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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tinnitus?

American Tinnitus Association - Patient FAQ
Tinnitus is the medical term for the perception of sound in one or both ears or in the head when no external sound is present. It is often referred to as "ringing in the ears," although some people hear hissing, roaring, whistling, chirping, or clicking. Tinnitus can be intermittent or constant-with single or multiple tones-and its perceived volume can range from subtle to shattering.
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The Ear Institute of Texas
Tinnitus is common disorder in which individuals experience an abnormal perception of sound not coming from the surrounding environment. It is frequently associated with age-related hearing loss, but can also indicate more rare conditions such as tumors on the hearing nerve. back to top
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How many people have tinnitus?

American Tinnitus Association - Patient FAQ
The ATA estimates that over 50 million Americans experience tinnitus to some degree. Of these, about 12 million have severe enough tinnitus to seek medical attention. And about two million patients are so seriously debilitated that they cannot function on a "normal," day-to-day basis.
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What causes tinnitus?

American Tinnitus Association - Patient FAQ
The exact physiological cause or causes of tinnitus are not known. There are, however, several likely sources, all of which are known to trigger or worsen tinnitus. Noise-induced hearing loss - Exposure to loud noises can damage and even destroy hair cells, called cilia, in the inner ear. Once damaged, these hair cells cannot be renewed or replaced. Hearing loss can also be caused by excessive noise exposure.
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Do children get tinnitus?

American Tinnitus Association - Patient FAQ
Tinnitus does not discriminate: people of all ages experience tinnitus. However, tinnitus is not a common complaint from children. Children with tinnitus are less likely than adults to report their experience, in part because children with tinnitus are statistically more likely to have been born with hearing loss. They may not notice or be bothered by their tinnitus because they have experienced it their entire lives.
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Is tinnitus hereditary?

American Tinnitus Association - Patient FAQ
There appears to be a predisposition based on heredity for some people when they are exposed to loud sounds, but whether or not tinnitus is genetically indicated is not certain. Scientists working on the Human Genome Project, for example, have not discovered a "tinnitus gene," but they have identified genes that are responsible for a few rare varieties of hearing loss, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, Ménière's Disease, and acoustic Neuroma.
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What might cause tinnitus?

Welcome to Spokane Ear, Nose&Throat Clinic, P.S. Surgery...
There are various causes including a plug of wax, allergy, ear infection, circulatory problems, certain medications, and prolonged exposure to loud noise.
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Are there treatments for tinnitus?

The Ear Institute of Texas
Patients with tinnitus are often told by physicians and friends that there is nothing that can be done and to “learn to live with it.” However, in actuality, here at the Ear Institute of Texas we offer a number of treatments that our patients find beneficial. These alternatives included masking techniques, amplification, biofeedback, and prescription medications.
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What can be done about tinnitus?

Hearing Consultants :: FAQ
Tinnitus (noises in the ears) is a very common complaint. There is enormous amount of worldwide research being conducted on the topic. We are still trying to fully understand the cause and how best to treat it. We do know that wearing hearing aids can mask out or significantly reduce the level of tinnitus heard. For the latest discussion on tinnitus by New Zealander Dr Grant Searchfield, Auckland University click THIS LINK to his article.
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Tinnitus - Ringing in Ears
Tinnitus varies from person to person but it is generally described as a constant ringing, buzzing, chirping, roaring, hissing or whistling in the ears. Some may have Tinnitus in one ear or both and some describe it as coming from inside the brain. Tinnitus can be high pitched or low pitched and can be constant or come and go intermittently.
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Advanced Ear, Nose & Throat - A Divison of Advanced Specialt...
Tinnitus is noise in the ear. It may be a whistling, humming, buzzing or other sounding noise and can be very distressing. Xylocaine is a local anesthetic commonly used in dental work. It is very useful in reducing or eliminating tinnitus in certain patients, especially those with tinnitus in one ear only.
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North Shore Audiology - The Better Hearing Clinic - Frequent...
Tinnitus is the name given to the sensation of sound in the head or ears, in the absence of an external sound. It is not a disease or illness and is usually associated with hearing loss, or a problem in the auditory system. estimated 17% of the NZ population has some degree of Tinnitus. Ageing or loud noises can cause damage to the inner ear and lead to Tinnitus. Tinnitus may arise after an illness, a stressful period, an injury or long term use of medication.
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The Feldman E.N.T. Group, PC
Tinnitus can be described as "ringing" ears and other head noises that are perceived in the absence of any external noise source. Tinnitus is classified into two types: Objective Tinnitus, the rarer form, consists of head noises audible to other people in addition to the sufferer. The noises are usually caused by vascular anomalies, repetitive muscle contractions, or inner ear structural defects. The sounds are heard by the sufferer and are generally external to the auditory system.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Treatment for Tinnitus and ...
Tinnitus occurs when a person hears a sound without the presence of an outside source. It is often known as "ringing in the ears" and occurs as a single tone but can also manifest itself in other types of sound.
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Delwyn Hypnotherapy
If you've had tinnitus for less than two years, you need to see your doctor for an MRI. I have seen cases where a person became deaf due to incorrect medical treatment. Get a CT scan if you can't afford an MRI. An MRI will reveal more about the brain to the astute professional though, so, I'd opt for an MRI. Either test will find a tumor and anyone who has been in this business has seen the results of what can happen when an . MRI is not given and the worst case happens.
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Do You Suffer From Tinnitus?

