The AudioNotch Tinnitus Treatment Blog

Please note: the following information does not constitute professional medical advice, and is provided for general informational purposes only. Please speak to your doctor if you have tinnitus.

One of the most common service-related health conditions of veterans is tinnitus, or uncontrollable ringing in the ears. Yet, they are not alone. Over 50 million Americans experience this condition. While it is a common otic issue, little is known about its treatment.

Based on the most recent studies, The American Academy of Otolaryngology has introduced a new set of guidelines for dealing with this condition. Comprised of an impressive group of ear, nose, and throat doctors, this group claims that tinnitus diminishes on its own in the majority of patients. However, approximately 20% of patients require some form of medical intervention (http://www.cbsnews.com/news/new-guidelines-for-treating-tinnitus-or-ringing-in-the-ears/).

Furthermore, some interesting 2016 news on tinnitus further addresses that there is no distinct cure for this medical condition. For patients who have had this condition for less than six months, it is rare for this to continue unresolved. Modest improvements can be made via the use of hearing aids and sound therapies (http://www.entnet.org/content/tinnitus).

For some patients the effects of tinnitus can be so unrelenting that it may lead to mood disorders, such as depression or anxiety. In conjunction with treatment for the effects of tinnitus, consultations with a psychology or psychologist may be beneficial. The routine prescription of medications for treating tinnitus and underlying conditions is not recommended, due to a lack of proof of efficacy.

More importantly some crucial 2016 news on tinnitus identifies potential causes for this ongoing condition. According to a study done by researchers at UCLA common causes of tinnitus include possible cochlear or other nervous system disorder, prolonged exposure to recreational or occupational activities, and secondary causes (http://cewm.med.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/Otolaryngology-Head-and-Neck-Surgery-2014-Tinnitus-CPG1.pdf).

Despite the condition of tinnitus being costly, annoying, and a hindrance, it can also be a sign of a more serious underlying problem. Common tinnitus definitions include the following:

– Primary Tinnitus: Hearing loss associated with sensorineural hearing loss or another unperceived issue.
– Secondary Tinnitus: Associated with a specified underlying condition or an organic problem.
– Recent Onset Tinnitus: Hearing loss reported by the patient as lasting less than six months.
– Persistent Tinnitus: Lasting six months or longer.
– Bothersome Tinnitus: Process during which patient is seeking therapy or solutions.
– Nonbothersome Tinnitus: Does not have a significant impact on an agent, but which curiosity is peaked (http://oto.sagepub.com/content/151/4/533.full.pdf).

Despite recent studies identified in 2016 news on tinnitus, no cure has been found. Ongoing therapy is the best route for symptom alleviation.