Tinnitus

Noises perceived to be originating in the ears or head are called “tinnitus.” Tinnitus may sound like:

Causes of Tinnitus

Hearing Loss
High Blood Pressure, Heart Disease or other Circulatory problems
Central Nervous System problems, including:
- Stroke / Cerebrovascular Accident
- Head Trauma
- Seizure Disorders
- Neurological Diseases
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) problems
Exposure to Loud Noise
Ototoxic reactions or side effects from medication, drugs or other chemicals
Kidney Disease
Metabolic Diseases, such as Diabetes
Meniere’s Disease
Ear Infection
Acoustic Neuroma - Tumors affecting the hearing or balance nerves
Cochlear Fistula - A hole or weak spot in the inner ear

What can I do about my tinnitus?

Avoiding overly quiet places will help make your tinnitus less noticeable.
Use amplification if a hearing loss is present.
Play music or other pleasant sounds, or leave a TV playing softly in the background.
Listen to a radio tuned to no station, so you can hear soft static noise.
Leave a fan running in the background.
Use a Tinnitus Masker instrument.
Consult your otolaryngologist to find out if there is a medical treatment for whatever is causing your tinnitus.
Use hearing protection and avoid loud noises, such as power tools, machinery and noisy appliances, loud motors, or gunfire. Also avoid loud music.
Avoid cholesterol, salt, caffeine, alcohol and other unhealthy foods and beverages.
Keep your blood pressure under control.
Avoid ototoxins, such a chemicals or medications that might be harmful to your hearing.
Consult your dentist if you have a clicking or popping noise or pain when you open and close your mouth. This could be a sign of a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problem.