Common Causes Of Tinnitus
Tinnitus or ringing in the ears is usually associated with hearing impairment, but it doesn't always mean the loss of hearing. In fact, some individuals with tinnitus only experience minor difficulties hearing, and in some cases they can be so acutely sensitive to noise (hyperacusis} that they have to take protective measures to muffle or mask outside sounds. More severe tinnitus can lead to hearing complications, as well as serious medical conditions. There are many treatments for tinnitus, ranging from lifestyle changes to surgery. In most cases, a combination of treatment options is used to help an individual regain control over their tinnitus and improve their quality of life.
Most common, and least invasive, tinnitus treatments involve reducing exposure to high decibel noise (often referred to as "noise") or avoiding environments that are excessively loud. Limiting exposure to noise and avoiding environments that are noisy is particularly important for individuals who suffer from tinnitus and need to remain active. It is also important to limit the number of hours that you spend in your bedroom or head-space, since prolonged exposure to ear-ringing noise can have detrimental psychological effects.
Another approach to treating tinnitus involves reducing the volume of your music devices, if you are a heavy listener. Listening to music at high volumes can damage the delicate hair cells in the cochlea, which can ultimately result in tinnitus and even hearing damage. A low-impact, chronic exercise program that alternates low intensity cardio sessions with high intensity workouts can help restore hearing to the ears and brain. Exercise releases neurohormones such as endorphins that naturally curb the effects of stress and anxiety on the body, and can significantly reduce the symptoms of tinnitus and loss of hearing.
There are also prescription medicines that can be used to treat tinnitus. The most commonly used drugs are anti-convulsants such as Carafate and Pregabalin, which can effectively control the symptoms of tinnitus by reducing the noise in the inner ear and masking the internal sounds that are produced by the tinnitus itself. These drugs can be effective for short-term use, but must be taken continually in order to maintain the effects. They also do not address the problem of the causative agent, which is excessive noise inside the brain. More holistic approaches are available to cure tinnitus; holistic approaches work with the body's internal healing abilities to address the tinnitus directly.
The best way to stop tinnitus, however, is to treat the condition from the inside out. To do this, you must find out what is causing the tinnitus, which may be determined from an assessment of the severity of the tinnitus with the aid of a medical professional. Usually, tinnitus occurs when a buildup of wax inside the inner ear creates pressure against the microscopic hair cells that surround it. However, sometimes there is no buildup of wax or other substances inside the ear. Instead, there is excess fluid, which can increase pressure, causing tinnitus. When the fluid increases in volume, it pushes against the microscopic hair cells surrounding the inner ear, which then produces sound.
Some researchers believe that tinnitus may have a genetic component. Research has shown that identical twins who share the same mother can hear different pitches from the same loud noise, whereas non-identical twins tend to hear the same pitch in the same tone. Other researchers believe that tinnitus results from increased blood flow in the brain due to the activation of nerve fibers that respond to hearing. There are many theories on the exact causes of tinnitus, but one thing is clear: there is definitely no guarantee that the condition will never occur. It is possible that it can even go away after experiencing years of continuous exposure to loud noises, such as rock concerts and aircraft engines.
One of the more common causes of tinnitus involves neck injuries. Neck injuries frequently result in either whiplash or concussion injuries, both of which can lead to loss of hearing. Neck injuries also often involve injury to the temporomandibular joint, which often disrupts the flow of communication between the inner ear and the brain. Tinnitus can be caused by an underlying condition or a symptom of one. It's important to consult your doctor to get a thorough examination so that you can get a better idea of whether the loud noise exposure you are suffering from is the cause of your tinnitus or some other condition.