TINNITUS AND OTHER HEARING DISORDERS

What is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is the perception of a sound that has no external source. It manifests as a ringing, swishing, humming, buzzing, cricket-like or other type of sound that seems to originate in the ear or head.   It may be constant or intermittent and may be heard in one ear, both ears or in the head. Tinnitus originates in the middle ear (behind the eardrum) or in the sensorineural auditory system. In most cases, only the patient can hear the noise.

Tinnitus may also be accompanied by hearing loss and sometimes co-exists with hyperacusis (see below). Some known causes of tinnitus are head injury or noise exposure; however, in some cases, no cause is forthcoming. Some forms of tinnitus can be treated yet the majority of cases have no cure. Often, tinnitus is not a serious problem, but rather a nuisance that eventually resolves on its own. 

Although the majority of hearing disorders are the result of damage to the inner ear, there can be many causes for hearing problems.   The professionals at Jones Hearing can help find a solution for you.. 

> What Helps To Relieve Tinnitus?
> Other Hearing Disorders

What Helps Relieve Tinnitus?

Some patients report finding relief from their tinnitus through one of the following: 

• Exercise
• Control blood pressure
• Decrease salt consumption
• Avoid stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine
• Meditate
• Get adequate rest
• Use sound therapy (masking noises)
• Learn biofeedback techniques
• Avoid aspirin and similar products in large doses
• Change a medication or medication dosage
• Get counseling - especially to help sleep and concentration

Tinnitus affects nearly 36 million Americans of all ages.  Because tinnitus can be a symptom of some serious disorders (such as a tumor), please see a hearing professional for an evaluation.

Other Hearing Disorders

Acoustic Neuroma

is a type of benign tumor that grows in the canal connecting the brain to the inner ear. Symptoms may include difficulties with hearing and balance.

Hyperacusis

is the inability to tolerate everyday sounds, especially sudden and high pitched sounds such as sirens or alarms.  It can be acquired as a result of damage sustained to the hearing apparatus through noise or head injury.

Meniere's Disease

is a disorder of the inner ear affecting balance and hearing, characterized by vertigo, dizziness, hearing loss in one or both ears, and tinnitus. It may be inherited or may be the result of a mutation present at birth.

Neurofibromatosis (NF)

is a genetic neurological disorder that affects cell growth in nerve tissue. NF produces tumors of the skin, internal organs, and nerves that may become cancerous (malignant).

Glue Ear

is a painless condition in which thick, sticky fluid collects behind the eardrum. The fluid blocks the middle part of the ear and can cause impaired hearing. It usually affects children and is also known as Chronic Otitis Media with Effusion (OME), Secretory Otitis Media, and Middle Ear Effusion. 

Otitis Media

is an infection or inflammation of the middle ear. This inflammation often begins when a viral or bacterial infection that causes sore throats, colds, or other breathing problems spreads to the middle ear.  Seventy-five percent of children experience at least one episode of otitis media by their third birthday. The length and severity of episodes vary greatly, but some hearing loss may be experienced, even in mild cases. 

Otosclerosis

is a form of bone overgrowth in the middle ear that causes progressive hearing loss and possibly a loss of balance.

Presbycusis (the aging ear)

is the high frequency hearing loss that occurs normally later in life. This type of hearing loss not only has more impairment in the high frequencies than in the low frequencies, but also includes other changes. With presbycusis, we sometimes see a slowing down of the central auditory processing system. The part of the brain that interprets speech slows down so that an individual with presbycusis finds it difficult to understand speech as fast as some people speak.

Swimmer's Ear  (otitis externa)

is a painful infection or inflammation of the canal between the eardrum and the outer ear. Causes include water in the ear canal, mechanical damage due to overzealous cleaning, and chemical irritation from hair treatment products.

Usher Syndrome

is an inherited disorder that involves both a hearing impairment and a vision impairment called retinitis pigmentosa. Some people may also have a problem with balance.