Tinnitus - Ear or Head Noises

1. Tinnitus is the term for noises that are heard in the ears or head. The noise may be heard in one ear, both ears, or somewhere in the head. It may be constant or occur only occasionally.

2. The type of noise heard and the loudness of the noise varies widely. The tinnitus is often described as a high-pitched ring or whistle, but can resemble rushing water or steam. It may even be a pulsing sound similar to a heartbeat. Some tinnitus is difficult to describe. Any one person may experience more than one kind of noise.

3. Tinnitus can frequently accompany hearing loss, but it may also be experienced by people whose hearing is normal.

4. The exact cause of most tinnitus is unknown. There are a variety of treatments which may give some relief, but unfortunately there is no immediate cure for the majority of people who have tinnitus.

5. Exposure to loud noise can cause tinnitus as well as hearing loss. Loud noise should be avoided or reduced by the use of ear protection.

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Persons with tinnitus should have a medical and an audiological evaluation. This will determine whether any medical treatment is necessary or recommended, and whether the tinnitus is associated with any hearing loss.

2. Treatment techniques can include the use of drugs, hearing aids, masking devices, and biofeedback training. Professional advice on such treatment is necessary.

3. Where no specific treatment is indicated, the following suggestions may be helpful:

Relaxation: Make every effort to avoid nervous anxiety, for this may aggravate the problem. Try to obtain adequate rest and avoid over-fatigue. Professional assistance with relaxation and with acceptance of the tinnitus may be helpful.

Focus attention on something else: Concentrating on physical or mental activities such as gardening, reading, sewing, watching TV, or talking on the telephone will help reduce your awareness of the tinnitus.

Use alternative noise: Tinnitus is most noticeable in quiet surroundings such as in the evenings. Any noise in the room such as a loud ticking clock, or an automatic radio which turns off after you are asleep, or even a radio tuned so that only static is heard will serve to mask the irritating head noises and make them less annoying.

Reduce stimulants: The use of nerve stimulants should be avoided. Therefore, excessive amounts of caffeine (coffee, tea, some sodas, chocolate) and smoking (nicotine) should be avoided. Some drugs including aspirin may cause or increase head noise.

Address hearing loss: If you have hearing loss, medical treatment to correct it where appropriate or hearing rehab with the use of hearing aids may result in decreased tinnitus. For more information, please contact the American Tinnitus Association Web site at www.ata.org.