Ringing in the ears is an example of tinnitus. Tinnitus is the medical term used to describe the illusion of noises in the ears without a source. These noises range in volume and type of sound. The National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders reports that about 22.7 million adult Americans have experienced tinnitus for longer than three months, which is about 10 percent of the population.
Cause
The cause of tinnitus is unknown, but doctors do know that tinnitus can be a symptom of most ear problems, such as excessive ear wax, injury from loud noises or infections. Illicit drugs, medications, salt, sugar, artificial sweeteners, alcohol, tobacco and caffeine can cause ear noises, as well as hearing loss. Tinnitus can be a sign that a serious problem, such as an aneurysm or tumor, is occurring within your body. High blood pressure, anemia and allergies can cause tinnitus, and it can be a sign that something is wrong within your ear, auditory nerve and the sound processing part of your brain. Tinnitus can be a symptom of heart and blood vessel disease, Meniere's disease, hormone changes in women and thyroid difficulties.
Treatment
No cure for tinnitus exists, but changing your feelings about tinnitus through counseling can help you cope. The healthier that your hearing is, the less you will experience tinnitus. Hearing aids may be helpful if you have experienced hearing loss. Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can have a positive effect on your mood as well as lower your anxiety. The American Tinnitus Association warns against doctors who give hopeless diagnoses and advice that indicates you can do nothing about your tinnitus.
Living with Tinnitus
Ways that you can cope with chronic tinnitus include covering the ringing with comforting sounds, such as music, the whir of a dryer or any other noise that you find pleasant. The noise tinnitus creates often is more prominent at bed time, so surrounding yourself with white noise might help you get the rest your body needs. The National Institutes of Health reports that stress can worsen tinnitus, and that learning techniques to help you to relax can help tinnitus. Avoid caffeine, alcohol and smoking, and try to elevate your head when you lie down.
Medical Intervention
The National Institutes of Health suggests that you contact a medical professional about your tinnitus if symptoms began after you obtained a head injury or if your symptoms include dizziness, lack of balance, nausea or vomiting.
Considerations
The American Tinnitus Association suggests creating a support system by educating your family, friends and co-workers about conditions and settings that are difficult for you to handle because of tinnitus. Support groups for people afflicted with tinnitus may help you obtain useful information, coping strategies and compassion from others struggling with the disorder.
