More than 50 million Americans have experienced tinnitus to some degree. Tinnitus is the medical term that describes a perception of sound in one or both ears or in a person’s head when there is no external sound present. Tinnitus is more commonly described as a ringing, pulsing, buzzing, roaring, chirping, or a clicking in the ears.
Although there have been many advances in research, the exact cause of tinnitus is still not known. Some conditions that are associated with tinnitus and are known to worsen or trigger an individual’s tinnitus are: noise exposure, head injury, Meniere’s disease, hearing loss, migraine headaches, ear wax in the ear canal, certain types of tumors, medications that are toxic to hearing, stress, and cardiovascular disease. At this time there is no known cure for tinnitus. Tinnitus is a symptom of an underlying condition. People who suffer from tinnitus are recommended to have a medical examination as well as an audiological evaluation. Doctors often look to treat tinnitus by managing the underlying cause of the tinnitus. However, every case is different and depending on the specific cause of tinnitus the outcome can vary greatly. If you or a loved one suffer from tinnitus, it is important you have a thorough examination by a physician (preferably an otolaryngologist) and an audiological evaluation. Dr.Adams is an audiologist who practices at Advanced Otolaryngology Associates in East Brunswick. For more information, call 732-613-0600 or visit www.aoaentnj.com.