Believe it or not, most people have experienced some sort of ringing in their ears. The majority of us hear it once in a while. Others, unfortunately, have it 24/7. What are these strange sounds that “appear” from nowhere and sometimes outstay their welcome? Is someone talking about me, am I cursed, or should I ignore it?
This ringing, or tinnitus (tin’i tus), is the perception of sound when there is no sound present. It is not a disease, but a symptom of some underlying cause. It comes in many forms and is commonly described as a: ringing, buzzing, whistling, humming, etc.. It is usually harmless, but can be a warning sign.
More that 50 million Americans experience tinnitus. Fearing the worst, more than 12 million in this group have sought medical attention. One in five of us over the age of 50 years experiences tinnitus on a regular basis. This age group also has the highest incidence of hearing loss. Perhaps this is why researchers point to hearing loss as the most common cause of tinnitus. There are many other things lurking in the closet of probable causes. Things like: noise exposure, certain medicines, acoustic tumors, genetics, changes in body chemistry, fluctuations in blood pressure, and ingredients in our diet. Fortunately, most cases are benign and can be remediated if properly diagnosed and managed.
Audiologists now offer hearing aid technologies that effectively manage tinnitus. Also, there are recognized, proven therapy techniques that reduce and even eliminate tinnitus.
Should I see my doctor for this ringing in my ears? If you are the lady in the picture above…YES, call someone immediately!! If you are like most of us who have tinnitus and want to learn more about it, ask your Audiologist or Physician. The American Tinnitus Association (www.ata.org) is one of the best sources for information on the subject.
