What is tinnitus?
Tinnitus is not a condition in itself, but a symptom of some other condition that causes a high-pitched whine, a ringing, buzzing, or clicking in the ears. It can come from any number of problems starting with the eardrum and cochlea – the organs that turn sound waves into electrical signals for the brain to interpret as sound. Causes can range in gravity from a tumor near the ear, nerve damage, repetitive trauma from loud noise or constant air pressure changes, to simple deterioration of the ear organs through aging.
What kind of doctor treats tinnitus?
Often tinnitus can be evaluated by a primary-care doctor or internist, but if consultation is needed, an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat doctor) is the specialist who evaluates and cares for people with tinnitus. Audiologists are trained to perform hearing tests and assessments.
What is the treatment for tinnitus?
Tinnitus is a common complaint, with up to 15% of Americans having experienced it. It is the most common symptom reported by military service members returning from combat.
- Tinnitus may last for weeks or months and then resolve spontaneously. For some people, tinnitus may last for years.
- The tinnitus may be significant enough to interfere with an individual's activities of daily living. For this reason, treatment must also be directed at decreasing the effects of tinnitus on a person's daily life, such as depression, insomnia, etc.
- For those people whose tinnitus is caused by an adverse or toxic reaction to a medication, stopping the drug may allow the hearing mechanism to recover; however, talk with your doctor before stopping any medication. Sometimes the adverse effects of medications on hearing may be permanent.
- Electrical stimulation and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation are some of the other treatment considerations available for certain individuals with tinnitus.
- Benzodiazepine medications, including alprazolam (Xanax), may help suppress nerve function and decrease tinnitus symptoms.
- Corticosteroid injections into the middle ear may decrease inflammation in certain cases of tinnitus.
- Antidepressant medications may decrease the intensity of tinnitus or resolve the noise altogether. Moreover, antidepressants may also help with the depression that is sometimes associated with the presence of persistent and chronic tinnitus.
- Prostaglandin analogs, such as misoprostol (Cytotec), may be of some help in some people with tinnitus.
Are there home remedies for tinnitus?
The following home remedies may be of benefit to some individuals with tinnitus.
- Dietary restrictions including avoiding caffeine and decreasing salt intake
- Smoking cessation
- Zinc supplements
- Melatonin
- Ginkgo biloba
SLIDESHOW
Tinnitus: Why Are My Ears Ringing? See SlideshowReferences
Chen, YC. et al. "Tinnitus and hyperacusis involve hyperactivity and enhanced connectivity in auditory-limbic-arousal-cerebellar network." eLife. May 2015.
<https://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.06576>
Lehner A. et al. rTMS for the Treatment for Chronic Tinnitus: Optimization by Stimulation of the Cortical Tinnitus Network. Tinnitus Today, Summer 2012.
Meng Z, et al. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for tinnitus. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2011 Oct 5;(10).
Park, J. et al. "Efficacy of acupuncture as a treatment for tinnitus: a systematic review." Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. Apr. 126(4)
University of San Francisco Medical Center. "Tinnitus Signs and Symptoms."
<https://www.ucsfhealth.org/conditions/tinnitus/signs_and_symptoms.html>
<https://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.06576>
Lehner A. et al. rTMS for the Treatment for Chronic Tinnitus: Optimization by Stimulation of the Cortical Tinnitus Network. Tinnitus Today, Summer 2012.
Meng Z, et al. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for tinnitus. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2011 Oct 5;(10).
Park, J. et al. "Efficacy of acupuncture as a treatment for tinnitus: a systematic review." Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. Apr. 126(4)
University of San Francisco Medical Center. "Tinnitus Signs and Symptoms."
<https://www.ucsfhealth.org/conditions/tinnitus/signs_and_symptoms.html>
Top Treatment Ringing in the Ears Tinnitus Related Articles
What Happens After Endolymphatic Sac Decompression Surgery?Endolymphatic sac decompression surgery is done to drain excess fluid from the inner ear. After this surgery, the operated ear is covered with a Glasscock dressing, which is a special dressing...
What Is the CPT Code for Foreign Body Removal From the Ear?The current procedural terminology (CPT) code for foreign body removal from the ear without general anesthesia is 69200. The type of removal described in this procedure includes the removal of...
Does Tinnitus Ever Go Away?Tinnitus is when you hear ringing or other noises — like roaring or humming — in one or both ears. Many times tinnitus lasts for a few seconds to minutes, but other times it may be permanent.
esketamine oticEsketamine otic is a medication being investigated for the treatment of ringing in the inner ears (inner ear tinnitus). Esketamine otic is a hyaluronic acid gel formulation that is injected through...- How Can I Stop Tinnitus Immediately?Tinnitus — sometimes called ringing in the ears — is when you perceive sound even though there's no actual external source making that sound. You can stop tinnitus by treating the underlying cause,...
How Can I Unclog My Ears at Home?Clogged or stuffy ears may cause considerable discomfort that includes ear fullness, dizziness, muffled hearing, ringing in the ears and ear pain. Home remedies to unclog your ears include chewing,...
How Can You Unblock Your Ear?There are times when your ears get clogged for various reasons. This can cause pain and discomfort and may affect your hearing. Chewing gum, eating hard candy, yawning, gargling and other strategies...
How Do I Know if I Have Papilledema?What is papilledema and what are the symptoms? Learn the signs of papilledema, what causes it, how doctors diagnose it, and what you can do to treat it.
Who Is Most Affected by Tinnitus?Learn what medical treatments can help ease your tinnitus symptoms and help you manage this condition. What is tinnitus and what are the main causes of tinnitus? Learn more about this tinnitus and...
TinnitusTinnitus is described as a throbbing, ringing, clicking, or buzzing in one or both ears. Tinnitus is caused by trauma to the ear, overexposure to loud noises, medication, and diseases or infections...
Tinnitus QuizIs tinnitus just a nuisance or a symptom of a serious medical condition? Take the Tinnitus Quiz to find out!
Tinnitus SlideshowWhat is tinnitus? Explore tinnitus (ringing in the ears) causes, symptoms, relief remedies, treatments and prevention tips. Learn about pulsatile tinnitus.
What Is an Endolymphatic Shunt?An endolymphatic shunt is a surgical procedure that involves placing a small silicone tube in the inner ear to drain excess fluid. This procedure can reverse damage to the ear due to fluid buildup.
What Your Ears Say About Your HealthCould your sore or ringing ears be a sign of something else? Find out more from WebMD about what your ears can tell you about your health.
Why Is My Ear Draining Yellow Fluid?Have you noticed yellow fluid draining from your ear? Learn about ear discharge and what to do if it happens to you.