*This text was written based on information from health agencies and authorities, hospitals and health specialists. If you or someone you know has any of the symptoms described here, our suggestion is that you see a doctor as soon as possible.
Around the world, millions of people suffer from an irritant ringing in the ear, a condition that may arise sporadically or persist, depending on each case — often the symptoms are described as a ringing or ringing in the ears. Despite being a common problem that usually goes away in a short time, some situations may indicate more delicate diseases.
After all, what is it and why does tinnitus occur?
It is important to highlight that the famous tinnitus is a symptom, not a disease itself. That said, the condition may be related to different causes, such as fever or headache – although the symptom appears at all ages, it is more frequent in the elderly. In many cases, the sound is also described as a hissing, whistle, pressure cooker, waterfall or buzzing noise.
Known scientifically as tinnitus, tinnitus or wheezing, the sensation is caused as a result of impulses sent from the auditory canal to the brain. However, there is usually no real cause for the annoying “noise” we hear. Despite being an almost inaudible sound, many people are bothered and complain about the sensation.
Most of the time, tinnitus will go away with time, but some people may have a chronic problem.Source: Shutterstock
Therefore, the TechWorld put together a list of the main causes of ringing in the ears and treatments available to end the annoying sound. Look:
1 – Excessive noises
One of the most common causes of tinnitus is excessive loud noises in different environments, for example, at parties, concerts and other events with loud music. Commonly, people who use headphones tend to experience the symptom, which can pass in a few days.
Patients who suffered injuries to the ear canals can also hear wheezing. In all cases, it is necessary to see a doctor if the indication does not disappear within three weeks.
2 – Stress and anxiety
According to some studies, tinnitus usually appears in people who are experiencing moments of stress and anxiety. Thus, many times, the sensation is nothing more than the pure moment of stress in everyday life, especially after traumatic events.
3 – Accumulated wax or ear infection
Many cases are resolved after a quick consultation with an otorhinolaryngologist, who can diagnose an infection, inflammation and/or accumulation of wax in the ear. In this way, the noise tends to disappear during the treatment of the infection or after removing the excess wax.
The otolaryngologist is one of the specialists who can help find the problem.Source: Shutterstock
4 – Aging
Some doctors point out that old age is also one of the factors responsible for the appearance of noise in the ear. Including, early investigation is necessary, as it can deal with an initial symptom of hearing loss due to age.
5 – Use of medications
The use of certain antibiotics, diuretics, cancer drugs and other medications can help develop the symptom. Even the excessive use of some medication can be responsible for tinnitus.
6 – ATM dysfunction
Commonly, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction can cause different problems to patients, such as difficulties in chewing, swallowing and speaking. However, many people may also start to hear tinnitus after the problem, as the joint connects the jaw to the jaw and is very close to the ear.
7 – Cardiovascular diseases and diabetes
Hypertension, arteriosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases can be responsible for noise in the ear, as blood supply to the ear vessels is impaired by heart problems. Diabetes is another cause, as high levels of insulin in the body can impair electrical stimulation of neural pathways.
Most of the time, the sound is not real, but all cases should be investigated thoroughly.Source: Shutterstock
8 – Chronic diseases
Some chronic diseases are also known to cause ringing in the ears of patients, such as lupus, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, changes in triglyceride levels, labyrinthitis, spinal deviations, multiple sclerosis, among other health problems.
What to do to treat the symptom of tinnitus in the ear?
Before looking for any treatment, it is important to find out the cause of tinnitus. So if you constantly feel the noise for more than three weeks, it is very important to see a doctor who specializes in hearing problems – he will evaluate and understand what your case is.
As shown above, in some situations the problems are related to the patient’s hearing loss and, therefore, the use of an amplifier device can help to hear better and reduce the uncomfortable feeling. When the complication is not related to the ear, trying to find a diagnosis can be much more difficult.
Tinnitus can happen to everyone and usually appears at some point in life.Source: Shutterstock
So if you’re feeling something, it’s very important to pay attention to the possible triggers that cause the noise. Excessive consumption of chocolate, caffeine and alcohol can be one of the triggers for the crisis.
If you do not identify a reason for the tinnitus, the doctor may pass some tests and even medication to, as a last resort, recommend a treatment called Tinnitus Habituation Therapy, for the patient to get used to it and stop noticing the sound.
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