More than 50 million Americans experience some degree of tinnitus according to the American Tinnitus Association (ATA). Tinnitus, pronounced tin-NIGHT-us or TIN-it-us, is the medical term for the perception of sound in the ears or in the head with no external sound present. People may describe hissing, roaring, whistling, chirping, or clicking that can be constant or intermittent and can range in volume. About 12 million people seek medical attention for this condition ever year. About two million people are so debilitated they cannot function on a “normal,” day-to-day basis.
There is no known physiological cause of tinnitus. However, 90 percent of those that suffer from tinnitus have some degree of hearing loss. Factors that are likely to trigger or worsen tinnitus include noise-induced hearing loss, wax build-up in the ear canal, certain medications, ear or sinus infections, jaw misalignment, cardiovascular disease, certain types of tumors, head and neck trauma, and certain disorders.
If you experience tinnitus a good place to start for answers would be a hearing screening. Contact our office today to schedule your complimentary hearing screening.
