Head noise
Name(s):
Tinnitus
Ringing in ear
Nature
This hearing disorder is characterized by ringing or whistling in the ear, or a succession of notes, almost like music. A common cause is over-exposure to sudden or continuous loud noise resulting in damage to the part of the inner ear concerned with hearing -- often the cochlea. The brain interprets the malfunction as a sound. Related or aggravating conditions may be due to poor blood circulation, lack of vitamin B (essential for the nervous system), cervical osteoarthritis, deafness caused by quinine or aspirin, Meniere's disease or a tumour in the ear.
Pure tinnitus (not related to other causes) seems to be incurable, but the patient can be treated with sound masking or amplifying background noise, relaxants and psychological support.
Incidence
It is estimates that one in six adults suffers from tinnitus at some point in their lives.
Broader
Aggravated by
Type
(G) Very specific problems