FAMILY HEALTH CARE +Your complete online medical source |
Tinnitus
Most people experience occasional ringing (or roaring, hissing, buzzing, or tinkling) in their ears. The sound usually lasts only a few minutes. If it becomes persistent, you may have tinnitus.
Tinnitus is usually caused by damage to the nerves in the inner ear resulting from prolonged exposure to loud noise. Other causes include excess earwax, ear infection, dental problems, head or ear injuries, and medications, especially antibiotics and large amounts of aspirin. Excessive alcohol or caffeine intake can also cause tinnitus. In rare cases, tinnitus can be caused by a brain tumor.
Most intermittent tinnitus does not require medical treatment. However, if tinnitus is accompanied by other symptoms, becomes persistent, or starts to localize to one ear, a visit to a health professional usually is needed. Often there is no cure for tinnitus, but your health professional can help you learn how to live with the problem.
|
When to Call a Health Professional |
If you have new tinnitus with other symptoms such as significant hearing loss, vertigo (See Dizziness and Vertigo), loss of balance, nausea, or vomiting.