“What’s that buzz?” is a question asked by millions of people across the globe, including David Attenborough, Eric Clapton and Bono who are bothered by this affliction of the ear every year.
“What’s that buzz?” is a question asked by millions of people across the globe, including David Attenborough, Eric Clapton and Bono who are bothered by this affliction of the ear every year.
Tinnitus is usually a ringing or buzzing noise that seems to originate in the ear or head. Everyone will have mild tinnitus at one time or another, and this can usually be resolved quite quickly. The problem arises when the tinnitus does not improve and becomes louder.
One of the most common causes of tinnitus is damage to the microscopic endings of the hearing nerve in the inner ear.
Advancing age is generally accompanied by a certain amount of hearing nerve impairment and, consequently, tinnitus. The most significant cause is being exposed to noise for a length of time.
Years of noise exposure, coupled with age-related changes, often produce a very intrusive permanent sound.
Other causes include medications such as aspirin and, rarely, aneurysms or tumours. The ear is one of the most delicate structures in the human body and as it is part of the nervous system, so factors that influence the nerves may also influence the severity of tinnitus.
Methods to decrease it vary from individual to individual, but include: good general health (exercise, enough sleep, taking in adequate trace elements and micro-nutrients, controlling blood pressure); decreasing salt in the diet; avoiding stimulants such as caffeine or smoking.
Another important factor is to stop worrying about the tinnitus as doing so creates anxiety which then causes the tinnitus to become worse, and a vicious cycle ensues.
Use masking noise tinnitus is worse in a quiet environment. Background noise will effectively mask the tinnitus.
Radio static, soothing music or other sounds can work very well, especially when you are trying to sleep. September is Hearing Awareness Month.
Grahamstown ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist Dr Graeme van der Meer is discussing all aspects pertaining to hearing and hearing loss, and its effects on people of all ages in the community.
This week Dr van der Meer looks at tinnitus, a common almost worldwide. Ridding oneself of tinnitus is not an easy task, but it can be accomplished with a combination of treatments prescribed by a GP, ENT specialist and audiologist.
The most important thing to do is exclude any conditions that can be treated medically. Even earwax can cause tinnitus.
After that, a combination of treatments is used, and can include hearing aids to restore hearing in those people who have lost it, tinnitus masking devices for those with normal hearing, and certain drugs such as niacin.
Beware of ‘miracle cures’ advertised on the internet. People are often so desperate to seek relief that they will do and try (and pay!) anything.
Rather chat to your doctor, ENT or audiologist and make an individualised plan. Tinnitus need not be a lifelong affliction!
