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Objective & Subjective Tinnitus

Tinnitus is the medical term for a condition most people call "ringing of the ears." Sufferers of tinnitus will hear noises in their ears even when there is no external sound. Usually the noise is a ringing or humming sound. In most instances, tinnitus is incurable, but it is usually also a benign problem. It may be a temporary problem, or it may never be resolved.

  1. Causes of Tinnitus

    • The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association estimates that 10 to 15 percent of adults will have problems with persistent tinnitus in their lifetimes, especially among the elderly. The most common cause is prolonged exposure to loud noises, but tinnitus can be caused by many problems such as head trauma, inner ear disease or dysfunction, medication side-effects, ear wax, cardiovascular problems and others. It is often idiopathic and an indication of hearing loss.

    Objective Tinnitus

    • Usually, the tinnitus sufferer is the only one that can hear the noises in the ear, but when someone has objective tinnitus, the doctor can actually hear the noise with a stethoscope. According to Neurology Medlink, the cause of objective tinnitus can be identified and may be curable. Objective tinnitus is often caused by a vascular (blood flow) problem, but it can also be the result of other conditions. A vascular problem is suspected when the ringing corresponds in time with the pulse.

    Subjective Tinnitus

    • Over 95 percent of tinnitus sufferers have subjective tinnitus associated with hearing loss or inner ear damage. In contrast to objective tinnitus, a physician cannot hear the noise in the ear, and the noise is usually independent of the rhythm of blood flow. The most common subjective noise is high-pitched ringing or humming that corresponds to the frequency of hearing loss due to damage in the inner ear. Low-pitched ringing, accompanied by vertigo, hearing loss and ear pressure may be a sign of Meniere's disease.

    Treatment of Objective Tinnitus

    • The treatment of objective tinnitus depends upon determining the underlying cause. If, for instance, it is caused by a vascular condition, then the treatment of the tinnitus is dependent upon treatment of the vascular problem. In those cases where the underlying condition can be identified and successfully treated, then the tinnitus may be curable or resolve on its own.

    Treatment of Subjective Tinnitus

    • Treatment of subjective tinnitus is difficult. If it is caused by medication, then the medication dosage or type can be changed. By the time a patient reports persistent subjective tinnitus, the hearing loss or inner ear damage is typically permanent and cannot be cured. Also, the cause of subjective tinnitus usually cannot be determined, which complicates treatment. The use of background noise such as a fan or "white noise" generator may help mask the tinnitus. In addition, some have found help from certain types of medications, vitamins or herbal remedies.

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