The perception of noises in the ear, without the requirement of an external sound source, is called tinnitus.
The most common form of tinnitus manifestation is the transient occurrence of tinnitus unrelated to other pathologies or auditory disturbances. Therefore, it is most likely to subside spontaneously in a period of hours or days and it is not associated with deafness or any other disease.
Secondly, we find tinnitus that appears in patients with previous hearing loss, particularly in the case of exposure to occupational noise. The association of tinnitus, hearing loss and vertigo crisis is found in Ménière’s disease. Tinnitus as part of other diseases of greater significance, although possible, is exceptional, a consultation with a specialist will allow you to relax and face a future without discomfort.
Causes of tinnitus
In a large number of cases it is impossible to identify with certainty the cause of tinnitus, but we know that alterations in the vascularization or musculature near the ear and, more frequently, lesions in the path of the auditory nerve from the inner ear to the brain are the cause of tinnitus.
Factors causing tinnitus: noise and pressure changes
Generally, factors that can injure the inner ear also cause tinnitus. Constant or sudden exposure to loud sounds at work or during leisure time and pressure changes, such as those that occur during diving, affect the cells of the ear which, when altered, can cause tinnitus.
It is very common to experience the sensation of transient tinnitus after a concert or a discotheque: if the exposure to noise is longer or more severe, the tinnitus may persist over time.
Hereditary component of tinnitus
In some families there is a hereditary weakness of the inner ear that favors the onset of deafness. In these cases, it is not uncommon for tinnitus to appear as well.
Treatment of tinnitus
All tinnitus can be treated. As with other diseases, there is not a cure in all cases, but in the vast majority of cases, a correct study and appropriate treatment can improve the patient’s situation.
There are different types of tinnitus treatment that will be applied depending on the data obtained during the study of each patient.
- The use of medication will resolve or improve tinnitus by acting at the level of the ear or the brain connections of the auditory nerve.
- In cases where we find associated hearing loss, the use of hearing aids or implants will improve the tinnitus since the stimulation of the ear with useful noise can mask the tinnitus.
- In other cases, the resolution of the ear disease by surgery will also be able to solve the tinnitus.
In any case, it is essential that the patient receives as much information as possible about his pathology and has the opportunity to understand what it consists of and how to remedy it, since the patient’s cooperation favors the development of mechanisms that significantly increase the tolerance to tinnitus.
Prevention of tinnitus
Noise protection is the most important measure to prevent tinnitus. Proper monitoring of hearing health together with adequate treatment of the ear pathology by the ENT specialist are the best preventive measures.