A Tinnitus Question and Answer Session

Q) What Causes Tinnitus?

A) Chances are the cause of your tinnitus will remain a mystery - Doesn’t that scare you just a litte bit? That is often the sort of answer you can expect from doctors and medical professionals who because they cannot prescribe conventional medicines to treat tinnitus, simply lose interest and tell you to live it it. This is nonsense obviously - spend some time here do some research and you will be well rewarded - specifically you will find some relief for tinnitus!

Q) Who Gets Tinnitus?

A) Although tinnitus can affect anyone, it is more common with increasing age. People who are prone to hardening of the arteries and those who work in noisy surroundings are at a greater risk for developing tinnitus.

Q) Is Tinnitus Hereditary?

A) Tinnitus does not appear to run in families or be an inherited genetic trait. There are a few rare inherited inner ear disorders, such as neurofibromatosis in which tinnitus symptoms may occur.

Q) How is Tinnitus Diagnosed?

A) Individuals who experience tinnitus should be seen by an otolaryngologist; a physician who is an expert is ear disease. The ears need to be examined and a hearing test obtained.

Q) Is Tinnitus Serious Condition?

A) Tinnitus is typically not a serious condition; however, it is oftentimes accompanied by hearing loss. Many people with tinnitus are concerned that they may become completely deaf; however, tinnitus does not cause deafness.

Q) How is Tinnitus Treated?

A) The most effective treatment for tinnitus is to determine and treat the underlying cause. If the cause cannot be identified, tinnitus treatment may consist of drug therapy, vitamin and mineral regimens, biofeedback, hypnosis or tinnitus maskers. People with mild tinnitus generally do not require treatment.

Q) Are There Effective Alternative Treatments for Tinnitus?

A) A clinical study conducted in Paris in 1986 found pharmaceutical-grade ginkgo biloba extract effective in treating all cases of tinnitus, regardless of the cause. An additional 36 studies were conducted in Germany between 1975 and 1996, all of which showed ginkgo biloba extract to be an effective alternative treatment for tinnitus. Zinc treatments are currently being evaluated and show promise with over 82% of participants showing improvement in tinnitus symptoms.

Q) Can Tinnitus Be Cured?

A) Unfortunately there is no cure or magic pill that will help people who suffer from tinnitus to no longer hear the noises in their head. The good news is tinnitus is receiving more attention and new research is currently taking place. While scientists continue to search for the cure, tinnitus sufferers may find comfort in knowing that in many cases, tinnitus can be treated. Tip: Be sure to visit links at the top left of this page for tinnitus treatment information.

Q) Do Children Get Tinnitus?

A) While people of all ages can experience tinnitus, it is not a common complaint from children. However, children can be at risk for tinnitus if they are exposed to loud noises for prolonged periods of time. Hearing protection is always recommended at events that include high-decibel activities such as sports or racing events.

Q) Why is Tinnitus Worse at Night?

A) Most people find the distraction of daily activities and the sounds around them, make tinnitus less obvious. When surroundings are quiet, tinnitus may seem louder and more constant. Fatigue is also known to increase tinnitus symptoms.

Other Tinnitus Causes

Tinnitus From Prescription Drugs Or Heavy Metal Poisoning

Tinnitus is often caused by a wide variety of medicinal and prescription drugs such as anxiety and depression drugs, anti-malarial medication, blood-pressure controlling medicines, toxins ingested into the body, and heavy metal poisoning.

Tinnitus From Auditory Nerve Damage

People very often confuse auditory nerve damage with outer or middle ear damage such as damage to the the ear drum. If you have suffered damage to the ear drum, this does not mean you have auditory nerve damage.

Chronic Tinnitus

At least 10 million Americans (perhaps as many as 12 million) suffer from tinnitus so chronic that they are are unable to function normally, i.e. tinnitus prevents them from working or living a normal productive life as a result of chronic tinnitus.

Tinnitus From Eardrum Damage

Most of the problems of the outer ear that can cause tinnitus are usually mechanical in nature, i.e. physical damage or perforation has occurred to the eardrum.

Patulous Eustachian Tubes

The normal eustachian tube is functionally collapsed at rest, with slight negative pressure present in the middle ear. It opens during swallowing, sneezing, and yawning.

Pulsatile Tinnitus

Tinnitus which pulsates in time to your heart beat. This type of tinnitus occurs when there is a narrowing or a partial blockage arteries…