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FAQ
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Tinnitus Questions:
- What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus can be described as ear or head noises/sounds that are exclusive from external noises/sounds, for example when you lie in bed at night and you hear a low ringing sound. It is estimated that 1 out of every 5 people experience some degree of Tinnitus. Tinnitus symptoms are classified into two different forms: Objective Tinnitus and Subjective Tinnitus.
Objective Tinnitus
This is the rarer form and consists of head noises audible to other people in addition to the sufferer. The noises are usually caused by vascular anomalies, repetitive muscle contractions, or inner ear structural defects. The sounds are heard by the sufferer and are generally external to the auditory system. This form of Tinnitus means that an examiner can hear the sound heard by the sufferer by using a stethoscope.
Subjective Tinnitus
This form of Tinnitus may occur anywhere in the auditory system and is much less understood, with the causes being many. Anything from the ear canal to the brain may be involved. The sounds can range from a metallic ringing, buzzing, ocean like sounds, roaring, or sometimes similar to a popping, or nonrhythmic beating.
- What cause's Tinnitus?
The exact cause of Tinnitus is unknown but mostly Tinnitus evolves from damage to the microscopic endings of the hearing nerve in the inner ear.
Exposure to loud noise at work may also be responsible. For instance, operators of pneumatic drills, workers in noisy factories, musicians and DJs may be at particular risk. Other possible causes of Tinnitus are listed below.
- Ménière's Disease, which results from an increased pressure in the inner ear and also causes deafness and Vertigo.
- Otosclerosis - this is a condition in which the small bones of the middle ear become immobile.
- Ear infections and inflammation can cause Tinnitus.
- Otitis media with effusion ( this is an ear infection commonly known as 'glue ear' in children).
- Acoustic neuroma - this is normally a non-cancerous tumour of the auditory nerve (the auditory nerve carries signals from the inner ear to the brain, but its ability to carry the sounds correctly are affected by the tumor).
- High doses of drugs, such as certain antibiotics, quinine and even aspirin can cause one to experience Tinnitus.
- Anaemia
- Head injuries
- Hypothyroidyism, which is a condition where you have low thyroid hormone levels.
- Disorders of the heart and blood vessels (specifically in the head).
- High blood pressure can cause Tinnitus.
- Problems with the joint between the jaws ( temporomandibular joint or TMJ) - which can also cause pain in the head or face.
- Abnormalities of the Eustachian tube can result in a wooshing sound being heard.
- Certain foods and beverages can trigger Tinnitus. Some foods/beverages that may cause this are: red wine, grain-based spirits, cheese and chocolate.
- The use of Marijuana may increase the noises of your pre-existing Tinnitus.
- A wax or dirt build up in the ear canal is one of the first things you should check for if you suffer from Tinnitus. NEVER try digging or suctioning the ear canal yourself as this can result in SERIOUS damage. Numerous over-the-counter chemical washes are available from your drugstore that will clean the ear canal in a safe and gently manner.
- Stress is not a direct cause of Tinnitus, but it will generally make an already existing case worse.
- A poor diet can worsen an existing case of Tinnitus. The following items can make your Tinnitus worse: alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, quinine/tonic water, high fat and a high sodium diet.
- An autoimmune disorder, such as lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus).
- Some dental procedures such as a difficult tooth extraction and ultrasonic cleaning can lead to hearing damage. This damage occurs via bone conduction of the loud sounds directly to the ear. The use of ear plugs will not guard against the bone conduction of noises.
- Lyme is a parasitic, tick-borne disease, which in the United States is most commonly found in the Eastern states. Tinnitus is often a side-effect of Lyme.
- Can blockage of the ear's cause Tinnitus?
Tinnitus can be caused from blockages of the ears due to a build up of wax in the Eustachian tubes. Blockages can also be caused by a sinus infetcion, which may lead to Tinnitus. Many Tinnitus cases occur after severe ear infections. But this may also be related to the use of ototoxic antibiotics.
- How long does Tinnitus usually last?
Tinnitus can be a life time condition for most people but for a fortunate few this annoying condition can disappear on its own. For some the sound of Tinnitus begins when they wake up in the morning and continues right through the day until they go to sleep. In less severe cases the condition may come and go from time to time and may not last all through the day or they may not even experience Tinnitus some days but it will return on other occasions. Tinnitus is a condition of the middle ear due to damage and normally can not heal itself, so the condition can stay with you for your entire life left untreated.
- Who is more likely to suffer from Tinnitus?
- Tinnitus may affect people who are constantly exposed to loud sounds/noises and who are more prone to getting sinus infections
When you get a sinus infection it can cause your mucus membranes to produce excess amounts of mucus, which then cause pressure and congestion in the ear passages (Eustachian tube).
- When there is pressure and congestion in the Eustachian tubes it can often lead to damage of the middle ear which is responssible for ringing in the ears.
- A sudden blow to the head can also cause damage to the middle ear and result in Tinnitus.
- Exposure to a sudden burst of noise (like a gun shot) can also cause damage to the ears, resulting in ringing in the ears.
