New Patient Consultation
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Did You Know?
Tinnitus, or “ringing in the ears”, is a common symptom, experienced by as many as sixty million Americans. The constant sensation of ringing, buzzing, or “crickets chirping” can be a very bothersome ailment. Frequently patients complain of worsening of the sounds during quiet periods, such as when they are trying to fall asleep.
The cause of tinnitus can vary from person to person. Most frequently, this is your brain’s signal that there has been a change in your hearing. Often patients will experience tinnitus before being able to detect any change in their hearing ability. Moreover, the cause of the hearing loss can vary-- from age, to noise exposure, to ototoxic medications, to name a few. Rarely, tinnitus can be a sign of a more serious condition, such as benign tumors or high blood pressure.
While there is no “magic bullet” to cure tinnitus, there are potential strategies to alleviate the symptom and provide relief. The use of masking noise, cessation of exacerbating medications, and potentially a hearing aid can assist in reducing tinnitus. Often, simply reassurance after a thorough evaluation to insure that the tinnitus is benign in nature is comforting.
The following characteristics should prompt a medical evaluation for tinnitus:
- Constant tinnitus
- Sound that is pulsatile, or “throbbing” in nature
- Tinnitus in only one ear
- Tinnitus associated with hearing loss, facial weakness, or dizziness
- Tinnitus with other associated neurologic symptoms
Did You Know?
Ringing in the ears may be a “tip-off” to a change in your hearing. It is experienced by as many as 60 million Americans who complain of worsening during quiet periods.
