Tinnitus is the medical term for ringing in the ears or tinnitus. One in four of us have seen this phenomenon before. In most cases, and it’s fortunately only temporarily. It is often perceived as whistling, hissing, sizzling or buzzing. Various noises in the head or in the ears is one thing in common: With rare exceptions, they only hear the person themselves.
Tinnitus is a symptom, not disease
Tinnitus or ringing in the ears is a symptom, similar to the pain or fever. Tinnitus is also a warning sign that we have taken over us – in the physical or mental area. Why not the symptom of tinnitus have can be treated urgent, but it is: fix causes. This is even more important than that tinnitus may in turn lead to numerous psychological and physical symptoms. Examples of these symptoms are:
* Sleep problems
* Difficulty concentrating
* Anxiety and depression
Causes and risk factors
A number of triggers of tinnitus is known, some more are suspected. Nevertheless, the precise mechanism is unclear. Possible causes include inflammation of the ear or the respiratory noise damage (pop trauma or constant noise), diving accidents and organic diseases such as autoimmune diseases, tumors of the auditory nerve disease or viral infections. Tinnitus is often an accompanying symptom of vertigo associated with Meniere’s disease and sudden hearing loss. Problems with the cervical spine or in the tooth and jaw area may be causing or reinforcing factors, as the influence and risk factors including alcohol, nicotine, medication, food and – discuss stress – especially.
Treatment of Tinnitus
As the formation mechanism of tinnitus are made especially circulatory disorders in the inner ear responsible, there may be a bad signal processing based on the brain. Many causes can be resolved or well treated. More often, however, no direct release to be found. In both cases, the tinnitus may disappear completely – spontaneously or with therapy. Sometimes it remains there, however – the longer the duration of tinnitus, the more likely it is that. After three to twelve months, there is little affected, if the tinnitus disappears – that is, they must learn to live with it. In Germany, the estimates of the German Tinnitus League nearly 3 million people, half of them with moderate to very severe symptoms. Each year about 270,000 new cases are added.
Acute tinnitus
If tinnitus or ringing in the ears occur the first time and have not subsided after a few hours or a night’s sleep, the doctor should be consulted. Are there other symptoms such as hearing loss or dizziness is: immediately to the doctor! The earlier treatment starts, the better the chances that the tinnitus will disappear! In the first three months, the chance for cure is greatest. The doctor will – take as a rule, an infusion therapy – if there are no organic causes and these are adequately addressed. The aim is to improve the circulation of the inner ear. This therapy remains unsuccessful, may come into question in-patient treatment.
In special clinics, other possible causes are diagnosed and other approaches such as the HBO therapy (hyperbaric oxygen therapy), which increases the oxygen supply in the vessels of the inner ear, or physical therapy procedures will be initiated promptly. A chance for many tinnitus patients is also possible to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life to rest and focus on themselves and their health. Some Clinics are with a multidisciplinary, holistic therapy concept, various health disorders and individual risk factors as underlying causes of tinnitus and related treatment.
Important: In acute cases immediately to the doctor. The earlier treatment starts, the better the chances that the tinnitus will disappear!
Chronic tinnitus
Take the noise in the ear for several weeks on, it seems unlikely that they will lose again. This condition is called chronic tinnitus. Nevertheless, the parties largely live a carefree and fulfilling life. The term “chronic tinnitus” only states that persistent or recurring ear noises are present. It does not mean that the patients have, therefore, must or ill. Nevertheless, tinnitus assume the character of a disease, if he come under severe strain in daily life and if it will result in more diseases then the noise of tinnitus is soul-effects can be, for example..:
* Difficulty concentrating
* Insomnia
* Hypersensitivity to loud sounds (hyperacusis)
* Depressive phases
* Restriction of social contacts
* Temporary loss of confidence
Living with Tinnitus
Even with a chronic tinnitus can take quite a bit. It is resignation and fear – to oppose and to learn to live with tinnitus – often due to lack of or incorrect information. In most cases, tinnitus is bearable: education, self-help and self-help groups let him fade into the background. The majority of those affected manage to accept the tinnitus, by devoting their attention to important things, deliberately or other sounds. This is called a compensated tinnitus. Sometimes this learning process takes time, to a tolerable tinnitus, some will need and therapeutic help. One in four of us have seen this phenomenon before. In most cases, and its fortunately only temporarily. It is often perceived as whistling, hissing, sizzling or buzzing. Various noises in the head or in the ears are one thing in common: With rare exceptions, they only hear the person concerned itself.