Tinnitus - A Review

What is Tinnitus?
Are you hearing sounds in your head or more precisely in your ears? Don't worry, you are not hallucinating. You might be actually suffering from tinnitus.
Tinnitus, simply defined is the condition wherein the sufferer hears sounds, either constantly or sporadically even if his surroundings are completely silent. This sound usually takes the form of some kind of ringing, which is where the condition gets its name from - the Latin word for ringing. However, these sounds need not be limited to ringing. They can be high-pitched tones, clicking, roaring, even songs. Whatever the nature of the sounds, it is an uncomfortable and even painful condition to live with.
Famous Sufferers
The good news is that you're not alone. About one in five people between the ages of 55 and 65 suffer from this condition. It has affected many well-known people. Among them are many famous musicians - Eric Clapton, Paul Simon, Neil Young and Beethoven.
Types
Tinnitus can be of two types: objective and subjective. Patients suffering from objective tinnitus actually emit sounds from their ears loud enough to be perceived upon examination. These sounds can be often caused by muscle spasms. Medical attention should be sought immediately if the sound beats in time with the heart. Although rare, this may hint at an aneurysm or dissection of the carotid artery.
The other kind is subjective, which usually results from hearing loss. Other causes include side effects from chemotherapy or medication (including antibiotics and painkillers), head injuries, thyroid, depression and even anemia to name a few.
Treatments Available
Yes there are various treatments for each type. Gamma knife radiosurgery, teflon implants and electrical neurostimulators as well as drugs claim to help in the treatment of objective tinnitus. On the other hand, there is an entire gamut of treatments identified for subjective tinnitus; given the numerous factors that can cause it. Some of these treatments include: various drugs, techniques such as electrical stimulation, surgical repair of the ear to stop leakage of inner ear fluid, external sound treatment to mask the sounds and cognitive behavioral therapy. Speak to your doctor about which treatment would suit you best.
Prevention
Of course it can! Prevention is always better than cure and this is especially true if you are a musician or are often exposed to loud sounds for long periods of time. Avoid prolonged exposure to any kind of sound. Studies reveal that even 70 decibel sounds can damage hearing in the longterm. Invest in a good pair of earmuffs or ear plugs to block out external sounds such as those caused by noisy electrical appliances, mowers, loud music or if you often find yourself in noisy environments such as construction sites or loud concerts. With a wide variety of noise reduction earphones on the market today, you should be able to find one that meets your needs. Caffeine, alcohol and nicotine can increase or induce tinnitus if you already suffer from it, so it might be time to finally stub out that cigarette or reduce your daily quota of coffee.
Tinnitus might be distressing at times but it's not the end of the world. Speak to your doctor, join a support group and make the changes you need to your lifestyle. After all, there are people all over the world who still lead full and healthy lives with this condition; there's no reason why you can't too.



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