Tinnitus – causes and treatment

Tinnitus is the perception of sound without an external source. It can be characterized by ringing, buzzing, or pulsating sounds in one or both ears, and may be continuous or intermittent.

Subjective and objective tinnitus

When we talk about types of tinnitus, we distinguish between objective and subjective. Objective tinnitus represents only 5% of cases and refers to sounds that can be heard with external instruments such as a stethoscope. This type of tinnitus is usually caused by damage to the bones or vasculature of the ear. Subjective is much more prevalent and represents 95% of cases and refers to sounds that cannot be heard from outside.

What causes tinnitus?

It is better to see tinnitus as a symptom rather than a disease. It is sometimes accompanied by hearing loss, which is why it often occurs in the elderly. It can be a sign of problems that can be easily fixed, such as wax or a foreign body in the ear canal. Furthermore, it can be a symptom of certain conditions such as neurological diseases, ear and sinus infections, cardiovascular diseases, thyroid diseases, head injuries, hormonal changes (in women), temporomandibular joint disorders, but also as a side effect of certain medications. However, for the majority of cases, the causes are not fully clarified and often it is not related to any more serious medical problem.

How to get rid of it?

If tinnitus is a symptom of an underlying medical condition, the initial step should be to treat the underlying cause. In many cases, the cause of tinnitus cannot be discovered, and various methods are recommended to help reduce or mask the unwanted noise. It’s worth noting that tinnitus may go away on its own without any intervention. However, it’s important to understand that not all cases of tinnitus can be eliminated or reduced, regardless of the cause.

Some of the treatments and medicines are:.

Hearing aids

Properly fitted hearing aids can reduce or eliminate tinnitus that’s associated with hearing loss. They can also make it easier to listen and distract from tinnitus.

Sound therapy

Sound therapy involves listening to an outside sound that helps distract from the tinnitus.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) employs cognitive restructuring and relaxation techniques to alter patients’ perception and response to tinnitus.

Medication

Although there is no cure for tinnitus, doctors may prescribe antidepressants or anxiolytics as tinnitus can cause emotional distress, insomnia, and discomfort.

Lifestyle changes

Some habits and lifestyle choices can worsen tinnitus. To reduce symptoms, it is recommended to cut back on caffeine and other stimulants, manage stress and other mental conditions, regulate diet, and exercise regularly.

Alternative treatments

Various supplements and alternative therapies are being researched as possible treatments for certain conditions. However, the results so far have been mixed. Some of these treatments include ginkgo biloba, zinc, magnesium, acupuncture, magnets, and hypnosis. Although some individuals have reported relief from these therapies, further research is necessary to determine their effectiveness.

While tinnitus is generally not considered to be a serious or life-threatening condition, it is still recommended to consult a doctor to determine if any additional tests are required and to rule out any underlying and potentially dangerous causes. It is important to note that tinnitus can significantly affect one’s quality of life, mood, sleep, concentration, and daily activities, despite appearing harmless at first.