The experience of hearing a ringing in your ears when there is no external sound present is one that many people experience at one time or another. The American Speech Language Association, or ASLA, says that this condition, know as tinnitus, is common but not well understood. What is known is that tinnitus is a symptom, not a disease, and can accompany many conditions of the body and mind.
Causes
Although tinnitus is a very common condition, the specific physiological trigger and subsequent cure remain a mystery. The ASLA states that ringing of the ears can accompany blows to the head, medications of varying types and doses, high blood pressure, noise exposure, earwax and tumors. Because tinnitus can be brought on by so many causes, and one cause may affect some individuals but not others, it is difficult to say what exactly is to blame for the condition.
Side Effects
According to the American Tinnitus Association, one of the most frequently asked questions by sufferers of tinnitus is whether there are side effects, such as hearing loss, that result from ringing in the ears. The good news is that tinnitus itself does not create any further negative effects for sufferers. Even severe cases of the condition will leave no aftereffects when it subsides. The American Academy of Head and Neck Surgery points out that in rare cases of "objective tinnitus," abnormalities in the blood vessels around the ears or muscle spasms may create noise audible to both the suffer and other people,
Professional Treatments
Although there is no cure for tinnitus, there are treatments that may alleviate tinnitus and provide some relief from persistent bouts. These treatments include hearing aids, cognitive therapy, drug therapy, and treatment for the jaw condition TMJ, according to the American Academy of Head and Neck Surgery.
Home Treatments
Home treatments of tinnitus include playing competing sounds, such as a low-level radio station or white noise source; relaxation techniques; avoidance of stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine; and elimination of depressants like alcohol, according to MedLine. Ample sleep also may prevent bouts of tinnitus.
Emergency Situations
While tinnitus is usually a mere annoyance, there are instances when immediate medical attention is called for, according to MedLine. Call an ambulance if you or someone else is suffering tinnitus after a head injury or if the condition is accompanied by nausea and dizziness.
