Heard about tinnitus? It has a ring to it

Tinnitus is a condition characterized by hearing some kind of noise or ringing in the ears, often described as buzzing, roaring, clicking, hissing or humming, when no external sound is present.

Tinnitus is not a disease itself but rather a symptom of an underlying health issue, which could involve the ear, the auditory nerve, or other areas of the brain. Coping with it is very difficult sometimes!

According to the American Tinnitus Association, the condition affects approximately 15 to 20% of the population in the United States, which equates to around 50 million people! Among these, 2 million have extreme and debilitating cases.

various causes, including high blood pressure, changes in the blood vessels near the ear, or increased blood flow near the ears. See a doctor if you have this; it can indicate a dangerous condition.

2. Meniere’s Disease: This is an inner ear disorder characterized by ringing in the ear, a spinning sensation (vertigo), and some degree of hearing loss.

with the bones in the middle ear can cause tinnitus.

8. Anemia: A low red blood cell count can sometimes cause a person to hear the blood flowing through their ears. Now let’s talk about the medications that are commonly associated with tinnitus. It’s incorrect to assume that you have to take these medications chronically to trigger an episode. It could happen faster than that.

Some of the most common drugs include: example, ginkgo biloba may increase blood flow to the head and neck. It may also backfire, so use under the guidance of a doctor.

Melatonin, B vitamins and zinc are also potentially useful. Magnesium is probably the most exciting natural option.

Dear Pharmacist

By Suzy Cohen

3. Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: This occurs when the eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the back of the nose, don’t open or close properly. This can cause a variety of symptoms including noises in the ear.

1. Aspirin or salicylates, especially in high doses

2. NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen

3. Antibiotics: certain ones have been linked to tinnitus

4. Antimalarials: such as chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine

I have more information about the condition, its causes, and various treatments (both prescription drugs and natural treatments) in a longer version of this article at my website, suzycohen.com.

If you have symptoms of tinnitus, see an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor or an audiologist. More information is also available at www.ata.org.

Risk factors for the condition include age (believed to be due to cumulative effects of noise exposure over time), chronic exposure to loud noise or sudden exposure to very loud noise, certain medical conditions, certain medications, and ear and sinus infections (which sometimes cause temporary tinnitus).

Let’s go through eight common causes for tinnitus.

1. Pulsatile Tinnitus: This type of tinnitus matches the heartbeat. It can be due to

4.Medications: Certain medications, especially in high doses, can cause tinnitus as a side effect. (See more below.)

5. Earwax Buildup: Sometimes, a simple buildup of earwax can cause tinnitus.

6. Blood Vessel Disorders: Conditions such as atherosclerosis or an arteriovenous malformation can sometimes cause tinnitus. Also, over-thinning the blood, usually through the use of anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications, can alter the flow of blood through the vessels and be a cause.

7. Middle Ear Conditions: Problems

5. Antidepressants: tinnitus can be a side effect of certain ones

If you suspect that a medication is causing tinnitus, speak to your doctor.

Some natural remedies could help. For

This information is opinion only. It is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Consult with your doctor before using any new drug or supplement.

Suzy Cohen is a registered pharmacist and author of The 24-Hour Pharmacist and Real Solutions from Head to Toe