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Tinnitus is the perception of sound with an external source making it. Millions of Americans have experienced a form of tinnitus in their lives, and about one in five have experienced it for an uncomfortable length of time. Tinnitus can be in one ear or the other or even in both ears at the same time. It can be intermittent or constant, with chronic tinnitus lasting longer than six months. If you’re experiencing ringing in your ears, making an appointment with a tinnitus doctor near Birmingham is a good way to assess what might be causing your discomfort.
Tinnitus is not a disease but rather a condition that is experienced. You do not “catch” it, and the word is merely used to describe your symptoms. The most common symptoms of tinnitus are:
Unfortunately, most cases of tinnitus cannot be traced to a known cause. This is known as primary tinnitus. Secondary tinnitus is when tinnitus can be linked to a known cause, making it generally more treatable. A local tinnitus doctor around Birmingham, AL, will be able to better ascertain if your tinnitus is primary or secondary.
Causes of tinnitus can range from ear infections, otosclerosis, muscle spasms, constantly listening to loud music, exposure to frequent and loud sounds, and more.
Even though most cases of tinnitus begin with an unknown cause, secondary tinnitus can be avoided by taking steps to protect your ears. Wear ear protection when working or playing in areas with loud noises. Listen to music at a responsible threshold, generally a little quieter than you might think you’d be able to hear. Don’t put objects in your ears like fingers or cotton to avoid infection. A tinnitus doctor near Birmingham will be able to educate you on the best ways to avoid developing tinnitus for your own lifestyle.
Treatment for tinnitus depends on if it’s primary or secondary tinnitus. Secondary tinnitus will be typically easier to treat. Fluid can be drained from ears, evaluations of eardrums can be performed, and antibiotics can be prescribed for infections.
Primary tinnitus is more difficult to treat. It is incredibly important to understand the sensitivity of the mindbody connection when discussing tinnitus with no known cause. The symptoms are indeed real, and you’re not imagining the ringing in your ears. However, it’s the underlying anxiety, fear, and angers of life that build to manifest in physical symptoms. For patients who have had traumatic emotional events or have potential underlying emotional anger, cognitive behavioral therapy (abbreviated as CBT) is frequently helpful along with reassurances that they are not suffering from a fatal or damaging medical condition. With emotional management and reassurance, primary tinnitus is frequently able to resolve.
In short, getting a tinnitus diagnosis won’t involve several tests or invasive procedures. X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans generally are unhelpful when diagnosing tinnitus. Tinnitus is usually diagnosed based on reported symptoms and patient self-evaluations. However, your local tinnitus specialist will be able to best direct you to the appropriate means of determining the causes of your ear ringing. Rarely, tinnitus might be caused by an underlying neurological condition that might require additional testing, however there will typically be other symptoms present than just tinnitus.
Dr. Scott Robertson is able to treat your tinnitus regardless of its cause, known or unknown, and he can also help you prevent developing this discomforting condition in the first place. It’s never too early to think about taking care of your ears; make an appointment with our nearby ENT clinic via phone or email today!
2001 Providence Park
Birmingham, AL 35242
Office: (205) 598-6060
Fax: (205) 407-4072
Office Hours
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Friday
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The office of J. Scott Robertson MD PC complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.
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