Ringing ears is something we have all experienced at one time or the other for short periods of time. Others, however, are not so lucky. Many Americans suffer from tinnitus, which is when there is a constant noise in the ear. Here is a quick overview of tinnitus so you can be educated if this happens to you.
What is tinnitus?
Commonly characterized by a ringing, buzzing, swishing, or clicking, this is a noise heard by the patient that seems to originate within the head instead of an external source. It is important to understand that tinnitus is not an illness itself, rather it is a common symptom of many different health conditions.
What other ailments is tinnitus a symptom for?
There are many other health conditions that involve ringing ears in one way or the other. They include hearing loss, ear infection, wax buildup, certain medication, trauma to the eardrum and canal, pregnancy, brain tumors, problems with your blood flow, anemia, or overactive thyroid.
How do I prevent tinnitus?
One of the best way to prevent this from happening to you is to avoid damage to your hearing such as exposure to loud noises. Plus it is always a good idea to clean your ears regularly, and if they are red and produce discharge make sure to go get them checked out by a doctor.
Are there different types of tinnitus?
Yes, there are four common tinnitus diagnoses. The most common includes the sound of crickets, buzzing, hissing or whistling in your ear that no one else can hear. There is also pulsatile tinnitus which is a noise heard that matches your heartbeat, or a more rare form that happens when your doctor can hear something but you cannot.
What can a patient with tinnitus do to alleviate the symptoms?
Unfortunately, there is no permanent cure. However doctors believe that exercising between three to five days a week can help alleviate symptoms, using hearing aids if your hearing is impaired, clean your ears, or even staying away from foods with heavy amounts of salt in them.
If you suffer from ringing ears, it is crucial to visit a doctor right away. Not only will you come to discover the root of the problem, you will be able to feel better and enjoy the sound of silence.