Tinnitus: What is tinnitus?
Where most people can hear a pin drop during silence, people who suffer from tinnitus will hear a
constant ringing in their ears; or buzzing, hissing, rushing, whirling, pinging, chirping, etc. The sounds
may come and go, be continuous, occur in one or both ears, and vary in pitch. Currently, more than
50 million people in the U.S. suffer from some degree of tinnitus. Of these individuals, at least 2
million experience it so severely that it interferes with their daily activities, according to the American
Tinnitus Association.
What causes tinnitus? Tinnitus may result from a variety of causes, including damage to the nerve
endings in the inner ear from prolonged exposure to loud noise, stiffening of bones in the middle ear
from advancing age, allergies, high or low blood pressure, tumors, diabetes, thyroid problems, injury
to the head or neck, side effects of certain medications, wax buildup in the ear canal, and jaw
misalignment. Ninety percent of people with tinnitus have noise-induced hearing loss.
Treatment for tinnitus: Currently, there is no known cure for tinnitus. However, experts suggest
trying one of the following to find relief:
Hearing aids. These may benefit some people with tinnitus who have hearing loss.
Cochlear implants. This is for those with tinnitus along with severe hearing loss.
Maskers. This small table top electronic device creates sound that may make the ringing or
roaring seem softer.
Medications. Some medications may ease tinnitus by addressing a problem related to the
condition or to improve mood or sleep; talk to your health care provider.
Tinnitus retraining therapy. This therapy uses a combination of counseling and maskers.
Otolaryngologists and audiologists can help a person learn how to deal with the tinnitus.
Relaxation. This may provide relief for some people as stress may make tinnitus worse. Using
biofeedback can help to reduce stress.
Other helpful tips:

Think about ways to help you cope with or ignore the ringing. Listening to music or
background noise from a tabletop generator such as a babbling brook, ocean waves, or forest
life. Some people find that listening to a low volume static from the radio or fan, especially at
night, can help with falling asleep.

Avoid anything that can make your tinnitus worse. This includes smoking, alcohol, and
exposure to loud noise. If you are regularly exposed to loud noise whether at work or at home,
wear earplugs or special earmuffs to protect your hearing.

Ask your family and friends to face you when they talk so that you can see their faces and
expressions when they talk to you; this will help you understand them better.
For more information or questions on this issue, please contact Nurse Jennie at 262-613-7216.