that you to change your lifestyle or diet, or both.
Kind regards,
John Currie
If there is ONE BOOK on tinnitus that every tinnitus patient absolutely SHOULD READ, it is the bestseller from Ellen Currie entitled Living Tinnitus Free...