The troublesome tinnitus or ringing in the ears, entails the disturbing and worrying perception of sounds when no outside sound is present. Sufferers would perceive anything from a soft but consistent ringing in their ears, while some unfortunate people ‘hear’ very loud and high pitched sounds or buzzing. It is neither a disease in itself, nor a manifestation of something grave, but a symptom of a concealed situation such as:
- Presbycusis (hearing loss as a result of old age)
- Trauma to the ear
- Some trouble in the circulatory system
The symptoms of tinnitus could be one or more of the following noises, which seem to exist only in the mind but have no physical existence. The conditions that accompany tinnitus, and serve as an aid in its diagnosis are as follows:
- Ringing
- Prolonged sound of a hum, like a bee
- Roaring
- Slight but sharp sound
- A prolonged sound of steam or air escaping
The phantom noise of tinnitus may be:
- A low roar or a soft sound
In some cases, the sound can be so loud it can interfere with one’s ability to concentrate or hear the actual sound. - It may be audible in one ear or both ears.
- It may be very annoying or just bearable
- It may be present consistently, or may be intermittent
- It may be high pitched or low pitched
- It may or may not affect the sleep, the performance at job or other work as well as the focusing ability of the patient
As far as the former one (subjective tinnitus) is concerned, it is the one which is only heard by the subject and is the most common one. Its causes could be an ear problem at one of the following levels:
- Outer ear
- Middle ear
- Inner ear
- Auditory nerves
- Brain
The latter (objective tinnitus) is the one which even the audiologist could hear while examining and evaluating a patient.
Tinnitus cure necessitates identification of the hidden cause and treating it, whereas tinnitus treatment demands a reduction or masking of the noise, so as to make tinnitus less noticeable.
The simple rule for an individual affected by tinnitus is, to visit the department of audiology, so as to seek the services of an audiologist. It may be noted that the most efficient tinnitus treatment is to eliminate the obscure cause; however if none is found, the tinnitus itself needs to be managed. In case a hearing loss is present, a hearing aid Singapore is the best preference. Biofeedback, hypnosis, electrical stimulation, untightening therapy, guidance, acclimatization treatment, tinnitus camouflagers, sound machines (they furnish a secure tranquillizing noise which is quite soothing as well as beneficial for the patient, especially at night)soft palliative music that serves to calm down the nerves, fans running with rhythmic uninterrupted sound, fish aquariums, birds chirping in melodious voices, indoor waterfalls, iPod handy media players are some of the treatment choices to decrease the displeasure of tinnitus.
Becoming an active member of the various self-help groups is another appropriate way for the tinnitus sufferers to have in common, their feelings with other endurers and to share approaches and plans they have found successful in handling their tinnitus.