What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus s the perception of noises within the ears or head in the absence of an external sound. Tinnitus may manifest as ringing, crickets, roaring, pulsing, buzzing, whistling or clicking sounds. In most instances, tinnitus is subjective, where only the patient can hear the sound. Rarely, the noise is objective, where others can hear it as well.
Tinnitus Management
Approximately 30 million Americans experience tinnitus on a regular basis. 1-2% of the population have debilitating tinnitus which may be severe enough to cause anxiety, depression, problems with family and friends, insomnia, and inability to concentrate. Audiologists work with tinnitus sufferers for management of their symptoms.
What Causes Tinnitus?
Tinnitus itself is not a disease, but rather a symptom of another underlying condition. Age related sensorineural hearing loss, noise induced hearing loss, high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid conditions, ototoxic medications, alcoholism, cigarette smoking are conditions commonly associated with the development of tinnitus. In these instances tinnitus progresses as a result of damage to the auditory system and/or restriction of blood supply to the inner ears.
Other issues which may cause tinnitus are temperomandibular joint disorder,obstructions within the middle ear, sinus pressure, and traumatic brain injury or even excessive cerumen (wax) in the ear canal.
Some groups are at higher risk of developing tinnitus. These include active military personnel and veterans, senior citizens, those employed in loud workplace environments, music lovers, musicians, hunters and motorsports participants.
Initial Tinnitus Evaluation
The Audiologist will take a case history to obtain specific information regarding the patient’s tinnitus and will often administer questionaires prior to performing audiological tests. Measuring the loudness and pitch of the tinnitus may be completed.
Medical Follow-Up
A medical evaluation is usually recommended if the patient reports a difference in the volume of the tinnitus between ears or tinnitus in only one ear.
Hearing Aids or Tinnitus Masking Devices
Tinnitus is common in patients with hearing loss. The Audiologist can help determine whether or not hearing instruments will help to improve hearing as well as reduce the sensation of tinnitus. Other electronic devices, such as tinnitus maskers (steady state sounds presented to the ears) may provide relief from tinnitus.
Counseling
Behavioral, medical, prosthetic or pharmacological treatments are available for treatng tinnitus. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the only treatment that has been thoroughly researched and is based upon how the perception of tinnitus affects the patient’s lifestyle and well-being. CBT does not eliminate tinnitus but restructures the patient’s reaction to it.
References
Henry, J.L., & Wilson, P.H. (2001). The Psychological Management of Chronic Tinnitus: A Cognitive-Behavioral Appraoch. Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
Kochkin,S. Tyler R., Born J. (2011) MarkeTrak VIII: The Prevalence of Tinnitus in the United States and the Self-Reported Efficacy of Various Treatments. Hearing Review 18(12):10-26.