Noise in the Ear – Tinnitus

What is Tinnitus

Tinnitus is a common condition when patients hear noises in their ears or their heads

It is estimated that approximately 30% – 40% of the population will suffer from tinnitus at some point in their life and it is more commonly associated with hearing loss
The noise is usually high pitched and ringing in nature but may vary in pitch from low to high frequency
The intensity of the noises can alter with exercise, the drinking of coffee or wine and other factors
Stress can make it worse
Tumours may cause tinnitus
The noise may be continuous of intermittent
Hearing words, songs or voices is not tinnitus
Sometimes it my coincide with heart beat/pulse
Children can suffer from tinnitus
Tinnitus sufferers may be apprehensive of serious causes such as a brain tumour

All patients with tinnitus affecting only one ear require investigation by an ENT surgeon. Investigations usually include hearing tests and scans
Not all who have tinnitus in both ears will need every investigation
Usually no definite cause for the tinnitus is found. Rarely a more serious condition will be found, such as a tumour of the auditory nerve (acoustic neuroma)

In most cases no single treatment is totally satisfactory. The following are some of the commonly used options:

Masking the tinnitus with background noise e.g. devices such as a transistor radio placed under the pillow
Counselling, cognitive therapy, hypnotherapy can all play an important role
Specific treatment depends on the cause if found
Devices such as hearing aids and tinnitus maskers are often helpful
Majority of patients adapt to tinnitus well over a period of time
In some cases the tinnitus resolves spontaneously

Please click HERE for more information on the ENTUK website

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