Tinnitus (from Latin "ringing") is perception of sound in the ears, when no external sound is present. The sound perceived is not necessarily a "ring".
Cause
Noise induced hearing loss, most commonly
Neurological damage (MS)
Ear infection
Oxidative stress
Emotional stress
Foreign objects in the ear
Nasal allergies that prevent (or induce) fuid drain
Earwax build up
Exposure to loud sounds
Withdrawal from benzodiazepines
Congenital hearing loss
Sensorineural hearing loss (i.e. cause is in vestibulocochlear nerve CN8)
Side effect of certain medications (ototoxic tinnitus)
Tx
If there is an underlying cause, Tx may lead to improvements
Talk therapy
No effective medications
Epidemiology
Common, affecting 13% of people
It is tolerated well, with it being a significant problem in only 1.5% of people
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