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Definition and treatment of Tinnitus
Tinnitus is defined as a persistent or occasional ringing, roaring, clicking or hissing sound in the ears. Approximately 25 million Americans suffer or have experienced some form of tinnitus, from temporary to severe. It is associated with many forms of hearing loss but can also be a symptom of other health problems. People with severe forms of tinnitus may find it difficult to hear, work or sleep.
The most common causes of Tinnitus are:
- Hearing loss
- Loud noise
- Medicine
- Other health issues, such as allergies, tumors and problems of the heart, blood vessels, jaws and neck.
What do I do if I have tinnitus?
It may seem elementary but you should go see your doctor so he/she can determine what is causing your tinnitus. Since Tinnitus can be caused by blood pressure, kidney function, diet, allergies or medicine, your doctor is the most important step in trying to reduce the amount of tinnitus you suffer. Your doctor may refer you to an otolaryngologist, more commonly known as an ear, nose and throat doctor, or ENT. They may also refer you to an audiologist who can measure your hearing and fit you with a hearing aid, if needed.
Treatment
There are several treatments that can provide relief, but it is important to note that there is no cure for tinnitus. Success for each treatment varies from person to person so you may need to try several treatments to find one that works best.
Hearing Aids
Since many who suffer tinnitus also have hearing loss, hearing aids can make it easier to hear by making sounds louder. Hopefully, hearing conversations and music will help make tinnitus less noticeable.
Maskers
These are small electronic devices that use sound to make tinnitus less noticeable. For some, maskers hide tinnitus so well that users barely notice their tinnitus.
Bedside Maskers
These maskers sit beside the bed rather than behind the ear. They are used to help tinnitus suffers fall asleep.
Medicine or drug therapy
Sometimes medicine is used to treat tinnitus. Any physician using medicine to treating tinnitus should also be aware of any drugs you take for other ailments since tinnitus can be a side effect of medications.
Tinnitus retraining therapy
This is a combination of counseling, maskers, otolaryngologists and audiologists helping you learn how to deal with severe tinnitus. It helps people learn how to avoid thinking about the noise in their ears.
Counseling
People with tinnitus can become depressed. Counselors and/or support groups can be helpful.
Relaxing
Having a constant noise in the ears is frustrating. Since stress makes tinnitus worse, learning to relax can help you rest and deal with the sound.
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