What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is a common condition affecting one or both ears. A person with tinnitus may hear “phantom” sounds with no external source. While sometimes temporary, this condition is generally chronic and tends to worsen over time.
Symptoms of tinnitus
Although not medically serious in most cases, tinnitus can be frustrating, affecting mood, sleep and focus. Severe cases can lead to depression or anxiety. The repetitive internal noises of tinnitus can vary in volume and pitch, from a high-frequency ring or chirp to a low-pitched roar or hum, and may also include random buzzing, whistling, clicking or squealing. Some people even hear music-like tones.
In rare cases, tinnitus is perceived as more of a rhythmic pulsation, which often correlates with the heartbeat and can be heard by a physician using a stethoscope. Known as pulsatile tinnitus, this variation is most often caused by blood flow issues in the head or neck.
Causes of tinnitus
The precise causes of tinnitus are unknown, but may include excessive noise exposure, ototoxic medications, ear infections, earwax blockage, head or neck injuries and certain medical diseases or chronic conditions. There is a strong correlation between tinnitus and hearing loss, although not all people with hearing loss develop tinnitus. Due to many veterans’ repeated exposure to loud equipment, artillery and explosions, tinnitus is the most prevalent military service-related condition.
An estimated 3.6 million U.S. veterans experience tinnitus and/or hearing loss. Learn about HLAA’s Veterans Across America Virtual Chapter (VAAVC).
Some experts believe that tinnitus is caused by neural circuits in the brain adapting to inner ear damage (the loss of sensory hair cells). More recently, scientists are researching the impact of abnormal communications between the auditory cortex and other neural circuits.
How is tinnitus diagnosed?
Tinnitus is most often self-perceived when a person notices phantom sounds in their head. To identify potential physical causes such as earwax, fluid from an infection or medications, it’s best to visit a primary care physician first. Following that, an ear, nose and throat doctor (ENT or otolaryngologist) can conduct a more in-depth exam and order imaging tests if pulsatile tinnitus is suspected. Some patients are referred to an audiologist for hearing exams and further evaluation.
TIN-it-us or ti-NYE-tus?
Many people are confused about how to pronounce tinnitus. The first option is the traditional British pronunciation, while the second is more commonly used in the United States. According to the American Tinnitus Association (ATA), either is acceptable, although some purists may disagree.
How is tinnitus treated?
Tinnitus resulting from a physical issue may be easily treatable once identified, whether through antibiotics to clear up an infection or removing a blockage in the ear canal from earwax.
Unfortunately, most cases of chronic tinnitus are not curable, although there are various ways to manage this condition and ease its effects. An ENT or audiologist may suggest sound therapies and generators, hearing aids or cochlear implants, counseling, behavioral therapy, cognitive retraining, acoustic neural stimulation or antianxiety/antidepressant medications. An association between nutrition and tinnitus symptoms may also exist, although further studies in this area are needed.
Exciting research is being conducted around the country to investigate the causes of tinnitus and develop more advanced, effective approaches. Among the current research topics are different ways to stimulate the brain and targeting treatments to individuals based on personalized profiles via brain imaging data. Stay tuned!