Issue 17.11
This symptom can be a result of Tinnitus (pronounced tin-NY-tus), commonly described as a ringing in the ears, but it also can sound like roaring, clicking, hissing, or buzzing. It may be soft or loud, high or low pitched, and in either one or both ears.
What Causes Tinnitus? Tinnitus is not a disease. It typically is a symptom that something is wrong in the auditory system. Something as simple as a piece of earwax blocking the ear canal can be the cause, as well as other possible health conditions, such as: noise induced hearing loss, ear and sinus infections, diseases of the heart or blood vessels, Meniere’s disease, brain tumors, hormonal changes in women, thyroid abnormalities.
Tinnitus is sometimes the first sign of hearing loss. It can be a side effect of medications or the result of working in noisy environments (construction sites, road crews, music halls, athletic events, etc.) Even with all of these causes, some people develop tinnitus for no obvious reason.
Most of the time, tinnitus is not a sign of a serious health problem, although if it becomes significantly loud and constant, it can cause fatigue, depression, anxiety, and problems with memory and concentration.
Tinnitus does not have a cure yet, but professional treatment and management can reduce its overall frequency, intensity and duration, which helps the patient cope with their condition. Hearing aids have been proven to be an effective tool for significantly reducing Tinnitus by improving the patients hearing. Some other effective tools include, counseling, sound generators, acoustic neural stimulation and cochlear implants.
If you are experiencing signs of Tinnitus, call Dr’s Richard Luekenga, Au.D. and Ryan Whitaker at Dixie Hearing and Balance Center at (435) 688-8991 located at 630 S.400 E. Ste. 103 in St. George. The Doctors will help you understand what is happening and your options for treating your specific symptom.