There’s not a day that goes by where ENTs don’t get a patient complaining of Tinnitus or that their ears are ringing.
Tinnitus is a word derived from Latin. It has come to define a medical condition where a person hears a variety of sounds that are not produced in their immediate environment.
It does not just have to be a ringing in the ears but it can also feel as though there is a roaring, clicking, hissing, or buzzing in the ear. Many patients also describe the sound as a whistling sound that continues in the ear leading to irritation and trouble concentration.
It could be a soft sound or a loud one. Some report that the continuous sound emanating from their ears is high pitched while others hear a low pitched sound.
Even though Tinnitus is considered to be an ear issue, it all begins in the brain. The neural circuits in our brain are responsible for making sense of the sounds that our ears hear. Sometimes, the neural circuits work in such a way that an illusion is created where the person feels like she or he is hearing a sound where there is no sound.
Tinnitus could also originate in the body akin to a chronic pain syndrome where pain persists even though the wound has healed. It could also be a result of the brain cells figuring out a way to adapt to the loss of sensory hair cells as one gets older. In order to protect themselves, the brain cells increase their sensitivity to sound. It is precisely why people suffering from Tinnitus are extremely sensitive to loud noises.
Many times, as we get older, there could be an imbalance in the neural circuits if there’s damage to the inner ear. This damage can affect the auditory cortex which is the area of the brain that is responsible for processing sound. Since the neural circuits are also responsible for communicating with various parts of the brain, for example: limbic region i.e. responsible for regulation of emotions and mood, their ability to process sound might become weak.
About 15 percent of Americans are more than likely to suffer from Tinnitus during their life. Although tinnitus is more common among the elderly, many are reporting a tinnitus-like condition earlier in life. It is crucial that this condition is looked at through a holistic lens wherein you follow a regular self-care routine that includes a focus on your ear health.
Supplements such as Tranquil Ear and Tranquil Ear P.M. can also go a long way in providing you the relief and nutrients you need to lead a healthy life. These capsules contain vital nutrients that are essential in strengthening your hearing ability. It also manages natural inflammation and reduces the possibility of symptoms arising in the future.