subject: Finding Relief For Tinnitus At Your Local Hearing Center [print this page] Ringing of the ears, otherwise known as tinnitus, is a very common problem. In fact, most experience ringing in the ears at some time or another. Sometimes it is serious and other times it is just annoying. Your local hearing center may even tell you it's normal to have occasional ringing in the ears. What causes it? How can you tell when it's not normal?
Loud noise is a common cause. Other causes could be something stuck in your ear canal like earwax, fluid in the ear, or even a foreign object. More serious could be a tumor. Damage could be present to the nerve endings, and even aging can cause the problem. Some medicines or diseases can also cause ringing in the ears. So how do you test for something that likely only the patient can hear?
There are several tests that can be performed to determine what is causing tinnitus. Of course your doctor will need you to give a complete health history, and will probably perform a physical exam at the hearing center. Your doctor will want to know when the symptoms started, and how long you have had your symptoms. Other questions might include how often you hear ringing in your ears, whether or not you suffer from any hearing loss, and whether or not you have any trouble with balance. Your doctor will run some tests on you. One of the tests may be the audiogram. This will tell them if you suffer from hearing loss. Your doctor may even use a CT scan or MRI. All of this testing helps your doctor diagnose and determine treatment.
Treatment is tricky. Some patients will find no relief with medications, while others will. Some patients may even find that over time their symptoms get better. Some other suggestions are to decrease consumption of caffeine and salt. Some patients even find that quitting smoking can help them find relief. Exercise, controlling blood pressure, and even background noise can help. Some other suggestions include turning on a fan or radio while sleeping.
One way to avoid tinnitus is to protect your ears. Use earplugs when you are around loud constant sound such as mowing the lawn. If you choose to go to a live concert give your ears a break every couple of hours and keep those outings to a minimum. Use ear plugs during target practice, and if you are in a high-risk profession such as farming or construction make sure to regularly visit your local hearing center for screenings.
