Tinnitus is the term used to describe the noises one may hear inside their head that is not generated by an outside source. These noises may present themselves as a ringing, buzzing, humming, chirping or various other sounds. The word tinnitus is Latin and literally means “ringing.”

If you have hearing loss, you might also experience tinnitus. Though not usually dangerous, tinnitus can be a symptom of an underlying condition. Tinnitus often causes fatigue, trouble sleeping, difficulty concentrating, memory issues, depression, anxiety and irritability. Though not necessarily serious, it can be debilitating.

WHAT CAUSES TINNITUS?

Tinnitus can be cause by many things. The course of treatment for the tinnitus will depend on the condition that is causing it, the severity and any accompanying issues such as hearing loss as well as the impact the tinnitus has on your daily life.

COMMON CAUSES OF TINNITUS:

Stress and depression
Hearing loss
Exposure to loud noises
Earwax buildup or blockages
Abnormal bone growth in the ear
Meniere’s disease
Head or neck injuries
Benign tumor of the 8th cranial nerve
Side effect of certain medications

WHAT TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE?

Depending on the cause of the tinnitus, there are several treatments available. It is important to understand that these treatments reduce the impact of the tinnitus, but there is not actually a cure. Some options involve medical treatment while others involve alternative therapies.

One alternative therapy for tinnitus is sound therapy. Sound therapy shifts the brain’s focus to a different sound that you control, which in turn diminishes the emotional impact of the tinnitus.