Tinnitus
DEFINITION
Tinnitus is defined as a sound perceived by the ear without
the presence of related sound waves. The sound may be a crackling,
buzzing, ringing or similar sounds. Tinnitus is very common in
adults and is usually not serious.
the presence of related sound waves. The sound may be a crackling,
buzzing, ringing or similar sounds. Tinnitus is very common in
adults and is usually not serious.
DESCRIPTION
Tinnitus can be divided into two categories – pre-cochlear and
sensorineural.
sensorineural.
Pre-cochlear Tinnitus originates from either the external or
middle ear, or from structures close to the ear. It may be present
on one or both sides. A Doctor may be able to hear the sound with a
stethoscope. Common causes include a clicking jaw, foreign object
in the ear, wax build up, normal popping of ears to equalise
pressure, and fluttering of the tympanic membrane (eardrum). Rarer
causes include tumours of the middle ear or atherosclerosis of the
ear arteries.
middle ear, or from structures close to the ear. It may be present
on one or both sides. A Doctor may be able to hear the sound with a
stethoscope. Common causes include a clicking jaw, foreign object
in the ear, wax build up, normal popping of ears to equalise
pressure, and fluttering of the tympanic membrane (eardrum). Rarer
causes include tumours of the middle ear or atherosclerosis of the
ear arteries.
Sensorineural Tinnitus originates in the inner ear. It is
difficult to assess and is therefore not very well understood. It
usually causes ringing, humming, or ‘white noise’ sounds which
cannot be heard by an examiner. Constant, bilateral sounds are
usually related to degeneration and are very common in aged
persons. Unilateral or fluctuating sounds may be related to a
specific cause, such as Meniere’s disease, industrial deafness
(from machinery), loud music or trauma. Risk factors for
sensorineural Tinnitus include hypertension and obesity.
Psychological or stress-related factors may also contribute to
Tinnitus. Alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, aminoglycosides, salicylates
and quinine are known to exacerbate sensorineural Tinnitus.
difficult to assess and is therefore not very well understood. It
usually causes ringing, humming, or ‘white noise’ sounds which
cannot be heard by an examiner. Constant, bilateral sounds are
usually related to degeneration and are very common in aged
persons. Unilateral or fluctuating sounds may be related to a
specific cause, such as Meniere’s disease, industrial deafness
(from machinery), loud music or trauma. Risk factors for
sensorineural Tinnitus include hypertension and obesity.
Psychological or stress-related factors may also contribute to
Tinnitus. Alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, aminoglycosides, salicylates
and quinine are known to exacerbate sensorineural Tinnitus.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
If the underlying cause is identified and treated, most cases
of Tinnitus will eventually resolve. However, when the cause is not
known the problem may be ongoing. Proper health management can
control the effects of Tinnitus.
of Tinnitus will eventually resolve. However, when the cause is not
known the problem may be ongoing. Proper health management can
control the effects of Tinnitus.
- Your Doctor will perform an examination to confirm Tinnitus and
address any treatable causes. A simple hearing test can be
performed with a tuning fork to determine any hearing loss. If
significant hearing loss is present, a referral to an Audiologist
will be required. - Do not insert anything into the ear canal. If wax build-up or a
foreign body is present, your Doctor will perform ear
syringing. - Wear ear plugs or muffs if working with noisy machinery, or
when at a rock concert. - Check your medications with your Doctor as some (aspirin and
quinine) may cause Tinnitus. - Take steps to reduce risk factors such as obesity, hypertension
and diabetes. - Masking techniques may be effective. Playing a radio or TV
softly in the background can often suppress the noises of
Tinnitus. - Reduce alcohol, nicotine and caffeine consumption.
Aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years of age
unless specified by a Doctor.
unless specified by a Doctor.
DIET HINTS
- Low Cholesterol. A diet high in cholesterol can increase the
risk of noise-related hearing impairment. Avoid brains, liver,
kidney, pate, visible fat on meat, fish roe and egg yolks. - Low Fat. A diet high in saturated fats can increase the
stickiness of the blood, reducing the flow of oxygen and nutrients
to the inner ear. Avoid saturated fats such as butter, margarine,
lard, processed meats, biscuits, cakes and fried foods.
VITAMINS/MINERALS/HERBS
Supplements may only be of value if dietary intake is
inadequate.
inadequate.
- Vitamin A is necessary for auditory functioning.
- Multi B group vitamins may help to reduce the severity of
Tinnitus. Supplementing with a B group multivitamin may also be
helpful in cases of Meniere’s disease (one cause of Tinnitus). - Vitamin B12 has been found to be deficient in some people with
Tinnitus. Taking this vitamin may help to reduce the symptoms of
Tinnitus. - Magnesium is a very important mineral for the nervous system.
Adequate magnesium levels are needed for proper functioning of the
hearing pathway. Magnesium exhibits a protective in cases of
noise-induced hearing loss and Tinnitus. - Ginkgo biloba has a long history of use in treating Tinnitus.
It is thought to improve circulation of blood to the inner
ear.
ORGANISATIONS & SUPPORT GROUPS
For further information, contact the Australian Tinnitus
Association on telephone (02) 9361 7331.
Association on telephone (02) 9361 7331.
PHARMACIST’S ADVICE
Ask your Pharmacist for advice.
- Your Pharmacist can advise you if your medications might be
causing Tinnitus. - Avoid coffee, tea, cola drinks and alcohol.
- Avoid loud noises (rock concerts, machinery, traffic and other
industrial noises). - Your Pharmacist can supply ear plugs if needed.
- Take steps to reduce risk factors such as obesity, hypertension
and diabetes.