Tinnitus is the sense of noise or ringing in the ears. According to research, it is becoming a common problem, affecting about 25 to 20 per cent of people. Tinnitus is not a condition itself, it is a symptom of underlying conditions such as circulatory system disorder, age-related hearing loss or ear injury. Even after being annoying, tinnitus normally is not a sign for something serious. Although it can increase with age for many, tinnitus can be cured with proper treatment. Treatment reduces or masks the noise which makes tinnitus less noticeable. Read to know causes, symptoms and precautions.

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Tinnitus -  causes, symptoms & precautions

Causes

According to medical researches, a common cause of tinnitus is inner ear hair cell damage. Several health conditions can cause or increase existing tinnitus. There are many cases where an exact cause is never found. Small delicate hair in your inner ear move with the pressure of sound waves. This provokes cells to release an electrical signal through a nerve from your ear to your brain. Your brain translates these signals as sound. If the hairs inside your inner ear are broken or bent, they can leak random electrical impulses to your brain which causes tinnitus. Some other causes include chronic health conditions, injuries, ear problems or conditions that affect the nerves in your ear or the hearing centre in your brain

• Common causes of tinnitus
• Age-related hearing loss
• Exposure to loud noise
• Earwax blockage
• Ear bone changes
• Meniere’s disease

Symptoms

As per various researches, tinnitus involves the sensation of hearing sound when there is no external sound. The noise may differ from low pitch to high. You may hear it in both ears or one. In a few cases, the sound can be so loud that it can interfere with your ability to hear external sound or concentrate. Tinnitus may come and go or can be present at all times. Its symptoms may include these types of illusional noises in your ears.

• Buzzing
• Clicking
• Hissing
• Humming
• Ringing
• Roaring

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Types of tinnitus

• There are two types of tinnitus which are subjective tinnitus and objective tinnitus.
• Subjective tinnitus is when only you can hear. This is the most common type.
• Objective tinnitus is when your doctor can hear while they are doing an examination. This is a rare type of tinnitus.

Precautions

If you have tinnitus that irritates you then you should immediately see a doctor. According to a study, in most cases, tinnitus is the result of something that cannot be prevented. However, there are a few prevention methods and remedies. This can prevent or might stop certain types of tinnitus.

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
• Take care of your cardiovascular health
• Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT)
• Turn down the volume
• Sound therapy
• Use hearing protection

Disclaimer: Consulting an Otolaryngologist is advised. This is based on research and studies by various medical firms.

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