Expert: Dave Walker, A.C.A. (Audioprosthologist) - 4/7/2004

Question
Thanks for your participation in AllExperts.

I am a 40-year old male. LOOOng story but I will keep it short. My left ear is plugged but is also ringing. The ringing has been gradual over a couple of months. The plugged feeling came on suddenly with a sinus infection. My ENT has diagnosed plugged Eustachian tube. I am scheduled to have myingotomy and a tube next week.

I understand that this should help the plugged feeling but do you know if I can expect it to help the tinnitus too?

I appreciate any insight you can provide.

Thanks.

Todd Miller


Answer
Todd:  Unfortunaly you won't know until after the myingotomy.  Here is some info on tinnitus that might help you understand tye condition better.


TINNITUS OR RINGING IN THE EARS

Tinnitus affects nearly 36 million Americans, most of them adults.  Seven million people are so seriously bothered by tinnitus that living a normal life is not possible.  In fact, tinnitus can interfere with work, sleep and normal communications with others.

Most people think of it as just a ringing in the ears. But it can also be a pulsating sound that matches a person's heartbeat. Or a sound like loud machinery or a lawn mower. Or a pounding noise, like someone hammering.

Like a toothache, it is believed that tinnitus isn't a disease in itself, but a symptom of another problem. Examples are:
·   Ear wax blocking the ear canals;
·   Food allergies;
·   Reactions to medications;
·   Middle-ear trauma or infections;
·   Blood vessel abnormalities in the brain;
·   Ear nerve damage;
·   Anemia;
·   Meniere's disease;
·   Diabetes.

Sometimes, tinnitus is due simply to advancing age.  It often accompanies loss of hearing.  Occasionally, tinnitus is temporary and will not lead to deafness. Treatment is aimed at finding and treating the problem that causes the tinnitus.

Self-Care Procedures:

For mild cases of tinnitus, play a radio or a “white noise” tape (white noise is a low, constant sound) in the background to help mask the tinnitus.

Biofeedback or other relaxation techniques can help reduce stress, calm a person down and concentrate, shifting attention away from the tinnitus.

Exercise regularly to promote good blood circulation. But if heavy exercise such as aerobics seems to make it worse, ask your doctor about this.

Limit your intake of caffeine, alcohol, nicotine and aspirin.

A visit to an ENT is also suggested  to rule out any medical cause of the tinnitus.

For further information concerning tinnitus the American Tinnitus Association's web site is www.ata.org.