Ear Buzz: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Cure

Tinnitus

Ringing in the ears, or tinnitus if you prefer, constitute a more or less important discomfort that torments a good portion of the population.

Buzzing noise is annoying, continuous or intermittent, perceived in the absence of external sound sources; these tinnituses can regress in a short time, therefore constitute a temporary and easily reversible phenomenon, or they can assiduously and permanently distress those who are affected.

Some call it an "imaginary evil of the mind", the ringing in the ears can be so violent and intense that it weighs heavily on the quality of life of those affected.

Symptoms

Tinnitus is always symptomatic: what varies from one patient to another is the intensity of the noise perceived at the level of the ear (or ears).

Ringing in the ears can be described as:

• slight noise similar to a buzz
• penetrating noise
• hiss
• roaring sound
• tinnitus
• dull rumble
• noise similar to a sharp cry
• constant breath
• whistle
• sparkling noise
• pulsating, rhythmic hum

In some patients, ringing in the ears manifests itself with such intensity that it seriously hinders hearing and concentration, also negatively affecting the quality of sleep.

Recall that to be defined as such, a tinnitus properly so called is a phantom noise perceived exclusively by the affected subject (the people who are close to it do not perceive it).

Tinnitus can sometimes degenerate into significant mental disorders: incessant and violent humming can induce anxiety, depression, irritability and insomnia, as well as causing serious social and relational discomfort.

To learn more, read: Tinnitus Symptoms »

Diagnosis

The most common question facing patients suffering from ringing in the ears is the following: How can a doctor diagnose the disorder if the ringing is perceived only by me?

Although numerous diagnostic tests are available to ascertain tinnitus, more often than not it is difficult to trace the cause. However, the most used diagnostic strategies for this purpose are:

1. Audiometric examination: useful for designating a possible cause of tinnitus (not always identifiable)
2. Movement tests: the doctor examines the patient's eye, mandibular, neck and limb movements. If, during these movements, the ringing in the ears worsens or diminishes, the specialist can direct the diagnosis towards one cause rather than another.
3. Imaging test (CT or MRI): it may be necessary to subject the patient to imaging tests to ascertain or deny a suspicion of serious pathology (eg tumor).

Unfortunately, in many cases it is extremely difficult to trace precisely the cause behind the ringing in the ears: for this reason, many drugs are administered exclusively to alleviate symptoms, without however directly interacting with the causal factor.

Care

Complete and definitive treatment for tinnitus is only possible when the triggering cause is identified with certainty. Unfortunately, however, as we have seen, it is rather complex to trace the pathology that arises there, so the treatment will be purely symptomatic.

Also some drugs can cause ringing in the ears: in similar situations, after identifying the active ingredient, it is advisable to modulate the dosage or, even better, to replace the drug with another having a similar therapeutic activity. Always consult your doctor before changing therapy.

Generally speaking, patients who complain of annoying tinnitus undergo thorough ear cleaning, aimed at removing earwax caps. Ear hygiene can attenuate the perceived hum.

The most commonly used drugs for tinnitus treatment are:

1. Antihypertensive drugs: indicated when the ringing in the ears depends on an alteration of blood pressure
2. Antibiotic drugs: indicated when the ringing in the ears depends on a bacterial infection (eg otitis, syphilis, meningitis, etc.)
3. Antidepressant drugs: they are used to alleviate a side effect (rather common) of ringing in the ears: depression. As noted, many patients suffering from severe tinnitus become anxious, depressed and stressed: weighted administration of antidepressant drugs can improve the quality of life of the affected patient. Always consult your doctor before following a similar therapy.

When the patient does not respond positively to treatment, an alternative intervention is conceivable through the application of special electrical devices: these particular devices can suppress or reduce the ringing in the ears.