Affecting an estimated 20 million people, tinnitus is the perception of noise in the ears that does not come from outside of your body. This sound can be a ringing, buzzing, clicking, roaring or hissing. It can be a low roar to a high squeal heard in one or both ears. It may also be present all the time or it may come and go.
Types of Tinnitus
That sound can be subjective or objective. Subjective tinnitus is sound that only you can hear and accounts for the majority of tinnitus cases. It can be caused by problems in the outer, middle or inner ear as well as the nerves and the part of your brain that interpret signals as sound.
Objective tinnitus is sound that another person such as your doctor can also hear when they examine your ear. This occurs very rarely and is typically caused by problems with blood vessels, an inner bone condition or muscle contractions.
Is there a cure for Tinnitus?
Unfortunately, there is no universal cure for the ringing or buzzing in your ear. If it is a symptom of another condition, treatment will include addressing the condition causing it. However, tinnitus therapy has been an effective treatment for many patients living with tinnitus.
This condition can range from cumbersome to debilitating. You should speak with your doctor if it becomes too bothersome. You should seek medical attention if tinnitus develops and does not go away within a week, occurs suddenly without any cause, or you experience hearing loss or dizziness with it.
If you or someone you care for has tinnitus, please contact our office at (717) 728-9700 to schedule an appointment.