What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is a condition, experienced as ringing in the ears or head.
What causes Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is usually caused by a fault in the hearing system. Symptoms can arise from problems as simple as wax against the eardrum, or as serious as a tumour on the hearing nerve. A major cause is exposure to excessive noise, e.g. chainsaws, machinery, rock concerts.
What can be done?
- Fitting of hearing aids- Helps you hear the right sounds by making them louder and the tinnitus less noticeable
- Tinnitus maskers/noisers- A small electronic device to help make the ringing or roaring seem softer
- Tinnitus advice- Counseling to address the emotional and psychological aspects of the serious tinnitus sufferer
- Medicine/drug therapy- Helps improve inner ear circulation. May relieve the stress that can accompany tinnitus
What to do to help lessen the severity
- Avoid exposure to excessively loud sounds and noises
- Get your blood pressure checked
- Avoid too much coffee, tea, alcohol, and tobacco, especially in the evenings
- Exercise daily to improve your circulation
- Get adequate rest and avoid fatigue
- If taking regular medication, see your doctor about known side-effects or seek an alternative
