We are frequently asked about tinnitus. What can we do to help and what is causing the issue. Here are some points of interested for those that have asked about tinnitus.
What is Tinnitus and what are the symptoms?
Heres a 2 minute Neuroscience video by Neuroscientifically Challenged to explain what tinnitus is and what could be causing :
Remember tinnitus is a symptom of some underlying condition. So being evaluated by your doctor to rule out other conditions is important.
There are two types of tinnitus.
1: Subjective - most common
Only heard by patient
Causes:
Exposure to loud noises
Age-related hearing loss
Head trauma
Psychological conditions - Anxiety, depression
Dental conditions
Age-related hearing lose
Nutrient deficiencies (zinc and vit. A0
Migraine headachesThyriod issues
2: Objective (Somatosound) - more rare
Heard by others
Causes:
Benign intracranial hypertension
Aneurysms
AVM
Arterial bruits and venous hums
Pathophysiology
There are a few different theories on what can actually be going on in Tinnitus.
Due to damage of auditory receptors within the cochlea of the ear.
Abnormal neuronal activity within the auditory pathway of the brain.
Other parts of the brain may become activated, including the limbic structure involved in emotions.
Signs of symptoms:
White noise
Bussing, hissing, roaring, grinding
May be altered or induced by certain movements known as Somatic tinnitus. These movements such as jaw clenching, changes in eye positions, or moving your neck in certain ways.
Ringing may be louder when first waking up and/or may decrease when sleeping. Because of these features it's showing that damage alone to the ear is not alone.
Hearing loss
Annoyance and anxiety
Insomnia
Difficulty concentrating
Vertigo
Triggers
Emotional/physiological stress showing that certain areas of our brain is overly active.
Noises
Bodily symptoms such as neck strain
Treatment:
Can depend on the underlying cause
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Sound therapy - Binaural beats
Neck massages or dry needling
Pharmacotherapies - In some cases and stop helping after the medication has stopped.