Herpes Cure? What's That?
I have to admit that I am a tinnitus sufferer. I didn't think there was any hope for me to ever feel any better. I hated the helpless feeling I had every time I realized that there was no way I could control the ringing and find relief. I felt... When your stress levels are high this can one of the main causes of ringing ears, when we are stressed our body is under attack and our immune system is working overtime.
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What is tinnitus (ringing or roaring in the ears)?

Welcome to Spokane Ear, Nose&Throat Clinic, P.S. Surgery...
Tinnitus is very common and can be annoying and distracting. Almost 37 million Americans have tinnitus in their ear or ears. It may come and go or might be a constant bother. It might be soft or loud, low pitched (roaring), or high-pitched (ringing) kind of sound. More than 7 million people are so badly afflicted that they can’t lead normal lives.
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What is tinnitus (ringing in the ear)?

Providence Speech and Hearing Center (PSHC) ::
Tinnitus occurs for a variety of reasons; the end result is that the brain receives a message that there is a sound present when there is no external sound present. Tinnitus is usually associated with inner ear damage, and often occurs following exposure to noise. Other causes include earwax, some types of middle ear disorders sucha as otosclerosis, high blood pressure, certain medications, or in very rare cases, brain tumors.
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Who experiences Tinnitus?

Frequently Asked Hearing Questions
Nearly 36 million Americans suffer from tinnitus. Persons of all ages can experience ear ringing. Tinnitus is more common in the adult and senior populations. It usually happens gradually over a period of weeks, months, or years.
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How is Tinnitus treated?

Frequently Asked Hearing Questions
Treatment differs for each individual case of Tinnitus. Once the cause is determined, the doctor is able to decide on the most effective treatment. In most cases, there is no specific treatment. The doctor may be able to eliminate the noise based on the cause. In some cases, medicine may help reduce noise and discomfort.
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Thomas Jefferson University - Jefferson Hearing Center
Tinnitus is the term used to describe ringing, buzzing, hissing, chirping, or any other unusual head noise. Tinnitus may occur occasionally or may be constant, and may vary in intensity. It is normal to experience rare episodes of mild or brief tinnitus as a result of many normal conditions or exposure to loud noise.
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Telecom and Technology Cost Reduction Richard on the Web-Tin...
If you've had tinnitus less than two years, you need to see your doctor for an MRI. I have seen cases where a person became deaf due to incorrect medical treatment. I am not a big fan of CT scans but if you've had tinnitus less than two years and you can't afford an MRI, then a CT scan is an option. An MRI will reveal more about the brain to the astute professional though, so, I'd opt for an MRI.
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Can I get cured from tinnitus too?

Tinnitus,Tinnitus Treatment and Tinnitus and Hyperacusis The...
It depends on what you mean by cured. In my experience, if cure means "silent," near silent or significantly improved, then yes, almost everyone can improve greatly. Some people do achieve silence. Some won't. It's tough to know in advance who. There are factors to help predict silence, but I still get surprised as people improve drmatically when I thought they might only improve a little, even with time. Silence for you? Maybe.
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Should I have the ______ surgery for my tinnitus?

Tinnitus,Tinnitus Treatment and Tinnitus and Hyperacusis The...
Before doing anything that can give you permanent tinnitus...do the things that work. Except for tumor removal, I have never seen a client that needed surgery, experimental or otherwise, for tinnitus alone. It simply is a risk that is not likely necessary. I wouldn't let anyone with a knife or needle near my head to "treat" tinnitus. Other things you bet. You have to dig all the way to the superior auditory cortex to get to the tinnitus for most people...
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