Tinnitus
Tinnitus a sensation of ringing in the ears or the head.
What to look for
a noise in the ears, such as
ringing. It may come and go or be continuous.
hearing loss occasionally.
With tinnitus, the noise heard can be so
soft that the person can hear it only when trying to sleep or so loud that it is audible
at all times.
Tinnitus is very common and can be quite
annoying for people afflicted with it. Sometimes the noise is so disturbing that the
person cannot sleep or carry on a normal conversation.
Sometimes infections or blockages in the
ear can cause this condition and it is a simple matter of treating the cause. However
there may be instances when the ringing does not cease once the infection or blockage is
removed.
Causes
There are many things which can cause
tinnitus, such as
Too much wax in the ear
Infections
A hole in the eardrum
A tumour or growth
Too much exposure to loud noise - this is
the most common cause. (You only have to be exposed to a loud concert to experience
tinnitus instantly. The noise can last for days afterwards. )
Certain medications can cause tinnitus.
High blood
pressure
Allergies
Anaemia
Underactive
thyroid.
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Traditional Treatment
Speak with your doctor to have the
condition examined. There may be an illness that is causing it which needs to be treated.
If the tinnitus is still there after all
other ailments have been treated, there are a few more things you can do to help the
condition
Get your doctor to clean out your ears -
there may be excess wax inside them.
There are certain medications available
which may help.
Hearing aid type devices which mask the
annoying sound of tinnitus.
Alternative/Natural
Treatments
Herbal Therapies -
Ginkgo has been found useful in minimising the distress of
tinnitus. Don't expect immediate results from ginkgo; you may need to take the remedy for
several weeks before experiencing any relief. Ginkgo has been found useful in minimising the distress of
tinnitus. Don't expect immediate results from ginkgo; you may need to take the remedy for
several weeks before experiencing any relief.
Homoeopathy - Several
homoeopathic remedies are prescribed for tinnitus. You may be prescribed one of the
following: Several
homoeopathic remedies are prescribed for tinnitus. You may be prescribed one of the
following:
If the noise is a buzzing or hissing
sound, Chininum sulphuricum.
If the noise is a ringing sound with no
other symptoms, Kali iodatum.
If the noise is a roaring sound and is
accompanied by some hearing loss, Salicylicum acidum.
If roaring sounds are accompanied by a
tingling sensation and by the feeling that the ears are blocked, Carboneum sulphuratum.
Lifestyle
Regular exercise that increases blood
circulation to the head may help bring some relief from tinnitus.
Hypnosis has been known to work for some
tinnitus sufferers.
Dietary
Considerations
To improve blood circulation to your ears,
reduce the saturated fat and cholesterol in your diet. And keep eating a healthy diet of
fruits and vegetables.
Vitamin
B12 and vitamin A supplements may be at least
partially effective against tinnitus.
Personal Care
Avoid loud noises
Avoid alcohol, smoking, and caffeine.
Lessen the salt in your diet.
If you have trouble sleeping buy a white
noise tape or CD which will cover up the unwanted noise in your ears.
Avoid too much aspirin.
When to seek further
professional advice
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