The AudioNotch Tinnitus Treatment Blog
Ringing In Ears When Quiet
If you have experienced ringing in ears when quiet, then you may have a condition that is known as tinnitus. You may also notice a hissing, whizzing or buzzing noise. You may experience this in one or both ears. It may be a constant problem or one that comes and goes. Approximately 20 percent of the American population suffers from tinnitus.
Causes of Ringing in Ears When Quiet
Doctors have not pinpointed an exact cause of tinnitus. However, they have found that several things contribute to this condition. Hearing loss, high blood pressure and otosclerosis are some of the conditions that contribute to tinnitus. Otosclerosis is a condition that causes the bones in the middle stone to stiffen and freeze.
Meniere’s disease is another condition that can cause ringing in ears when quiet. It not only causes tinnitus, but it can also cause dizziness and hearing loss. In rare cases, tinnitus can be caused by a tumor. Furthermore, frequent exposure to loud noise can cause this condition.
Diagnosing Tinnitus
If you have tinnitus, then it is best for you to see a physician. Your physician will ask you several questions. How long have you had this condition? Is it a constant sound? Is there anything that exacerbates the problem? How has this condition impacted your daily life? Those are some of the questions that your physician may ask you.
You will get a thorough physical examination in order to rule out any underlying conditions. You will also get a hearing test. Additionally, you will get a loudness matching test and pitch matching test in order to measure the severity of your tinnitus.
Treatment Options
There are a variety of treatment options available for tinnitus. If you have an underlying condition, then treating it may make your tinnitus go away. A doctor may also recommend that you wear hearing aids if you have also suffered hearing loss.
A white noise machine can be used to mask the noise. Studies have shown that it is extremely effective for making tinnitus less bothersome. You can also use fans, humidifiers, dehumidifiers and air conditioners to mask the noise.
Music therapy can also be used to treat tinnitus. There was a study done in 2017 by a group of Chinese researchers. The study lasted three months. It compared people who received music therapy to those who received a placebo. The results of the study showed that the subjects who received music therapy noticed a significant decrease in tinnitus symptoms. The placebo group did not notice a major difference.