What is Tinnitus or Ringing in Ears?

Know what is tinnitus or ringing in ear, tinnitus causes and its prevention. Treatment of tinnitus are given.

In tinnitus, you have a sensation of some noise in ear like ringing, whistling, buzzing, hissing or similar. This unwanted sound may be continuous or intermittent, temporary or permanent, loud or slow.

In most cases it is not noticed during day when background sound is more than the sound you hear in the ear. You may listen to the ringing ear when it is very quite during night when you are trying to sleep. In most cases people with tinnitus have no difficulty in hearing. In some acute tinnitus cases, people should mask external noises to get relief from ringing.

What causes tinnitus?

Tinnitus may be due to several reasons. The most common cause may be due to be a prolonged or sudden exposure to loud sounds like music from boom boxes, rock concerts, gunshots, explosion, power tools, construction equipment, industrial equipment and other loud repetitive or random sounds. In some cases even a one time loud sound (blast or explosion) may bring on the symptoms. The loud noise causes permanent damage to the sound-sensitive cells of the cochlea in the inner ear.

• Ear Problems like buildup of wax, infection (Otitis Media), blocked ear canal, blocked eustachian tube, tumors of the middle ear (rare), perforated eardrum, hearing loss, Meniere's disease (a disease of the inner ear), Otosolerosis (a degenerative disease of the small bones in the middle ear), loose ear hair or a fragment from a recent haircut, etc.
• Damage to the ear caused by excessive consumption of antibiotics, aspirin, barbiturates, quinine containing medications and about 200 prescription and non-prescription drugs.
• Diseases like anemia, hypertension, arteriosclerosis, hypothyroidism, diabetes, sinus congestion, common cold.
• Head injuries.
• Severe stress. This can be a temporary condition and go away as soon as the stress is relieved.
• Mercury in common amalgam dental fillings.
• Exposure to chemicals such as carbon monoxide from gasoline fumes or the benzene used by dry cleaners.
• Excessive consumption of alcohol and/or caffeine.
• High impact exercises can cause tinnitus.
• Aging can result in a deterioration of the cochlea or other parts of the ear.
• A symptom of a disorder of the neck or jaw, such as temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ).

Most people believe that there is not treatment for tinnitus. But there are several options including some natural remedies are available that work for the tinnitus problem. However,the choice of a particular treatment will depend on the type of tinnitus. Electrical stimulation, surgery, some herbs like Gingko Biloba and rosemary may be useful.

Prevention & Remedies of Tinnitus, Ear Ringing

1. If you are hypersensitive to salicylic (many common foods contain salicylates.
   Foods with salicylates: Dry fruits; fruits like apricot, avocado, blackberry, blackcurrant, blueberry; vegetables like capsicum, chili peppers, endive, radish; nuts like almonds, peanuts and water chestnut; processed seasoned meats. Reducing eating foods containing salicylates may give you relief.
2. Keep yourself busy with some activity. If you are sitting idle, then you notice tinnitus sounds easily. Distraction is an effective and easy remedy of tinnitus.
3. Limit your intake of alcohol and caffeine.
4. Reduce saturated fats in your diet.
5. Stop smoking.
6. Reduce salt intake. Salt can cause increased fluid build up in your ears which will worsen tinnitus.
7. Vitamins A and E supplements may cure tinnitus.
8. Avoid loud sounds. Wear earplugs whenever you go to parties where loud music is played.
9. Record and play a "white noise" from a FM radio or the sound of a running shower in a tape. You will not listen the ringing tinnitus sound due to the white noise near your head and let you fall asleep. Or tune a FM radio to point to a static (white noise) between stations and keep it near the bed, just loud enough to be audible.
10. Practice stress management & relief techniques to combat tinnitus.
11. If you take aspirin daily for some disease, try a different anti-inflammatory drug in consultation with your doctor.
12. Homeopath doctors often prescribe the following medicines: Antipyrinum, Cannabis indica, Carboneum sulphuratum, Glycosmis pentaphylla, Melia azabirachta, Ocimum sanctum, Salicylicum acidum.
13. Naturopaths often prescribe Gingko biloba extract for a possible cure of tinnitus.
14. Increase blood circulation to the ear area by massaging or applying a hot pad on the neck. Chewing of some hard foods like dry fruits increases blood circulation to the ear area.
15. While standing, roll the head in a complete circle 3-5 times clockwise and 3-5 times counter clockwise. Bend the neck left and right 3-5 times and forward and backward 3-5 times.

Tinnitus, Ear Ringing : When to Consult a Doctor?

If ringing is persistent and interferes with your daily activities and sleep.
If ringing is with dizziness, vertigo, nausea, or vomiting. Go to doctor for its treatment.

Disclaimer: Please note that the home remedies are only for minor common symptoms and should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. You should not rely on these remedies. Always consult your Doctor for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. You should also avoid using any of these remedies if you are allergic to any of the ingredients. The writer of this article or fatfreekitchen.com is not responsible in any manner.

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