ASK THE DOCTOR: Most people experience tinnitus at some point
By Dr. JIM MITTERANDO
The Patriot LedgerQ. I am frustrated by this constant ringing in my ears that keeps me awake at night. My doctor says there is no cure. I have read about gingko biloba helping. What do you recommend?
A. Tinnitus is a noise you hear that no one else around you hears. Commonly described as ringing in the ears, tinnitus also can be a buzzing, roaring, whistling, or hissing sound that is worse in quiet situations.
Tinnitus is not a disease but rather a sign of something else that is going on in the hearing system or brain. The most common cause for tinnitus is hearing loss. Current theories suggest that when hearing declines, the brain can develop its own noise to make up for the lack of sound signals coming from the ear.
Most of us will experience tinnitus at some time or another, even if it is just after a loud noise. About 14 percent of people have long-lasting tinnitus but fewer than 2 percent are severely affected.
Tinnitus can be worsened by anything that decreases hearing such as ear wax, a head cold or ear infection. Aspirin, if overused, also can cause tinnitus.
Most tinnitus is a benign nuisance that does not require any testing. If you experience hearing loss in only one ear or you develop dizziness, poor balance or any other unusual symptoms along with the tinnitus, then follow up with your health-care provider for further evaluation. Rarely, tinnitus can be a sign of Meniere’s disease or a brain tumor. Occasionally, some people will require a CT scan or MRI or other testing if they develop these other symptoms in addition to ringing in the ears.
Tinnitus can be extremely disturbing to people who have it. The good news is that most people learn to live with their tinnitus without any sort of treatment. Over time, tinnitus tends to fade into the background as your brain learns to tune it out. Sounds such as low-level music, clocks and ‘‘white noise’’ make it easier to ignore the ringing in your ears. The sound of a fan or radio static set at a low volume and between radio stations often seems to help when trying to sleep.
Other treatments include relaxation techniques or biofeedback. Sometimes if the tinnitus is disabling, people can wear small devices called maskers that are similar to hearing aids that help to block out tinnitus with ‘‘white noise.’’
There is no cure for chronic tinnitus. Medical therapy tries to help with symptoms but does not eliminate the ringing sounds. Antidepressants are occasionally prescribed if the tinnitus affects your mood or sleep. Tranquilizers (such as Valium, Ativan) have been used in the past but mostly cause sedation, can be habit forming and should be avoided. Stress and caffeine may worsen tinnitus.
Be careful about what you read on the Internet. Various web sites claim to have a cure but are often just trying to take advantage of someone who is desperate for relief. Most treatments, such as gingko biloba, have not been adequately tested and are of questionable benefit.
Finally, hearing protection and avoiding loud noises are important in preventing worsening hearing and tinnitus.
Dr. Jim Mitterando is a family doctor at Cohasset Family Practice and a staff member at South Shore Hospital in Weymouth.
Readers should send questions to: Ask the Doctor, The Patriot Ledger, P.O. Box 699159, Quincy, MA 02269-9159, or by E-mail to his attention at features@ledger.com.
Questions of general interest will be answered in this column. The information in this column is not intended to diagnose individual conditions, and individual replies are not possible. Readers should see their own doctors about specific problems.
Copyright 2002 The Patriot Ledger
Transmitted Tuesday, October 08, 2002