Dear Doctors Column June 2, 2008
Sounds Like Tinnitus
Question:
I have a high-pitched tone in my ears all the time. A friend says this sounds like tinnitus. What can you tell me about this condition?
Answer:
Tinnitus is the medical term for the perception of sound when no external sound is present. It is often referred to as "ringing in the ears," although some people hear hissing, roaring, humming, whistling, chirping or clicking. Tinnitus can be a sign of disease in the ear, but it also may be the first or only symptom of a problem originating outside the ear. For example, tinnitus can be associated with anemia, thyroid problems, allergy, diabetes and high or low blood pressure.
While tinnitus itself will not cause deafness, it is often a sign of damage to the inner ear that eventually results in some hearing loss. The most common causes of tinnitus associated with deafness are age-related hearing loss or excessive exposure to loud noises, including blaring music, gunshots at close range and machinery, such as vacuum cleaners and lawn mowers.
The first step is to see your doctor for a thorough ear examination and complete physical. Your doctor may refer you to an otolaryngologist - a specialist in ear, nose, and throat disorders. If the otolaryngologist finds a specific cause of the tinnitus, such as the aspirin and caffeine, the noise may disappear when you stop taking the medication. However, if the tinnitus continues, other causes will be searched for, although in most cases, no cause can be identified.
While there is no cure for tinnitus when no correctable underlying cause is found, doctors have discovered treatments that may provide some relief. Not every treatment works for everyone, so you may need to try several to find the ones that help:
Hearing aids. Many people with tinnitus also have a hearing loss. Wearing a hearing aid makes it easier for some people to hear the sounds they need to hear. The better you hear other people talking, the less you notice tinnitus. Masking. Tinnitus is usually more bothersome in quiet surroundings. A competing sound at a constant low level, such as a ticking clock or radio static (white noise), may mask the tinnitus, making it less noticeable. Relaxing. Stress makes tinnitus seem worse. By relaxing, you have a chance to rest and better deal with the sound. Get adequate rest and avoid fatigue.