It is frequent that, after leaving a concert in which we have been exposed to very loud music for a while, we feel ringing in the ears. However, when these beeps are constant, we are facing a health problem that seriously affects 8% of the Spanish population, according to data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and that can lead to more serious disorders, such as a depression.
Tinnitus or TINNITUS: SYMPTOMS IN ADDITION TO WHISTLE IN THE EARS
Tinnitus or tinnitus are noises that the person perceives but that do not come from outside. They can be suffered in both ears, but it is more frequent that it is only in one. The person feels the noises even in absolute silence. It can be beeping, buzzing, hissing, or other noises. It has many degrees and in severe cases can be very disabling.
Tinnitus: CAUSES
The causes of tinnitus or tinnitus can be very diverse, including the following:
- Hearing loss, especially age-related (from the age of 50, although they are increasingly occurring at younger ages)
- Exposure to loud noises, either for work reasons, for leisure (concerts, listening to music with headphones at a high volume on a regular basis …)
- Having ear wax or a buildup of mucus
- Consequence of an ear infection such as otitis
- Irrigation problems in the ear
- Head trauma
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
- Cervical problems
- Neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis
- Abusing certain drugs such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Ménière's syndrome, which, in addition to ringing, also involves dizziness, hearing loss, etc.
- Tumor in the ear
- They can also have an emotional trigger
However, many times, it is impossible to know what causes them. According to the Spanish Society of Otorhinolaryngology: "in 50% of cases it is not possible to know the reason why these tinnitus occur".
WHY THE TINNITUS APPEAR
The brain seeks to compensate for a damage to the ear with tinnitus, to understand us, it is like suffering a phantom limb syndrome, the sensation that one has after losing a leg or an arm, but that the brain continues to feel as if it were still linked to the Body. That is, the brain creates the beeps to compensate for missing peripheral information due to damage to the ear, just as it creates the presence of a “phantom” leg or arm.
WILL I SUFFER THE BEEPING FOREVER?
It depends on the cause, but it is estimated that more than 92% of people who suffer from tinnitus do so temporarily.
IF THERE IS BEEPING, WILL I HEAR LESS?
You can have hearing loss without tinnitus. However, whenever there is tinnitus, there is usually hearing loss. But suffering them does not imply that they have to lead to deafness. Of course, when they are a symptom of hearing loss, measures must be taken so that it does not worsen.
HOW TINNITUS ARE DIAGNOSED
The otolaryngologist will do a complete review which may include an audiological exam, imaging tests such as a CT or MRI scan, etc.
WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE BEEPING
It depends on whether it is transitory or becomes permanent and, in the latter case, it depends on its intensity. Severe beeping can make it difficult to hear others, concentrate, work, or sleep. The impact on daily life is so high that it can cause anxiety and in some cases, lead the sufferer to depression.
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF IT IS A MILD OR SEVERE Tinnitus
The Tinnitus Disability Test measures the importance of the disorder. This test assesses the severity of the beeps from 0 to 100. The test consists of a series of questions, each of which has one or another score.
HOW TINNITUS ARE TREATED
The ENT specialist is the one who will best determine the treatment for each case, since the causes are very different. For example, sometimes just removing wax from the ear ends with tinnitus or ringing in the ear. In other cases, the use of medications can help depending on their origin or sometimes surgery is necessary. Depending on the patient, the doctor may also recommend certain medications - pregabalin, gabapentin, and mirtazipine - which, although they do not cure the disorder, can alleviate it.
AND WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THEY CANNOT CURE?
What is sought is to help the person to live with the beeps by adopting one of these measures:
- When tinnitus makes sleep difficult, white noise is often used to help conciliate it, preferably opting for sounds of nature.
- The hearing aids can also help improve hearing that is diminished by beeps. When this hearing loss is very pronounced, cochlear implants can be used.
- There are also devices that are placed in the ear, similar to hearing aids, but whose mission is to neutralize these noises.
- The rehabilitation therapy also involves a device is placed in the ear that emits a music that seeks to influence the frequency at which the beeps are heard so that the person can get used.
- And in many cases, psychological therapy and participating in support groups is important to help the person who suffers and help them manage the anxiety that they may experience.
- Also, keep in mind that stress can make tinnitus worse. Therefore, in these cases, the doctor may recommend specific medication to treat them (but it is not advisable to self-medicate, since certain drugs make the situation worse).
CAN TINNERS BE PREVENTED?
Yes, some of the causes that cause them can be prevented, although not all. Among the things that it is in your hands to do, are the following:
- Do not listen to the music at a very high volume.
- If you are exposed to loud noises due to your work, protect your ears with earplugs and insulating helmets.
- Don't use cotton buds for the ears.
- When you have earwax or mucus, go to the ENT for treatment.
- Avoid getting water in your ears when swimming, etc.
