Definition of Tinnitis

According to the Mayo Clinic, tinnitus is a persistent noise in the ear that is usually in the form of a hiss, buzz or ring. It normally is treated as the symptom of a larger condition.

Significance

• The Mayo Clinic estimates that nearly 20 percent of all Americans suffer from some form of tinnitus. The Oregon Health & Science University estimates that as many as 10 million Americans have tinnitus that is severe enough to disrupt their daily lives and make sleeping very difficult.

Identification

• According to Medline Plus, tinnitus can be caused by allergies, medication given for a different condition, exposure to loud noises and blood pressure problems. It also is an indication of the onset of hearing loss.

Acoustic Therapy

• One form of treatment for tinnitus is acoustic therapy. This is the amplification of the sounds from all around you to try and diminish the presence of tinnitus. This is done with hearing aids during the day, and specially produced compact discs (CDs) at night to help the afflicted person sleep.

Cure

• According to the Oregon Health & Science University, there is no cure for tinnitus.

Potential

• Tinnitus does not cause hearing loss, according to the Oregon Health & Science University. If hearing loss is occurring due to another condition, however, then the tinnitus will become more severe because there are fewer background noises to drown it out.