Tinnitus

Tinnitus



This term is derived from a Latin word “TINNIRE” meaning “ringing”. To put in simple words, It’s perception of sound in human ears when there is no actual sound there. It’s a condition not a disease, can result from wide range of underlying causes.

SIGN AND SYMPTOMS OF TINNITUS

Men are more prone to develop this condition as compared to women, may develop in one or both ears. A person suffering from this condition may complain of hearning following sounds:

  • Ringing

  • Buzzing

  • Roaring

  • Clicking

  • Hissing

TYPES OF TINNITUS

It’s divided into following two types.

  • Subjective tinnitus

  • Objective tinnitus

SUBJECTIVE TINNITUS

In this type of tinnitus one can hear the unheard voices. It’s the most common type of tinnitus caused by middle or inner ear problem involving damage to the conducting or any other nerve part..

OBJECTIVE TINNITUS

This type of tinnitus is also called somatic tinnitus. The voices one hears can also be appreciated by the doctor. This rare type of tinnitus is caused by problem blood vessel, bone condition or muscle spasm. It can be further divided into following types

  • Pulsatile type caused by turbulent blood flow

  • Muscular type presents as a clicking noise due to contraction of ear muscles, tensor tympani and stapedius.

  • Spontaneous type has been linked to cells of cochlea causes spontaneous otoacoustic emission.

CAUSES OF TINNITUS

These could be

  • NEUROLOGICAL PROBLEMS including:

    • Multiple sclerosis(neurological damage)

    • Head injuries

    • Temporomandibular joint

    • Whiplash injury

  • NOISE INDUCED

  • DRUG INDUCED, caused due to:

    • Benzodiazepine withdrawal

    • Use of Aspirin

    • Use of Serotonin

    • Use of Quinidine

    • Use of Class IA antiarrhythmic

  • INFECTIONS, which can either be bacterial or viral.

  • PSYCHIATRIC PROBLEMS, including:

    • Depression

    • Anxiety

  • METABOLIC DISORDERS, including:

    • VitB12 deficiency

    • Folic acid deficiency

    • Anemia

    • Thyroid disease

    • Hyperlipidemia

MEASUREMENT/SEVERITY

It cannot be measured but rated on simple scale from slight to catastrophic.

  • In slight there is no problem in routine work.

  • Catastrophic intensity interferes with sleep, quiet activities and normal daily activities.

TREATMENT OF TINNITUS

There is no effective treatment but to treat the underlying cause and improvement ensues. Otherwise typically management involves talk therapy.

PREVENTION  FROM TINNITUS

  • Avoid prolonged exposure to noise.

  • Ear plugs can help in prevention

  • Avoid use of potentially ototoxic medicines.