While there are some people who may not be disturbed by a little ringing in the ears, there are others that can be extremely disturbed by it. Tinnitus or ringing in the ears can occur in different levels. It can be a mild ringing or a soft hissing for some people that lasts only a short while but for others the sound is disturbing and occurs long enough to provide discomfort.
Ringing in Ears
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Also medically known as tinnitus.
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There are two basic types of tinnitus namely pulsatile tinnitus and nonpulsatile tinnitus.
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This is a symptom and not a disease.
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There are many causes for tinnitus and it mostly deals with the person’s auditory system.
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Though not many people know about tinnitus, it is actually quite common without approximately one in five people experiencing the symptom.
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Tinnitus occurs more commonly in older generations such as people between the age of 55 and 65.
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Tinnitus is subjective so some medical practitioners find it hard to measure using objective instruments or tests.
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Tinnitus is usually rated using a scale with the person reporting slight ringing to catastrophic ringing.
Ringing in Ears Causes
There are many factors that can cause tinnitus in individuals. Some of the known causes include:
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Presbycusis or hearing loss that occurs with aging.
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Acoustic trauma from living in or working in environments with loud noises.
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Earwax buildup
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Medicines or side effects of medications.
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Excessive intake of alcohol or caffeinated beverages.
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Ear infection
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Rupture of the eardrum
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Dental problems
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Injuries to the head such as whiplash.
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Injuries to the inner ear from radiation or surgery.
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Barotrauma or rapid change in the pressure of the environment.
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Severe weight loss that resulted from excessive dieting or malnutrition.
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Repeated exercise in a hyperextended neck position.
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Problems with blood flow.
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Neurologic disorders
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Diseases such as acoustic neuroma, labyrinthitis, Meniere’s disease, otosclerosis, anemia, or thyroid disease.
Ringing in Ears Home Treatment
As common as tinnitus is as a symptom, it is also quite easily treated even with remedies that can be done or prepared at home.
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Coenzyme Q10 – a powerful antioxidant that helps to strengthen the immune system and help circulation to the ears.
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Herbs – bayberry bark, hawthorn leaf, burdock root and the like helps purify the blood and fight against infection.
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Gingko biloba – helps in reducing dizziness and helps to improve hearing loss.
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Homemade nasal spray and throat spray using 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon glycerin, and 1 pint of warm water applied daily.
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Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables in the diet.
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Massage therapy, meditation and yoga have been known to help reduce tinnitus and its effects on individuals.
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Sound therapy such as listening to soothing and relaxing music of rainfalls, wind sounds, and ocean waves helps distract the person from the annoying sound of tinnitus.