Not a day goes by that we might hear someone or the other complaining of an eerie and constant phantom sound that reverberates in one or both ears. Despite our best efforts, the noise does not subside. It is loud, distracting, and frightening.
Tinnitus patients all have a sound that is not external. Patients may experience buzzing, blowing, hissing, ringing, roaring, rumbling, whooshing, or a combination thereof. No matter what sound it is, it is called tinnitus.
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Neurotologists are ear specialists who have seen 2,500 tinnitus patients during their careers. It might sound high, but up to 15% of the U.S. suffers from tinnitus. Over 20 million people suffer from chronic tinnitus, and another 2 million suffer from debilitating tinnitus.
Dissatisfaction With Doctors
Tinnitus is said to be generated in the ear by some researchers. The disease has no cure at the moment. What is the cause of the noise?
Unfortunately, as many patients have told me over the years, many doctors are dismissive about tinnitus. The doctors tell patients there is little they can do, that they will have to learn to cope with it, and bid them farewell. Disappointment and anger are the results of this unsympathetic attitude.
Restoring Health: Keys To Success
The tinnitus increases stress, the stress increases the tinnitus, which increases the pressure, and so forth. If you experience tinnitus, you should get an ear exam to eliminate earwax buildup, infections, or holes in your eardrum. Tinnitus sufferers should also undergo a comprehensive hearing test.
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The Treatments That Can Help
Many external sources are effective at drowning out the tinnitus, including background noise. Hearing aids can camouflage tinnitus by bringing in background noise and improving hearing. YouTube has many sound-generating videos that can help cancel out the discomfort; some have black screens running all night. Sometimes, air conditioners, fans, sound machines, televisions, and radios can help mask tinnitus. Since the patient associates tinnitus with pleasant music, it no longer triggers anxiety or stress. It has been shown that 80% of patients benefit from the therapy.