Tinnitus is the perception of a continuous beep, hum, whistle, buzz or other noise in the head or in one or both ears, without the presence of an external sound source. Someone else cannot hear the sound. Sometimes the sound varies in volume, sometimes it’s overruled by surrounding noise. Tinnitus is often associated with hearing loss.
Cause
The exact cause of tinnitus is often impossible to determine. The condition can be the result of prolonged exposure to (too much) noise, but also of defects to the ear, brains or temporomandibulair joint. In addition, it occurs as a symptom of other diseases or develops as a side effect of certain medications.
Symptoms
The main symptoms of tinnitus are the constant rustling, beeping, humming or whistling sounds that a person hears. As a result of this nasty sound, the person can also experience the following symptoms:
- Problems concentrating.
- Fatigue.
- Anxiety.
- Feelings of desperation and anger.
- Depression.
- Quickly getting irritated.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is difficult to make, since tinnitus cannot be measured or objectified. By hearing or vestibular tests, blood pressure measurements and optionally scans, the doctor may try to explain the condition.
Treatment
Unfortunately, there is no treatment that cures tinnitus. Therefore, it is important that the patient mentally overcomes his or her own tinnitus entirely or partially. The presence of a psychologist with knowledge and experience in the field of tinnitus is essential for proper treatment. A psychologist, specialized in tinnitus, who works with an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist, is also a good combination.
When tinnitus is accompanied by hearing loss, a hearing aid can be a solution. In the treatment of tinnitus, use is sometimes made of masking. Here, people who suffer from severe tinnitus are looking for a sound that is louder than the beep in the ears, so they actually suffer no longer from the tinnitus anymore.
Recent research has shown that a combination of therapies is the most effective. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy, elements of the Tinnitus Retraining Therapy, education and explanation, application of masking or hearing aid, counseling, dealing with anxiety, group therapy, exposure, stress reduction, mindfulness and relaxation exercises. The composition of the treatment depends on the nature and severity of the symptoms of each individual patient.
Prognosis
Despite all kinds of therapies, the disease doesn’t cure in many cases. Improvement is usually the result of successful treatment of the underlying causes or of the successful use of medicines, masking techniques or special devices. The hearing loss associated with tinnitus may be permanent and irreversible.
Considerations
- Little can be done against tinnitus. However, some people have no, or much less trouble under certain circumstances. For example, if they are concentrated and busy with work or hobby or if they sport intensively or just relax (yoga).
- Perhaps a person notices that music or sounds from the environment make the tinnitus disappear for a while. So music through earphones can help. The ticking of the clock, the blowing of the wind, the roaring of the sea and the traffic in the environment can push tinnitus into the background.
- When tinnitus occurs as a side effect of medications, it’s wise to adjust the medication.
- Upon hearing loss, a hearing aid can help. When a patient hears sounds from the environment better, these overrule the tinnitus.
- There are also so-called tinnitus maskers. These devices on the ear create a pleasant sound which overrules the tinnitus sound. There are also hearing aids that can produce a noise, thus distracting attention from the tinnitus. Some people benefit from this.
