Tinnitus Treatment

Tinnitus is classified into two types: subjective tinnitus and objective tinnitus. The former is a common type of tinnitus which is characterized by hearing ringing and hissing sounds unheard by other people. Objective tinnitus, on the other hand, is a rare type of tinnitus wherein the sounds produced can also be heard by others. For instance, the sounds can be heard by a doctor just by using a stethoscope. This is also more disturbing than the other type as it is accompanied by serious medical conditions like cardiovascular problems. This type of tinnitus occurs in 3% of all cases of tinnitus.

Objective tinnitus is characterized by rhythmic, thumping, clicking, or low humming sounds, which are synchronized with the heartbeat or breathing. This is the reason why it is also referred to as the pulsatile tinnitus. Relief against this kind of tinnitus is therefore not only targeted to getting rid of the pulsing noise but also to getting rid of the underlying medical condition.

Objective tinnitus is said to be caused by two major factors. The first cause is the alteration of blood flow in the veins or arteries surrounding the ear area which may result into ear thumping sounds. The second cause is the increased sensitivity to the internal noise caused by the flow of blood in the ears, making a person susceptible to hearing sounds produced by this kind of tinnitus. In rare cases, objective or pulsatile tinnitus can signal a grave or very serious medical condition such as aneurysm. Thus, proper diagnosis is necessary in order to identify the root cause of the noise heard by the patient.

Clinical diagnosis of this condition is done with the help of the patient’s medical history to check if the patient has suffered from any cardiovascular condition. Other medical tests and examinations such as magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), CT scan, magnetic resonance scanning (MRI), ultrasound, and angiography may also be done since the doctor needs to see images of blood circulation and blood vessels in the ears to correctly diagnose the condition that is causing tinnitus. Blood tests also help the doctor in diagnosing anemia.

Objective tinnitus can be treated when the primary condition has been identified. This primary condition must also be treated immediately after it has been determine. Hypertension for example can be treated with lifestyle modification, diet change, and intake of medicine/drug that can lower down the blood pressure.

Pulsatile tinnitus patients must stay away from the following:

• Diet rich in sodium

• Diet rich in fat

• Alcohol

• Beverages with caffeine

• Stress

• smoking

Atherosclerosis is one of the main causes of tinnitus and this is unfortunately caused by diet rich in cholesterol and fats. Therefore, it is important for tinnitus patients to get rid of them. High blood pressure, one of the common causes of tinnitus, is caused by an increased intake of salt since it can alter the fluid retention in the body. Caffeine can cause increased heart rate and blood pressure. The fluid balance in the body and in the ears can be caused by too much alcohol consumption. Stress can trigger the symptoms of tinnitus to strike. Fatigue and anxiety management is important to keeping the tinnitus symptoms at bay. You should not forget that cognitive-behavioral therapy, alternative remedies, and relaxation can also help a person acquire relief against objective tinnitus.