Has it ever happened to you that you hear abnormal sounds in your ear beyond your control?
Medically, it is called tinnitus. It is when you experience noise in your ear or head, and externally, there is no such noise. In almost all cases, only you can hear the sound.
Normally, we should not be aware of the background sounds in our ears but when they become pronounced, this becomes quite problematic.
Tinnitus can manifest as a ringing, buzzing, whistling, humming or roaring sound.
The most common cause of tinnitus is loud noise which is very common in most tropical environments. Unfortunately most people are careless about the harmful effects of loud noise from loud music, gun shots and traffic
Some medications such as aspirin can also cause tinnitus.
Age-associated degeneration of nerve fibres can cause tinnitus as well.
There are other causes of tinnitus, but rare.
People who are at risk of tinnitus are musicians, military personnel, welders, generally anybody who functions in a noisy environment.
When you first start experiencing such unpleasant sounds in your ear, please consult your doctor.
This is so you can successfully learn to manage this condition.
Hearing aids have been proven to be effective.
There are no specific medications for tinnitus, sedatives have helped in the early stages.
If you are struggling with this condition, it is important you avoid stress and engage in activities that help you relax.
Find ways to disguise or mask the tinnitus, by providing pleasant noise, such as music, or radio etc.
Many people are told that there is no cure for tinnitus, this is wrong, consult your doctor and he will tell the best means for which it can be managed.
images courtesy of Schmidt's optical, fighting fifty and healthCMI
