Tinnitus is a common ear condition that affects millions of people. It is characterized by ringing, buzzing, or other noises in the ear. Tinnitus can be caused by a variety of factors, including age-related hearing loss, noise exposure, earwax buildup, Meniere’s disease, and certain medications.
There is no cure for tinnitus, but there are treatments that can help make it less noticeable. Treatment options vary depending on the underlying cause of tinnitus, but may include:
- Removing earwax buildup
- Switching to a different medication
- Noise suppression therapy
- Masking techniques
- Tinnitus retraining devices
If you have tinnitus, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions and to discuss treatment options.
Additional information:
- Tinnitus can be either pulsatile or nonpulsatile. Pulsatile tinnitus is caused by abnormal blood flow in the ears or neck, and is less common than nonpulsatile tinnitus.
- Tinnitus can also be classified as subjective or objective. Subjective tinnitus is heard only by the patient, while objective tinnitus can be heard by an observer.
- Most cases of tinnitus are subjective and caused by damage to the hair cells in the inner ear.
Prevention tips:
- Protect your ears from loud noise by wearing earplugs or earmuffs.
- Avoid using cotton swabs to clean your ears.
- Treat ear infections promptly.
- Manage stress and anxiety.
- Get regular checkups and hearing tests.