I hear a persistent buzz in the ears that drives me crazy and makes sleep difficult. How can I make it disappear?
The tinnitus, or tinnitus, are the perception of ghost noises, normally in the form of beeps, buzzing or roar. It is a frequent condition and, in most cases, harmless. According to a 2024 analysis, about 11% of American adults suffer from tinnitus, and 41% of them constantly hear theminstead intermittently.
It is unusual for tinnitus to heal, but the recovery forecast depends on the cause of symptoms. Although it is not always curable, “there are many good ways to control it,” said Mohamed Elrakhawy, an otolaryngologist at the Rush University Medical Center, in Chicago.
Causes of Tinnitus
Tinnitus can have various causes, explained Zachary Schwam, otolaryngologist at the ICAHN Faculty of Medicine of Monte Sinai Hospital, in New York. Sometimes, It may be due to tumors, nervous problems, venous asymmetries, holes or liquid behind the eardrums, then or damage to the nearby bones. In these cases, it is common for sound to affect only one ear, and may resemble a beat. If it occurs in this way, it is important to consult a doctor.
However, most Tinnitus cases are related to Hearing losssaid Kenny F. Lin, otolaryngologist at the Houston Methodist Hospital. “Ciliated cells of the Coclery nerve endings are damaged and send an altered signal to the brain, which is perceived as a bell, tarareo, buzzing or static noise”, He explained.
It is also more common among people regularly exposed to strong noises. “Enjoy your concerts, enjoy your work, but be sure to use adequate auditory protection,” said Schwam.
Frequently, tinnitus is a minor discomfort that decreases over time. However, In some cases it can become weakening and affect the ability to work or sleepELRAKHAWY said. The condition has been linked to anxiety, depression and even rare cases of suicide.
Stress, anxiety and lack of sleep can aggravate tinnitus. “I often tell people that these things are not necessarily the cause, but they certainly do not help,” said Schwam.
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The treatment depends on the cause
To determine the cause of the tinnitus, the doctor will analyze the patient’s clinical history and perform a physical examination.
“If it is only in an ear or both, if it is constant or intermittent, if there are triggers that get worse: all this helps to decide the next step”explained Elrakhawy. The specialist is likely to indicate a hearing test and, depending on the case, studies such as magnetic resonances or tomographs.
If tinnitus is related to a bone, nervous or circulatory condition, treating that underlying cause can solve it, Schwam said. But if it is due to auditory loss, treatments do not eliminate it, although they can improve the quality of life.
Generally, treatments seek to minimize the impact on daily life, especially in sleep and work performance, added Lin. One of the most used approaches is sound masking: white noise, ocean sounds, rain, music or fans or humidifiers, which reduce the perception of tinnitus.
“While the brain listens to external sounds, it is less likely to perceive the inmates,” he said.
The use of headphones can also be effective if the hearing loss justifies it. “The headphones amplify the sounds that you no longer hear, so they function as masking devices that are used throughout the day,” Lin said. Some even incorporate specific functions to mask tinnitus, adjusting frequencies to optimize the effect.
Psychological accompaniment can also be helpful. “We often treat patients who seriously suffer from tinnitus and their impact on mood, including anxiety and depression,” said C. Matthew Stewart, Johns Hopkins Medicine’s otolaryngologist. According to Schwam, when doctors explain what happens and reassure the patient about the non -dangerous nature of tinnitus, the person can cope with him better.