What Are Tinnitus And Prevention Steps For It?

What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus refers to a condition, in which a person hears an ongoing ringing sound or a noise in the ears. It is such a common problem, that it affects over 20% of the population in the United States of America. The condition could occur in the middle ear, the inner ear or the outer ear. In most instances, it is not actually a condition on its own; it is usually the symptom of an underlying condition, which may include an ear injury, loss in hearing due to an advancing age, heredity and disorders in the circulatory system. Fortunately, this is usually not a serious condition, even though it can be a bit bothersome.

Causes

Tinnitus can be either chronic, or it can come and go in phases. There are several factors that could lead to a ringing sound in the ears. While most of the causes are not necessarily serious, some of them may need to be checked by a doctor immediately, to prevent further loss in hearing or other more serious problems. For example, in a rare situation tinnitus could be the symptom of a brain tumor (acoustic tumor) or an aneurysm. However, the other most common causes of tinnitus include:

• An ear disease, such as Meniere’s syndrome, or fluid infection


• Damage in the microscopic ending of the hearing nerve, which is in the inner ear


• Abnormalities in the brain


• Advancing age


• Excessive exposure to loud noises


• The use of certain medication, like aspirin

Natural Treatment

It is necessary that one understands what causes tinnitus in order to seek successful treatment for the condition. Most health experts claim that there is no cure for tinnitus and therefore, tinnitus treatment options are mainly aimed at reducing the discomfort caused by the ringing sound in the ears. There are certain prescription medicines that could help in alleviating the discomfort. It is important to undergo a thorough evaluation and consult a doctor to find out the causes and treatment options.

How to prevent it?

There are many ways on how to prevent tinnitus. In order to prevent this condition from occurring, it is important to take good care of the ears, by following safe hygienic measures. This means preventing the buildup of ear wax without placing objects like cotton swabs or Q tips. Moreover, the use of ear plugs and earmuffs should be used prevent exposure to extremely cold or loud noises. Avoid using head phones, while talking on the phone or listening to music.