Those Phantom Ear Noises

If you regularly hear annoying noise with electrical, musical, or even mechanical qualities, then you could be part of the 19% of Americans who suffer from tinnitus. The buzzing or chirping noise is often high-pitched and relentless. Yet, others can’t hear it.

What’s heard by tinnitus sufferers is called “phantom” noise since nothing external is causing it, and doctors often can’t hear the noises on exam either. According to Mayo Clinic, doctors can only hear a rare type of tinnitus caused by a muscular issue, blood vessel problem or an inner ear bone condition.

Despite the fact that tinnitus is so widespread, many sufferers are told that nothing can be done. Professor Susan Holmes from Canterbury Christ Church University, Kent, UK says that around 94% of patients are told there are no options for treatment.

Mr Nigel Padgham, an ENT surgery specialist from Kent and Canterbury Hospital, assisted Holmes with an extensive research review of tinnitus published in the November issue of the Journal of Clinical Nursing.

Treating Tinnitus

According to Padgham, steps can be taken to treat tinnitus in many cases. He says that medication and surgery may be options, as well as “hearing aids to amplify external sounds and mask the tinnitus or distraction techniques, such as TV and radio.”

A key point of the study is that healthcare professionals need to address the psychosocial distress caused by tinnitus, and not simply tell patients nothing can be done. Padgham notes that the stress of dealing with tinnitus may lead to tension, frustration, anger, loss of concentration and sleep disturbance. According to the review findings, 62% of tinnitus sufferers may have a lifetime prevalence of major depression.

Tinnitus increases with age, but it may also be caused by stress or even bereavement. Many different causes of tinnitus have been discussed, but the research review found that tinnitus likely doesn’t have a single underlying cause, making it even more of a phantom menace.

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