- People that have neck or jaw disorders are also more likely to get Tinnitus.
- Men are more prone to developing Tinnitus. In general Tinnitus is also more likely to develop over time as we age, due to the damage we do to our ears during our youth, at concerts and by listening to loud music.
- Can excessive amounts of loud sounds cause Tinnitus?
People who are exposed to loud music are more likely to experience temporary Tinnitus. If one
is exposed to loud sounds over long periods of time it result in permanent damage.
Overexposure to Loud Noises:
Repeated exposure to loud noises such as guns, aircraft, lawn mowers, movie theaters, amplified music, heavy construction, etc, can cause permanent hearing damage. Some people report auditory fatigue from driving over long distances with the windows open. Anybody regularly exposed to these conditions should consider wearing ear plugs or other hearing protection. (Please do not wear ear plugs on a continuous basis as this can lead to hyper sensitive hearing).
- Why do we experience ringing in the ears?
Stereocilia are hair cells that send messages to the brain about the different sounds entering your ears. When these little hairs are damaged they mistakenly tell your brain that you are hearing a sound even though there is no sound. Other causes of ringing in the ears can be when there is a build up of earwax, an ear infection, a middle ear disorder or even when your stereocillia can not function properly due to aging.
- Can cell phones cause Tinnitus?
Tinnitus can not be caused from every day use of your cell phone. In most cases Tinnitus is caused from high pitched sound, listening to loud sounds on a regular basis and ear infections which cause damage to your middle ear. There have been various studies conducted and no link has been found between Tinnitus and using your cellphone.
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Do you experience Tinnitus in one ear or both ear's?
You can experience Tinnitus in one ear on in both ears and sometimes the sounds may even be heard in your head. When you only experience Tinnitus in one ear it is often a sign that there may be more damage to your middile ear and an abnormality of fluids in that one ear. Tinnitus is not experienced in the same way for everyone, some will hear whistling, ringing, humming, roaring, high pitched sounds or low pitted sound. The sound for some can be continuous and for others, it comes and goes.
- What can be done to lessen the severity of my Tinnitus?
Avoid exposure to loud sounds, decrease your intake of salt and stimulates. Coffee, tea cola, and tobacco can also aggravate Tinnitus symptoms. Try to exercise daily, get enough rest to avoid becoming fatigued and wear ear protection when in environments where you will be exposed to loud noise you can reduce your risk of getting Tinnitus.
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How Will Tinnitus affect my life?
Tinnitus - the marriage killer
Tinnitus may be driving you crazy but it also affects everyone around you. Many marriages can not withstand this kind of adversity. You need to know what you can do to prevent your marriage from breaking down. Try our Tinnitus Wars Remedy to help treat your Tinnitus and save your marraige.
Sleeping with Tinnitus
One of the biggest challenges that a Tinnitus sufferer may have is the inability to get a good night's sleep due to the constant buzzing or ringing one hears.
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What are the more likely causes of Tinnitus?
There are several main causes of Tinnitus. People that are exposed to loud noises frequently, such as guns, heavy construction, lawn mowers and loud music, are more prone to developing Tinnitus. A sudden blow to the head can also be a major contributor of Tinnitus. Even driving over a long distance, at a speed with your windows open has been known to cause Tinnitus.
- Why does Tinnitus get worse at night?
As night falls many of the daily sounds, such as the roaring engines of cars, subside and no longer mask the Tinnitus noise. This silence makes the Tinnitus sounds more pronounced. You also don't perform as many activities at night as you do in the day that may distract you from the less obvious sounds of your Tinnitus.
- Can allergies make you Tinnitus worse?
Allergies can cause Tinnitus in some cases, were it is left untreated and can also aggravate Tinnitus symptoms.
Specific foods may trigger Tinnitus. Problem foods include red wine, grain-based spirits, cheese and chocolate. One may complain of hearing tones after consuming honey. Similar foods are known to trigger migraine headaches; these foods include soy and anything including soy, very ripe bananas, avocados and citrus fruits.
Foods Rich in Salicylates:
There are many different types of foods and drinks are rich in salicylates, that can aggravate your Tinnitus:
- Coffee and tea
- Jam and honey
- Many fruits, vegetables and nuts contain natural salicylates
- Flavorings
- Juice, beer and wine contain salicylates
- Perfumes (can also aggravate Tinnitus)
- Even certain medications contain salicylates, such as aspirin
Aspartame:
Some people believe that the artificial sugar substitute aspartame is linked to Tinnitus, Vertigo, and many other serious problems.
Marijuana:
Using Marijuana can actually worsen your existing Tinnitus.
Hyperacusis Questions:
- What is Hyperacusis?
