Tinnitus (ringing in your ears)!

Tinnitus is the perception of a sound that has no external source. Some of the more common sounds reported are: ringing, humming, buzzing, and cricket-like. It can be constant or intermittent and is heard in one ear, both ears or in the head. Tinnitus can originate in the middle ear (behind the eardrum) or in the sensorineural auditory system.

The most common causes of tinnitus are:

• Noise exposure (e.g. from shooting or machines at work)

• A natural part of the aging process

• Head injury (e.g. from a car accident or fall)

• As a side effect of medications (e.g. aspirin — see ototoxic drugs)

Impact and treatment of tinnitus will be discussed in next blogs! You can contact me at 218-454-(EARS)3277 for a consultation.

Have a great day!

Dr. Sarah Nelson