Tinnitus is a condition of the ears that causes a ringing, buzzing, clicking, hissing, whistling, or swooshing sound. It affects around 50 million Americans, according to the CDC. The fact that it is prevalent, however, does not make it any less annoying.
Read on to discover and learn everything you must know about Tinnitus.
Understanding Tinnitus
Tinnitus is an ear condition that pertains to the perception of sound in the absence of external sound. That is, the “ringing” is only audible to you. While it is not a disease, it could be a symptom of an underlying auditory system disorder. It may also entail an irritation of the auditory system, which comprises the inner ear and the brain’s sound-processing areas.
Tinnitus is most commonly characterized as a persistent high-pitched ringing in the ears. It can range from mild to severe, and it can be progressive or sudden.
Because it is rarely harmful and the vast majority of people are unaware of it, there is a chance that one may dismiss it. Tinnitus may also cause sleep disruptions, daily struggles, and physical and mental health issues if not addressed properly.
The Causes of Tinnitus
Tinnitus is most commonly caused by the inner ear and auditory nerve diseases. Tinnitus can be caused by a number of reasons, as claimed by the CDC, but are most commonly:
Age-related hearing loss
Tinnitus becomes increasingly common as people age. Adults between the ages of 60 and 69 are most affected.
Excessive loud noises
Loud noises can be extremely damaging to the auditory system, resulting in hearing loss. People who engage in high-risk jobs such as construction, manufacturing, agriculture, and transportation; music fans; and motorsports and hunting fanatics
Tinnitus and Other Health Issues
Tinnitus can create serious health difficulties in severe cases, such as fatigue, headaches, the inability to concentrate due to sleep problems, memory problems, anxiety, depression, and agitation.
Relieving Tinnitus Symptoms
If your tinnitus persists, seek the help of a physician. He or she can help you determine the best treatment or combination of treatments for you, such as:
- Hearing aids. Hearing aids can help with tinnitus caused by noise or age-related hearing loss.
- Silencers or sound-masking devices. White noise is produced in the bedroom by fans, white noise machines, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and air conditioners.
- Relaxation techniques. Stress can aggravate it. Deep breathing, exercise, and biofeedback have all proven to be beneficial to a wide range of people.
Preventing Tinnitus
Tinnitus is frequently caused by unavoidable circumstances. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent it, such as:
- Use earplugs to protect your ears. Avoid prolonged exposure to loud noises. Wear over-the-ear hearing protection unless otherwise specified.
- Reduce the frequency of the beat. Hearing loss and tinnitus can be caused by loud music.
- Maintain a healthy way of living. Tinnitus caused by high blood pressure and other illnesses can be prevented with regular exercise and a good diet.
Conclusion
Tinnitus is an incurable condition. However, addressing the underlying issue can help to alleviate symptoms. Thus, consult your doctor for a full physical examination. This way, you can match the cause of your tinnitus and determine a treatment option that is suitable for your needs.
If you wish to have your ears examined for potential Tinnitus, Agile Urgent Care is ready to help. We are a full-service, walk-in medical facility offering world-class yet affordable healthcare to all ages in New Jersey. Book a consultation today!
