Tinnitus
Alternative Names:
Ringing in the ears
Noise in the ears
Definition:
Tinnitus is a medical term referring to hearing a noise or ringing in the ears when no external sound actually exists.
The two forms of tinnitus include:
- Subjective tinnitus: Tinnitus heard only by the patient.
- Objective tinnitus: Tinnitus heard by the patient and a doctor during an examination.
According to the American Tinnitus Association, more than 50 million Americans experience tinnitus to some degree. Approximately 2 million Americans experience a more severe form of tinnitus, with the condition interfering with day-to-day living.
Symptoms:
Patients who experience tinnitus typically note the presence of a ringing noise in the ears when no sound is actually present. Noises noted by patients with tinnitus include:
- Buzzing
- Clicking
- Hissing
- Ringing
- Roaring
- Whistling
The noises heard by those with tinnitus may be heard in one or both ears and may vary in volume and pitch. Patients may experience a continuous sound of intermittent noises.
Exams/Testing:
To test for tinnitus, a patient will undergo a hearing examination, known as an audiological exam. A doctor will ask questions about symptoms experienced and health conditions or illnesses you may have. Patients should inform a doctor of all medications they are taking or have taken, as certain drugs may cause tinnitus.
During the audiological exam, a doctor will examine the patient’s ears, neck and head. Additional tests, such as X-rays, CT or MRI scans may be requested to help determine the cause of tinnitus.
Outlook/Prognosis:
For patients with tinnitus, the prognosis is often very good. In many cases, tinnitus will go away on its own, often without treatment or intervention.
Patients with tinnitus caused by a health condition may undergo treatment including removal of earwax or, in the case of a blood vessel condition, surgery to address the problem.
When a medication is at the root of tinnitus, a doctor may recommend changing prescriptions, altering the dose of the drug or stopping use of the medication altogether.
Causes:
Tinnitus is typically caused by the following factors:
- Age
- Exposure to loud noise
- Blockage of the ear by earwax
- Stiffening of ear bones
Less common causes of the condition include:
- Stress
- Depression
- Head injuries
- Neck injuries
- Acoustic neuroma (a noncancerous tumor that develops on the nerve that controls balance and hearing)
- Meniere’s disease (inner-ear disorder)
Blood vessel disorders, such as high blood pressure and atherosclerosis, have also been known to cause tinnitus in rare cases.
Causes (specific drugs):
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