Tinnitus is a condition which causes people to hear noises in their ears when there are no corresponding noises in their surroundings. These noises are often described as ringing, humming, buzzing, cricket sounds, or similar.
It is estimated that upwards of 50 million people may suffer from tinnitus. Some causes of tinnitus may be due to a minor condition such as wax buildup. Ear infections or other ear conditions which are medically treatable may also be common causes of tinnitus. Some causes of tinnitus may be due to a serious health problem such as high blood pressure or tumors. Allergies, drug reactions or side-effects, and hormonal problems may also cause tinnitus. For these reasons all persons with tinnitus should consult with their doctor to rule out treatable or serious conditions.
The most common type of tinnitus is associated with hearing loss and is caused by damage to the hearing nerve in the inner ear. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for this type of tinnitus. However, various methods may be used to help reduce the symptoms and stress associated with tinnitus. These may include amplification techniques, masking, biofeedback training, prescription drug therapy, and the use of dietary and nutritional supplements.
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