An overview of tinnitus

An estimated 360,000 Canadians suffer from tinnitus. Today, researchers have a better understanding of this annoying disorder, and more effective ways to relieve it.

Tinnitus comes from Latin meaning "ring like a bell," but the phantom noise you hear may also be buzzing, clicking, roaring or hissing. It can be a constant, pulsating soundtrack in your head, or come and go in one or both ears.

• Its cause is a mystery, but it’s more common in people who've been exposed to prolonged or intermittent loud noise. In young people, common sources are headphones, too-loud radios and rock concerts. In older people, culprits are long-term exposure to loud noises (such as a job at a construction site) or simply the aging process. About 90 percent of those with tinnitus also have some hearing loss.
• In some cases, unwanted sounds may result from an underlying physical problem, such as an ear infection, earwax buildup, an ear disease (Ménière’s, for example), heart problems or allergies. Sometimes, once the ailment clears up, the sounds disappear. Tinnitus can also be caused by chronic stress, and may be a side effect of certain medications or too much caffeine or alcohol.
• A less common form, called objective tinnitus, involves pulsating sounds that physicians can hear when they listen with a stethoscope. These sounds usually come from jaw movements or from the flow of blood in neck or head vessels. They can also be caused by blocked arteries.

• Visit a doctor to rule out underlying medical causes.
• Make lifestyle changes to minimize noise.
• Use a hearing aid or tinnitus-masking devices to reduce awareness of noise.
• Take supplements, such as ginkgo biloba or niacin, to improve blood flow and nerve function.
• Take drugs to help related depression and sleep problems.

• Check out Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT): A new approach available for tinnitus sufferers, TRT retrains your brain to process tinnitus sounds differently, which can help decrease your awareness of them.
• Mask the noise: Use a fan, ticking clock, tapes of nature sounds or soft music. Or open a window and concentrate on the rustling wind, street sounds or chirping birds.
• Plan ahead for the sound: Tinni­­­­tus usually gets worse in the evening, when the noises of the day stop. Try a tinnitus masker at this time. If tinnitus actually interferes with your ability to fall asleep, you might want to listen to music. You can use a clock radio with an automatic shutoff.

• There are plenty of online resources for people with tinnitus. Of course, your doctor is always the best source of advice, but doing some independent research about your condition is always a good idea.
• You might even find new information to bring to your next doctors visit, or find a support group in your area. Always check with your doctor before changing your health plan.
• Check out the American Tinnitus Association. They have more information about the condition, its management and research.