Hyperacusis is defined as a collapsed tolerance to normal environmental sounds. It is a rare hearing disorder whereby a person becomes highly sensitive to noise. Sometimes people think they have Hyperacusis because they are bothered by loud sounds like music, heavy equipment or sirens. This is not Hyperacusis as these sounds are loud to the normal ear. Individuals with Hyperacusis have difficulty tolerating sounds which do not seem loud to others, such as a pin dropping. The ears loses much of their normal dynamic range, and everyday noises or sounds become unbearable and painfully loud. Hyperacusis can affect people of all ages and is almost always accompanied by Tinnitus, an ailment that causes sufferers to hear constant ringing, buzzing or static.
- What causes Hyperacusis?
Unfortunately, because Hyperacusis is so rare, little research has been done so little is known about it. The onset is usually caused by exposure to loud noise (either prolonged or a single episode) or a head injury. Some experts speculate that the cause is damage to the auditory nerves. Currently, a popular theory is that there has been a breakdown or dysfunction in the efferent portion of the auditory nerve. Efferent meaning fibers that originate in the brain which serve to regulate or inhibit incoming sounds.
- How rare is Hyperacusis?
Although there may be as many as 1% of the population who are sound sensitive, Hyperacusis sufferers go well beyond the definition of sound sensitive and often can not tolerate their surroundings or even people's voices. Because the media has not publicized this disorder it is hard to get a handle on how rare Hyperacusis is, however, it may be that as little as one in every 50,000 people suffer daily with this condition.
- Why are outer hair cells (cilia) so important in the ears?
The outer hair cells are extremely important as they are known to provide our ears with protection against excess noise and other potentially harmful entities. The cilia (outer hair cells) contract whenever our ears are exposed to any loud sounds or noise vibrations that have the potential to cause damage and pain to ones hearing system. This contraction of the fine hairs acts as a dynamic amplifier, controlling the vibration of each sound that enters our ear. If the cilia are damaged, excess noise will be able to enter our unprotected ears, causing pain.
Vertigo Questions:
- Is Vertigo the same thing as motion sickness?
The symptoms that you experience during motion sickness and Vertigo may be similar but the actual cause of these feelings are not the same. When one experiences motion sickness it usually occurs when they are in a moving vehicle or watching a screen that has a lot of movements. This creates confusion in between the eyes and the middle ear which results in nausea and dizziness. While Vertigo usually occurs due some type of damage caused to the middle ear that makes us feel nausea's, imbalanced or dizzy even though we are looking at a stationary object or not moving around.
- Can Vertigo cause hearing loss?
Yes, if Vertigo is left untreated or not treated immediately it can result in hearing loss. Vertigo can cause an infection or inflammation in the inner ear that leads to damage of the middle ear or more specifically the cochlea. The cochlea is the main sensory organ responsible for our hearing ability and if it becomes damaged our sense of hearing can be impaired in the affected ear/s.
- What are some of the symptoms of Vertigo?
The symptoms of Vertigo can often be explained and noticed when it feels as if the room is spinning around or you feel like you are spinning around in circles. Vertigo symptoms come and go, lasting for a few seconds or a few minutes and can also cause a sense of imbalance. Ringing in the ears (Tinnitus) can also be experienced in one or both of your ears and nausea and vomiting can also occur. Lightheadedness and nausea are also symptoms of Vertigo and might happen when moving or turning from side to side when lying in bed.
Meniere's disease Questions:
- What is Meniere's Disease?
Meniere's Disease is a very serious condition of the inner ear, resulting in extended Vertigo attacks (dizziness and loss of balance), major hearing loss and frequent Tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
- Is Meniere's Disease hereditary?
There are a few studies that have looked at this, and the answer is that in most cases hereditary factors do not play a part. In one Japanese study it was reported that 5.8% of patients had a close relative also with the disease. In British studies, a family history of the disease was observed in 5% of patients. One Swedish study puts the figure at 14%, BUT based on the overall findings it does not seem that Meniere's Disease is hereditary.
- Is Meniere's disease infectious?
There is considerable interest in whether Meniere's Disease has viral origins. It has been suggested that periodic reactivation of a virus by factors such as stress may account for the recurrent episodes of Tinnitus symptoms. However, after extensive studies, there is still no strong evidence that a virus is involved.
- What are the symptoms for Meniere's Disease?
If you suffer from Meniere's Disease you may feel a sensation of fullness and pressure in your ears. You may also experience hearing loss in one or both ears, which if not treated often results in Vertigo (dizziness and loss of balance) as well. Meniere's Disease is also usually accompanied by Tinnitus (ringing in the ears), which can last a few hours or even days.
- What should people with Meniere's Disease avoid and why?
If you suffer with Meniere's Disease you should try to avoid or limit your intake of salt, caffeine and tobacco, as it can paralyze the hair like structures in your ear (cilia) that are responsible for mucus flow. If the mucus is not drained effectively it can create pressure in the ear which may lead to Meniere's Disease. You should also avoid alcohol and and extremely stressful situations. By avoiding some of these things you can help reduce stimulation as well as irritation to the inner ear that may cause damage to the cochlea (sensory organ responsible for our sense of hearing).
Other tip: Try and avoid doing any out side activities such as riding a bicycle, motorcycle, playing base ball and doing in-line skating without a helmet. This will help you avoid any possible head injury's.
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