Tinnitus: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Tinnitus is a hearing disorder in which sound is heard even in the absence of it from any external source. The sound heard is often like a ringing, hissing, roaring, or clicking. It may be loud or soft, high or low pitched. It can affect one ear or both the ears. The persistent sound may cause anxiety, depression and may interfere with concentration. A major cause of tinnitus is noise-induced hearing loss. Ménière's disease, ear infections, brain tumors, exposure to certain medications, head injury and earwax may also cause tinnitus. Tinnitus is determined in a person depending on the description of the audiological abnormalities experienced, and assessment of how the condition is affecting the person's life. The diagnosis may be supported by conducting a neurological examination or an audiogram. Determining the cause of the condition and treating it leads to improvement. Sound therapy, talk therapy and hearing aids can also help the individual in managing the disease. This book elucidates the causes, symptoms and treatment of tinnitus in a comprehensive manner. It strives to provide a fair idea about the modern practices in the management of tinnitus. A number of latest researches have been included to keep the readers up-to-date with the global concepts in this medical condition.