Tinnitus

Definition of tinnitus

Tinnitus is the perception of sounds such as ringing, hissing, whistling, whistling or other sounds in the ear. This problem is quite common and is estimated to affect about one in five people. Tinnitus is a symptom of other conditions such as age-related hearing loss, ear injuries, or disorders of the circulatory system. Tinnitus is usually not a sign of seriousness. Although it often gets worse with age, tinnitus can improve with treatment.
Additional explanation
The symptoms

Symptoms of tinnitus are:

Ears ringing
The sound of roaring or hissing

Symptoms of tinnitus can appear and disappear at any time.
The cause

The most common cause of tinnitus is exposure to loud noise. 90% of people with tinnitus have a level of hearing loss caused by noise. Noise causes permanent damage to the cochlea sensitive cells, spiral-shaped organs located in the inner ear. Exposure to a sudden and very hard can also cause tinnitus.

Other conditions and diseases that can cause tinnitus are:

Ear plugs due to accumulation of earwax, ear infections or other rare diseases, such as: benign nerve tumors, initial auditory nerve tumors
Some drugs, including aspirin, certain types of antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, sedative and anti-depressant and antimalarial. Tinnitus is touted as a potential side effect for about 200 drugs that are prescribed and sold freely.
A natural aging process that can damage the cochlea or other parts of the ear
Meniere's disease affects the inside of the ear
Otosclerosis, a disease that causes hardening of the small bones in the middle ear
Other medical conditions such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, circulatory problems, anemia, allergies, hyperactive thyroid gland, autoimmune diseases and diabetes
Neck or jaw problems such as temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ)
Head and neck injuries

Tinnitus can be worse if the victim consumes alcohol, smokes, drinks caffeinated drinks or eats certain foods. Although not yet fully proven, stress seems to worsen tinnitus.
diagnosis

The doctor will examine the ears, head and neck for possible causes of tinnitus. If necessary, the doctor also carries out several examinations including:

Hearing examination (audiological)
The doctor will examine the movements of the eyes, jaw, neck, arms and legs of the patient.
Imaging test

treatment
To treat tinnitus, the doctor first identifies the patient's state of health first. If tinnitus is caused by certain health conditions, your doctor will recommend treatments to reduce noise, such as:

Clean ear wax
Treat the condition of blood vessels with medication, surgery or other treatments
Change the medicine you are using or switch to another drug
Noise suppression. Noise suppression can be an alternative in some cases. Your doctor can recommend the use of electronic devices to reduce noise. This device includes:
White noise engine. This tool produces a soothing environmental sound similar to the sound of rain or waves. This is considered an effective sleep aid and an effective treatment for tinnitus.
Hearing aid. Hearing aids are very useful if someone has hearing problems or tinnitus
Masking devices Masking devices: Devices that produce continuous low-intensity white noise that reduces symptoms of tinnitus.
Tinnitus Reconstruction. Portable device to reduce symptoms of tinnitus

prevention

Tinnitus is a condition that cannot be avoided. However, some actions can help prevent certain types of tinnitus, including:

Use ear protectors to reduce exposure to loud sounds
Turn down the volume when listening to music
Maintain cardiovascular health by exercising regularly and following a healthy and balanced diet

Doctor's information
When to see a doctor?

Consult your doctor as soon as possible if:

You have upper respiratory tract infections, such as colds and tinnitus, which don't improve within a week.
Tinnitus occurs suddenly or without apparent cause, or
When you have hearing loss or vertigo due to tinnitus

What should be prepared before consulting a doctor?

Be prepared to tell your doctor in advance about the symptoms or signs that you feel, about your medical condition or medical records, and about any medication you are taking.
What will the doctor do during the consultation?

During the consultation, your doctor can ask questions like: