How does tinnitus influence the quality of life?
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How does tinnitus influence the quality of life? |
What is tinnitus?
Tinnitus is not a disease, but a symptom related to the auditory system. In English, they are often called tinnitus (a Latin word meaning “clink”) and are often described as ringing or hissing that is heard in one or both ears, without an external source of the sound. That is, the person hears a sound -a buzz, beep, hiss, murmur, murmurs...- without anything external causing it.
It is a relatively normal phenomenon, that almost the entire population experiences at some point in their lives.
On some occasions, they may be the first and/or only symptom of important problems, so evaluation by a professional, who will refer the patient for a more detailed study if alarm symptoms appear, is very important. Normally, tinnitus is mild and transitory, but if it is more annoying or continuous, it can lead to sleep disturbances and interfere with rest and concentration, which is why it can cause irritability and reduce the quality of life of those who suffer from them. According to the American Tinnitus Association, severe tinnitus is the third most disabling symptom a person can experience, after severe pain and balance disorders.
Who do they affect?
According to the ClÃnica Universidad de Navarra, between 10% and 17% of the world population suffers from tinnitus. On the other hand, 85% of ear diseases are accompanied by tinnitus.
The frequency of this hearing disorder increases after the age of 50 and affects men and women equally.
What types of tinnitus are there?
Tinnitus is usually divided into two types:
· Subjective: noises are perceived without the existence of an acoustic stimulus so that other people and the doctor himself cannot hear them. They constitute approximately 95% of cases.
· Objectives: can be perceived by both the patient and the doctor. They usually involve the noise of the flow of the blood vessels, causing a pulsating sound (in rhythm with the heartbeat) and synchronous with the pulse. They are produced by structures close to the ear that, in some cases, do not belong to them. At other times, the sound is more like a rhythmic click.
What causes tinnitus?
There does not seem to be a single mechanism that causes tinnitus and different parts of the auditory system may be involved in its origin. Subjective tinnitus is normally the product of alterations in the auditory cortex of the central nervous system, responsible for processing sounds. This alteration can be caused by almost any anomaly that affects the auditory pathways:
· An acoustic trauma, caused by exposure to excessively loud noise in work or leisure environments.
· Aging: age is, in fact, a risk factor in this problem.
· Hypoacusis (hearing loss).
· Different disorders: migraines, anemia, hypertension, temporomandibular joint problems…
· An excess of wax or any other type of obstruction in the external ear.
· Infections (otitis) in the middle ear or hardening of the ossicles found in it.
· The consumption of certain drugs or drugs that can damage hearing (ototoxic).
· Some diseases that can affect the auditory system (certain tumors, stroke, multiple sclerosis...).
· An abnormality of the inner ear called Ménière's disease.
· Head injuries.
On the other hand, stressful situations, a depressed mood, and the consumption of caffeine or other stimulants also contribute to worsening the situation.
What are your symptoms?
Tinnitus usually manifests as a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound heard in one or both ears, but it can also resemble roaring, main noise, clicking, or hissing.
Its intensity and tone can vary and be softer or louder or sharp or serious, although acute tinnitus is more common. They tend to get worse with silence. Often, those who suffer from it also suffer from hyperacusis - an increased sensitivity to external noises.
On the other hand, tinnitus can be synchronized with the heartbeat, manifest intermittently, or be continuous. In the latter case, they can cause the affected person difficulty falling asleep, lack of concentration, anguish, and even depression.
How is tinnitus treated?
In most cases, tinnitus does not bother and does not require -although neither does it exist- specific pharmacological or surgical treatment, although, according to American Speech-Language, between 10% and 15% of adults suffer from this problem prolonged and require a medical evaluation to rule out problems that, although infrequent, may be of importance.
However, the most effective treatment is the removal of the underlying cause or disease-causing tinnitus. For example, if it is hearing loss, hearing aids can be useful and in the case of profound deafness, the placement of a cochlear implant that stimulates the inner ear can be effective.
If there are symptoms of stress or depression, they should also be treated -through psychological therapy, relaxation techniques, medication... -, as well as avoiding the consumption of caffeine or other stimulating substances.
Another measure that can be useful is to use a type of device similar to hearing aids, which is placed in the ears and emits a sound at a low volume, capable of masking tinnitus. It can also help, especially at night, to resort to comforting environmental sounds -background music, fans, water fountains... These help to distract from tinnitus and, therefore, to fall asleep.
Unfortunately, in many cases, the cause is not found or it is not possible, despite knowing it, to apply a medical or surgical treatment to resolve it.
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