The holidays are approaching, and if this holiday season, Jingle Bells has a different kind of ring to it, don't be alarmed, you, like many Canadians may be experiencing the effects of something called Tinnitus, or ringing in the ear.
The potential causes of these annoying sounds vary, some are benign while others can be more serious.
Tinnitus can present as a variety of different sounds and can be constant or intermittent as well as very subtle, or loud enough that it blocks out other sounds.
The American Tinnitus Association, a support and information group, provides an excellent resource for understanding these symptoms.
Causes include:
• Exposure to loud noises – this can cause short-term tinnitus but continued exposure can lead to permanent damage of the hairs in the ear that detect sound and can lead to ongoing tinnitus.
• Medications – Some medications causes tinnitus. Speak with your doctor about any medications you may be taking that could cause tinnitus.
• Sinus or Ear Infections – These usually settle down as the infection clears up.
• Cardiovascular Disease – Pulsing tinnitus may be caused by a lack of smooth blood flow through the arteries in the ear. These symptoms should be discussed with your physician.
• Muscle and joint problems in the head and neck – Motor vehicle accidents and other types of trauma to the head, neck or jaw can lead to muscle spasm in muscles near the ear. This increased tension can be a common cause of tinnitus as well as vertigo and nausea. Physiotherapists can help get these muscles and joints moving again.
The bottom line is, Tinnitus can often be a disconcerting and persistent issue.
Speak with a health care provider about what may be causing your symptoms and ways to treat or control tinnitus.
References:
http://www.ata.org/
http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/noiseinear.asp
