Noise in the Ear – Tinnitus

What is Tinnitus

Tinnitus is a common condition when patients hear noises in their ears or their heads

Facts about Tinnitus

• It is estimated that approximately 30% – 40% of the population will suffer from tinnitus at some point in their life and it is more commonly associated with hearing loss
• The noise is usually high pitched and ringing in nature but may vary in pitch from low to high frequency
• The intensity of the noises can alter with exercise, the drinking of coffee or wine and other factors
• Stress can make it worse
• Tumours may cause tinnitus
• The noise may be continuous of intermittent
• Hearing words, songs or voices is not tinnitus
• Sometimes it my coincide with heart beat/pulse
• Children can suffer from tinnitus
• Tinnitus sufferers may be apprehensive of serious causes such as a brain tumour

Investigations

• All patients with tinnitus affecting only one ear require investigation by an ENT surgeon. Investigations usually include hearing tests and scans
• Not all who have tinnitus in both ears will need every investigation
• Usually no definite cause for the tinnitus is found. Rarely a more serious condition will be found, such as a tumour of the auditory nerve (acoustic neuroma)

Treatment

In most cases no single treatment is totally satisfactory. The following are some of the commonly used options:

• Masking the tinnitus with background noise e.g. devices such as a transistor radio placed under the pillow
• Counselling, cognitive therapy, hypnotherapy can all play an important role
• Specific treatment depends on the cause if found
• Devices such as hearing aids and tinnitus maskers are often helpful
• Majority of patients adapt to tinnitus well over a period of time
• In some cases the tinnitus resolves spontaneously

Please click HERE for more information on the ENTUK website