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"Tinnitus is the word for noises that some people
hear 'in the ears' or 'in the head' buzzing, ringing,
whistling, hissing, and other sounds that do not come
From an external source."
Nearly all of us have experienced tinnitus temporarily -
for a few hours after going to a disco, for example, or
when listening carefully in a very quiet room. We are
not usually troubled by occasional tinnitus but tinnitus
noises may become a problem if they persist. Some people
find tinnitus difficult to live with.
Tinnitus is experienced by up to one in 10 adults. It is
more common in people over 40 years of age than in
younger people. Anyone may have tinnitus, whether they
have a hearing loss or not, but tinnitus is more common
in people with a hearing loss. It is also possible to
have a considerable hearing loss without any tinnitus at
all.
[ Top ]
What causes tinnitus?
Tinnitus has many causes. The two main causes are
hearing problems linked to ageing, or loud noise. You
may also develop it after an illness, injury or
infection, after an emotional upset, or as a side-effect
of a drug. Often a combination of things will cause or
trigger tinnitus.
Many people have permanent tinnitus but are not troubled
by it. However, the effects of tinnitus can be
unpleasant. You may have difficulty sleeping followed by
tiredness and irritability, lack of concentration,
anxiety and depression, withdrawal from social
activities, or fear of tinnitus and of the future.
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Hyperacusis
Around 40 per cent of patients with tinnitus also have
hyperacusis. This is an abnormal intolerance to ordinary
sounds. Everyday noises such as a vacuum cleaner, or
even a dish being put on a table, can seem unbearably
loud. Hyperacusis can usually be successfully treated in
a similar way to tinnitus, using noise generators and
retraining therapy.
[ Top ]
Is there a cure?
Occasionally the cause of tinnitus is treatable. If you
have a middle ear infection, antibiotics may cure this;
wax can be removed from a blocked ear; if you change or
finish a course of medicine, it may stop your tinnitus.
However, your tinnitus may continue. No drug or
operation will immediately get rid of tinnitus, but
there are ways to get a lot of relief from it. It is
usually possible to help you feel less upset.
Research has helped us understand how the emotional and
perceptual areas of the brain can magnify and maintain
the awareness and stress of tinnitus. This research has
led to the
development of retraining therapy which is proving
successful in helping people deal with their tinnitus.
[ Top ]
What help can I get?
If you have tinnitus, the right advice or
counseling-often combined with relaxation techniques -
is essential to relieve any worries you may have.
The fear that tinnitus may indicate a serious disease it
very rarely does or advancing deafness, can usually be
met with the reassurance that tinnitus is harmless. Most
people get used to it so that, in time, it becomes much
less intrusive.
Your ENT/Audiologist can check your ears for wax
build-up or infection, and may suggest ways of dealing
with your tinnitus
[ Top ]
Talking to a specialist is
reassuring in itself. The specialist may suggest
treatment such as:
• Counseling, which is important if you
are to manage your tinnitus successfully.
• A hearing aid Even if you have only a
slight hearing loss, using a hearing aid may reduce or
'mask' tinnitus. It may also help take the strain out of
listening - straining to hear can make your brain focus
on tinnitus noises.
• A noise generator or tinnitus masker
This looks like a hearing aid and makes a gentle 'shush'
noise. It gives your ear something else to listen to,
and diverts your attention from the tinnitus.
Retraining therapy (sometimes called Tinnitus Retraining
Therapy, or TRT) reduces your brain's perception of
tinnitus so that it is less of a problem.
Retraining therapy involves long-term low level noise
therapy using noise generators, hearing aids, counseling
and the challenging of negative beliefs, relaxation
therapy, and treatment for any stress, anxiety or
depression.
Noise therapy produces subtle changes in the
subconscious part of the brain which then filters out
the tinnitus.
Relaxation therapy using stress management and
relaxation techniques and tapes.
Medication for the effects of tinnitus - anxiety,
sleeping problems, or depression; for an ear infection;
or to improve the blood supply.
[ Top ]
How can I help
myself?
If you have tinnitus, it is important not to feel it is
a threat. Often the best thing to do is to talk to
someone who really knows about tinnitus like the ENT or
Audiological Physician.
Anxiety and tension can make tinnitus worse so learning
how to relax is important.
Try to avoid silence or quiet. Many people find the idea
of silence attractive but a silent environment is not
natural. In a quiet situation, tinnitus sounds are much
more likely to emerge
and become a problem. Make sure that there is a pleasant
low level of background noise ,for example from an open
window, a fan ,a radio tuned off-station, or music.
Do not try to use the sounds to mask out your tinnitus
unless it is very soft, because this can actually make
your tinnitus get louder.
Listening to something pleasant can distract you from your tinnitus. Many people with tinnitus say that it 'isn't there' when they do not listen to it. Tinnitus is a very real sensation, but if you do not tune in to it, it can be less of a problem.
[ Top ]
Will
'alternative' treatments help?
Some people say 'complementary' therapies such as
acupuncture have helped their tinnitus. These probably
have no direct effect on tinnitus, but may help you to
relax and sleep, which can
help your tinnitus.
[ Top ]
Does tinnitus
cause deafness?
Tinnitus does not cause deafness, but deafness and
tinnitus may have the same cause. The mistaken fear that
tinnitus causes deafness can make it louder. If you have
a hearing loss that has not been treated - with hearing
aids, for example troublesome tinnitus is more likely.
[ Top ]
What makes it worse?
Most people with tinnitus are not distressed by it. it
is there, but does not affect their lives. People who do
become distressed usually find their tinnitus
threatening in some way, seeing it - quite wrongly as
being caused by a serious disease, or as getting louder
and driving them mad. Such beliefs may lead them to
monitor and magnify their tinnitus constantly.
Very loud noise can make tinnitus worse and cause
hearing loss. You should wear proper ear protection if
you use noisy equipment. Limit your exposure to loud
music played through speakers or headphones. Do not use
earplugs or muffs to shut out everyday sounds, even if
your hearing seems sensitive. This makes tinnitus and
hyperacusis worse.
Tinnitus does go up and down - either aggravated by
stress, some drugs, and too much of foods and drinks
such as caffeine and alcohol, or spontaneously. However,
in most people it gets better, not worse, with time.
[ Top ]
Do children get
tinnitus?
Although tinnitus is more common in adults, it can also
affect younger people. Children may be born with it or
acquire it in the same ways that adults do. This may be
as a result of chronic ear infection, noise trauma, head
injury, a reaction to a virus, an allergy or a drug, for
example.
Children who are born with tinnitus or develop it at a
very young age may not be aware that it is unusual. They
often do not have the vocabulary or ability to. describe
tinnitus until they reach
school age.
Children tend to complain less about tinnitus and accept
it more readily. However, parents and teachers may find
clues that children have tinnitus if they have poor
concentration, depression, insomnia, restlessness, lack
of focus, and constant ear infections.
As with any ear problem in children you should get
specialist help as soon as possible. Do not hesitate to
involve your child if they have tinnitus, ask for a
referral to an ENT consultant or audiologist with
experience of children's hearing and ear problems.
[ Top ]
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