What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is noise that originates, internally, within the ear rather than from the
external environment and may affect one or both ears.
Who Is Affected by Tinnitus?
Tinnitus may affect anyone although it is more common with increasing age. Hardening
of the arteries also increases the risk. Additionally, frequent exposure to noisy
environments also increases the risk for developing tinnitus. There are, however,
many causes for tinnitus.
- Tinnitus is a common problem that affects about 17 percent of the general population
around the world.
- It may be associated with hearing loss.
- The noises related to tinnitus can appear to be extremely loud to the affected person
and they are also described as unpleasant, annoying , depressing and soul-destroying.
This can lead to the sufferer having difficulty in coping with daily life and, in
more serious cases, it affects the sufferers quality of life.
- There are numerous causes of tinnitus and many cases result from the occurrence
of other underlying disorders such as blockage of the ear canal, Meniere's disease,
ear infections, etc.
- It is important to diagnose and treat any possible, underlying, disorders as this
may have a beneficial effect on the tinnitus symptoms.
What Are the Symptoms of Tinnitus?
Sufferers have been described the sounds that they hear as: -
- Ringing
- Buzzing
- Whistling
- Whooshing
- Humming
- Running water
There are several types: -
- Tinnitus in which the sound is a ringing, buzzing, roaring, whistling, or
hissing noise.
- Pulsatile tinnitus, in which the tinnitus sounds are intermittent, or pulsating
in time with the heartbeat.
- Tonal tinnitus is often called "ringing in the ears." Producing a continuous
sound, like a single note that is on an endless loop.
There are also less common forms tinnitus, where the sufferer can hear beeping,
tapping, or musical notes. An even less common produces a variety of different noises
simultaneously.
In addition to the noises associated with tinnitus, certain other symptoms may accompany
this condition. These include: -
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Pain in the ear
- A sense of fullness in the ears
Although tinnitus is not typically a serious condition it is often accompanied by
hearing loss. However, tinnitus does not cause deafness.
The psychological effects of tinnitus, on some sufferers, can lead them to question
whether they have a mental illness, or even a brain tumour. These conditions are
rarely found in cases of tinnitus and, although possible, are highly unlikely. However,
long term tinnitus, as with any long term illness, can cause depression.
Allopathic Treatment Options
Any underlying disorder is treated, if possible. Many sufferers make use of
radio, television, headphones, etc to block out the noise in their ears. The use
of headphones to play white noise (a random mixture of sounds) is often found to
be effective.
Complementary Treatment Options
Shiatsu therapy, using pressure on acupuncture
points, can be successful in treating tinnitus.
Pro-Holistic provides Shiatsu,
Healing Chi Kung therapy, on-site massage, Stress Mangement courses, and Stress Mangement workshops. We also provide tuition in Chi Kung,
Tai Chi, Neijia,
and self defence.