Tinnitus

"TINNITUS IN THE EARS"

What are Tinnitus? Tinnitus is the medical term for "buzz" in the ears. These are sounds we hear, but without coming from the outside. They are produced by the body itself and are usually very annoying.

Is it a disease? Ringing in the ears is a symptom and not a disease. Similarly fever is a symptom of tonsillitis and not a disease.

Since it is a symptom, of what disease is it caused? Tinnitus is usually due to ear diseases. Some examples: alveolar obstruction, ear trauma, otitis, acoustic trauma, Meniere's disease, otosclerosis, presbyopia (analogous to presbyopia) Are they only due to ear diseases? Tinnitus can also be heard in problems such as arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, thyroid diseases, taking medications such as anti-inflammatory, antibiotics and especially aspirin. Although humming due to the above causes is quite rare, a formal check should be made.

What medical exams should I do?

The otolaryngologist-radiologist will first check the outer ear to proceed if needed to clear it from the cell. He will then perform special examinations to check the functioning of the drums and acoustic bones. The audiogram (measurement of hearing) will provide the necessary information not only for the hearing loss but also for its type and severity.In addition, with a specific medical examination, it is possible to measure the frequency and intensity of noises. The most specialized tests provide valuable information on the condition of the inner ear cells and the auditory nervous system.

Are there any medicines for tinnitus?

The medicines we have at our disposal can only improve the problem in acute and very recent cases. When the tinnitus has been around for a long time then the medicines are of no real benefit.

What can I do to improve the situation?

Avoid loud noises. Reduce salt in food and avoid stimulants, such as coffee, tea, tobacco. Exercise to improve blood circulation. Save time for rest and adequate sleep. Turn your attention away from the sounds or other sounds. The more you care about, the stronger they become, because a vicious circle is created in the brain.

What is the best solution when I have a hearing loss?

The best solution is the headset. Headphones that amplify the sounds of the environment, which you do not hear well due to hearing loss, cover the inner sound that your ear produces, that is, the sounds. In this way the benefit is twofold. On the one hand you hear better and on the other you hear noises. Today's technology makes it possible to use hearing aids that are small and discreet.

But if my hearing is normal?

In the case of normal hearing we have the following possibilities. Sound cover. We use external noise, called white noise. It is provided either through dedicated devices such as headphones or via a CD (digital disc) that we play on an audio player. The last word in technology is the laser treatment of tinnitus.It is a special device that sends a laser beam into the inner ear, which activates and rejuvenates the cells associated with buzz production. The device is used for 25 minutes a day for at least 2 to 3 months. There is usually a noticeable improvement from week three.