Bumrungrad Health Briefs #46: Tinnitus: Understanding and Managing Ringing in the Ears
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Bumrungrad Health Briefs #46: Tinnitus: Understanding and Managing Ringing in the Ears
Tinnitus, often described as a persistent ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in the ears, affects millions of people worldwide. While it can be a minor nuisance for some, for others, it can significantly impact their quality of life. Understanding and managing tinnitus can help affected individuals regain control of their lives.
What Causes Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is not a disease but a symptom of an underlying condition. Common causes include:
- Age-related hearing loss: Natural aging can reduce hearing capacity, leading to tinnitus.
- Exposure to loud noises or electronic devices: Frequent exposure to loud environments, such as concerts or construction sites, or excessive use of electronic devices (e.g., mobile phones), can cause noise-induced hearing loss, which may lead to tinnitus.
- Ear injuries: Trauma to the ear or head can disrupt normal auditory function, resulting in tinnitus.
- Medications: Certain drugs, including some antibiotics and cancer treatments, are known to cause tinnitus.
- Ear conditions: Issues like ear infections or earwax buildup can temporarily cause tinnitus.
Managing Tinnitus
Although there is no one-size-fits-all cure for tinnitus, several strategies can help manage the symptoms:
- Medications: Some medications help reduce the sound in the ear or make you feel more comfortable.
- Sound therapy: Using white noise machines or in-ear noise generators to mask the ringing or buzzing sounds.
- Hearing aids: Amplify external sounds, helping to drown out the internal noise of tinnitus, especially for those with hearing loss.
- Lifestyle changes: Reducing stress, avoiding loud environments, and maintaining good sleep hygiene can alleviate tinnitus symptoms.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps manage the anxiety and frustration associated with tinnitus.
When to Seek Help
If you experience persistent ringing in your ears, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms like:
- Persistent tinnitus
- Hearing loss
- Dizziness
- Vertigo: Vertigo is a sensation of spinning or feeling off balance, often triggered by changes in head position. It can make you feel like the room is spinning and is sometimes linked to inner ear conditions.
If you are experiencing tinnitus, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider early to identify underlying causes and receive effective treatment. The Hearing and Balance Clinic at Bumrungrad International Hospital offers comprehensive, personalized care with advanced technology and expert specialists to help manage your symptoms and enhance your quality of life.
Provided by Prof. Dr. Saowaros Patarapak, ENT Center at Bumrungrad Hospital (Thailand)
Read More: https://bhx.one/6U9VU7
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