Tinnitus

What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus is when an individual hears a ringing, roaring, clicking, hissing, or buzzing in their ear. The noise heard can be at a high or a low pitch and may be unilateral or bilateral (heard in one or both ears).

Subjective tinnitus

Subjective tinnitus is when the noise can only be heard by the individual and accounts for 99% of tinnitus cases.

Objective tinnitus

Objective tinnitus is when the noise can be heard by others and the individual. The noises heard are produced by the body internally; conduction through body tissues delivers the noise from the source to the ears. Sources for objective tinnitus can be caused by blood flow or Musculo-skeletal movement.

• Experiencing loud noises
• Medication side effects
• Earwax blocking a canal
• Ear infections
• Vascular tumors
• Aging
• Meniere’s disease
• Thyroid abnormalities

Is there a cure for tinnitus?

There is not a specific cure for tinnitus, as it is a symptom, and the treatment would depend on the underlying health condition. Tinnitus cannot always be cured, but there are some treatments that can help reduce it.

Is there any current research?

Yes! Research is constantly being conducted to understand tinnitus better and how to treat it more efficiently.

• A recent study conducted by the Veterans Health Administration Office looked at how physical therapy can treat somatosensory tinnitus in the VA population. This study has been completed and results should be posted soon.
• There is a study that is not yet recruiting for participants, which will look at Reiki therapy as a treatment for tinnitus.
• A double-blind study will also be conducted soon, which will look to see if deep brain stimulation will minimize tinnitus. 

What organizations help with tinnitus?

• The American Tinnitus Association
• Center for Audiology and Hearing Aids
• American Academy of Otolaryngology-head and Neck Surgery
• Hearing Health Foundation