The American Tinnitus Association explains that tinnitus refers to the perception of sound in the ears when there is no external sound. The sound can manifest itself in many different ways, but the end result is a reduced quality of life, and in some cases, a reduced ability to delineate sounds.
Causes
The act of hearing is a complex balance between sound waves and receptors. When someone speaks, the sound travels into the listener's ear and across a vast number of tiny hairs in the inner ear. These hairs, attached to specialized ear cells, send a signal to the brain, which the brain then decodes and interprets as the sound. When there is damage to the ear cells, according to MayoClinic.com, the cells may send false signals to the brain, which often are interpreted as a ringing sound. The ear cells can become damaged, or reduced in quality, in different ways. Old age, ear trauma due to loud noises, ear trauma due to physical damage and changes in bone structure can affect the way ear cells function.
Symptoms
Fortunately, for diagnostic purposes, the main symptom of tinnitus is the manifestation of the disease itself. A ringing sound in the ear, with no external source of sound, is an indicator for tinnitus. Tinnitus varies in severity, from debilitating to hardly noticeable. It is also possible that the sound in the ears can get worse or better with time. When associated with another inner ear infection, Meniere's disease, dizziness or balance problems may be associated with ringing in the ears.
Treatment
Tinnitus treatment options are varied, and the type of treatment will depend on the severity of the case. Treatments range from hearing aids, biofeedback and cognitive therapy for minor cases to cochlear implants and prescription drugs for severe cases.
Risk
Almost anyone can get tinnitus, notes the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Many people experience tinnitus on occasion, while others can experience prolonged tinnitus that is hardly noticeable. Almost everyone has likely had acute tinnitus at one time or another, and many millions are estimated to have chronic tinnitus.
Prevention
While in some cases tinnitus can't be prevented, as with associated diseases, many cases are often preventable. Obvious preventative measures are to listen to extremely loud music or noises in small doses, if at all. Wear ear protection, such as ear plugs, to reduce the risk of damage. Blood flow to the ear cells is important, and maintaining good cardiovascular health can aid in prevention of tinnitus.
