Tinnitus symptoms and treatment

Tinnitus is a fairly common hearing condition that can be caused in a number of ways. While some forms of tinnitus are irreversible, others may be temporary or may be treated by medical intervention.



Many people experience the sensation of a 'ringing,' 'swishing' or 'rushing' sound in their ears or head on occasion, particularly after the eardrums are exposed to loud sounds such as explosions, gunshots or loud music at concerts and nightclubs. While in most cases this effect will be temporary, occasionally the severity of the ear trauma will mean that part of the ear is permanently affected.



Loud noises are not the only cause of tinnitus however, with certain drugs such as aspirin and quinine having been traced to tinnitus when overused. Natural ageing can also be a cause of the condition as hearing worsens, with 12 per cent of people aged between 65 and 74 reportedly suffering from tinnitus to some degree.



The symptoms of tinnitus are relatively easy to diagnose, despite being a subjective condition. Sufferers usually report hearing a ringing or buzzing sound in one or both ears that is not caused by external stimuli, and which can remain present on a permanent basis. If this sound is accompanied by hearing loss or dizziness, it's possible that tinnitus sufferers may also be diagnosed with Meniere's disease.



If you believe you have tinnitus, you should consult a physician to confirm that the condition is not caused by a different, treatable problem. If you developed tinnitus due to accidents at work, such as unexpected loud noises in close proximity, you may be entitled to make a tinnitus claim and receive compensation.



If you have established that your tinnitus is not the result of a more serious illness, the condition will not usually pose a serious problem, outside of minor discomfort. However, if your tinnitus is particularly bothersome, there are a variety of potential treatment options available. Even though the ear may be permanently damaged, avoiding caffeine or stress could help to alleviate the symptoms at certain times.



People who report experiencing the ringing sound only when trying to sleep are encouraged to experiment with white noise, in the form of a radio, fan or specialised hearing aid developed for the condition. Taking care to avoid exposure to loud noises can also prevent tinnitus worsening, which can mean turning down the volume on personal stereos or avoiding going to loud nightclubs and music gigs.