Tinnitus – often simply referred to as ringing-in-the-ears or head noises – is a sound heard by one or both ears that is described by different people in various ways.
To some it is a high-pitched ringing, whining, or hissing sound, like listening to a conch shell. To others it may be a low roaring noise.
Tinnitus can be very mild, noticeable only in a quiet room, or it can become so loud and annoying the victim hears nothing else. It can be persistent, intermittent, or throbbing, depending on the cause.
Some 50 million adults suffer from Tinnitus. For 12 million, the problem is so severe they are incapacitated.
While Tinnitus does not cause hearing disorders, it may accompany decreased hearing and other ear symptoms such as pressure, unsteadiness, or dizziness.
Often, it occurs alone.
Some of the main causes are:
- wax buildup or obstructions in the outer ear canal
- perforation in the eardrum or fluid accumulation behind
- Otosclerosis – the stirrup bone (stapes) becomes fixed
- Otitis media (ear infections)
- exposure to a sudden loud noise or repeated exposure to noise without adequate protection
- trauma to the head or neck as in a concussion or whiplash injury
- some medications induce head noises
- high or low blood pressure or anemia
Hearing Healthcare of Virginia
Hearing Healthcare of Virginia is offering complimentary hearing screenings at its six locations in the Shenandoah Valley and Central Virginia – Charlottesville, Covington, Culpeper, Fishersville, Harrisonburg, and Lexington.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (866) 341-4327.
More online at HearVirginia.com.
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