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Copyright © 2016 SuccessVantage Group Pte Ltd. All rights reserved. Published by Kevin Richardson Notes to the Reader: No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopied, recorded, scanned, or otherwise, except as permitted under U.S copyright law, without the prior written permission of the author. The statements found within the pages of this book have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information with regard to the subject matter covered. If a product or treatment is recommended in these pages, it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information contained herein is meant to be used to educate the reader and is in no way intended to provide individual medical advice. The publisher and the contributors are not engaged in rendering medical advice. All information contained in this book is received from sources believed to be accurate, but no guarantee, express or implied, can be made. Readers are encouraged to verify for themselves, and to their own satisfaction, the accuracy of all information, recommendations, conclusions, comments, opinions or anything else contained within these pages before making any kind of decisions based upon what they have read herein. The author of this e-book is not a licensed practitioner of medicine; therefore, the techniques, ideas, and opinions here are not intended as a substitute for proper medical advice! The information provided here is solely for informational purposes only. If medical advice or other professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. The author does not accept any responsibility for any liabilities resulting from any health decisions made by purchasers of this book. The words contained in this text which are believed to be trademarked, service marked, or to otherwise hold proprietary rights have been designated as such by the use of initial capitalization. Inclusion, exclusion, or definition of a word or term is not intended to affect, or to express judgment upon the validity of legal status of any proprietary right which may be claimed for a specific word or term. Individual results may vary.

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Introduction ............................................................................................. 4

Understanding Tinnitus............................................................................ 6

The Ear .................................................................................................. 6

The Tinnitus Condition ........................................................................ 17

Taking Back Control Of The Volume ...................................................... 26

Medication And Treatment ................................................................ 26

Alternative Therapies .......................................................................... 30

Basic Ear Care ...................................................................................... 36

Latest Findings ....................................................................................... 41

Resources ............................................................................................... 45

Conclusion .............................................................................................. 47

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Introduction

Have you ever had the (temporary) sensation of hearing loss in any ear, or both ears before?

If your answer is in the affirmative, then you are part of the number of the 50 million of

Americans who experience hearing loss in one way or another, in one ear or another.

This sounds really horrible, isn’t it?

Can you imagine being unable to hear anything in the world – The loving tone of your loved one

speaking to you? The pleasing sounds of your favorite piece of music?

In the latest data provided by Hearing Health Foundation

(http://hearinghealthfoundation.org/statistics), it has been shown that tinnitus (ringing in the

ears) can affect 20% of Americans. Of this 20%, 90% of patients will eventually suffer from

eventual hearing loss.

So who are these 20% of people diagnosed with tinnitus?

Well, a sizable portion of them actually account from 2 groups of people: war veterans and

musicians.

I’m sure you’re surprised now at the 2 disparate groups of people. Musicians and veterans?

First, the study revealed that 60% of the veterans (Afghanistan and Iraq) returned home with

tinnitus. Sad to say, this is the Number 1 war wound.

Meanwhile, quite a number of musicians developed tinnitus as a result of playing with bands

which revolved around loud music.

For instance, Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich knew he had a problem when he woke up in the

middle of the night to turn off the loud TV.

He had the shock of his life when he realized that the TV wasn’t on, and that the music was

from his own ears!

http://hearinghealthfoundation.org/statistics

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The results of a 6-year research study indicated that the cognitive capabilities of adults (ages 75

– 84) with hearing loss declined 30% - 40% FASTER than others of normal hearing. On average,

older adults with hearing loss suffered significant loss in their cognitive abilities 3.2 years

EARLIER than others of normal hearing.

At the same time, ear-ringing also brings with it other associated conditions, such as depression

and debilitating consequences from isolation.

End Tinnitus Today aims to be a complete and thorough guide on the subject on tinnitus.

“Understanding Tinnitus” will bring to you the inner workings of the ear, how this condition

develops, and the generation information of this earful problem.

“Taking Back Control Of The Volume” will focus on the strategies in overcoming tinnitus. We

will look at the available medication and treatments. On top of that, we will explore the natural

remedies and the alternative treatments out there in the market.

In addition, we will also provide some basic care strategies about the ear.

As the name suggests, “Latest Findings” will bring to you the latest solutions to the ear-ringing

dilemma and the newest therapies to regain the hearing.

With End Tinnitus Today, we hope you have a better and informed idea about tinnitus and what

you can do to protect your hearing, if not to safeguard the remaining ability of your damaged

hearing.

Hearing is one of our essential aspects of senses,

and like sight and speech, we cannot do without

our ears, or the basic functions of it. Once we

lose it, we would flounder in the world out there.

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Understanding Tinnitus

The Ear

Before we go into the tinnitus condition, let’s go through some fundamental knowledge of the

ear by looking into the basic anatomy.

We start off by clearing up some myths about the ear, and the hearing aid.

MYTH – Hearing only affects old people. I’m young. I won’t get it.

In the introduction, we mentioned that hearing loss increases in severity according to age. Yes

that is true in itself.

However, the younger group is even more at risk. In this modern day, the unhealthy habits of

the younger lot see them virtually plugged to their earphones every minute of the day. Be it

pounding angst music or watching dramas and shows on the ubiquitous cell phone, young

adults have a higher risk at damaging their ears much earlier in life!

MYTH – Even if I have one ear down, the other one is all right, and everything is fine.

Everything is relative. To be honest, nearly all patients who

claimed to have a good ear essentially have 2 bad ones. In the

event that one ear is better than the other, we will learn to favor

the better ear. We turn that particular ear towards the

conversation, we use the phone for that particular ear and so on

and so forth. This only imparts the illusion that the better ear is

better, when it is not.

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MYTH – Hearing aids will only make me look handicapped.

People always seem to be more affected by the aspect of “looking

older” or “looking handicapped”. Indeed, that is likely the reason why

hearing aids manufacturer make it in such a way that the piece fits

perfectly in the ear canal. It is all a matter of mindset. If the hearing

aid can assist you in functioning like any other human being, the

“stigma” is removed.

You would be surprised that now technology has advanced in such a way that you realized that

the hearing aids that people are wearing nowadays are wireless aids, or better fitting ones.

Look at it this way too, smiling and nodding your head at something which is not funny (but

which you thought it was) only makes it apparent that you are handicapped in some way.

MYTH – Hearing aids regains my hearing.

The word is “regain”.

Generally, the hearing aid amplifies sound, so that you can hear clearly. With that, your

listening ability improves, and this substantially enhances the quality of your life.

Hearing aids won’t restore your hearing, or cure you of your hearing loss.

MYTH – Q-tips are great tools to clean my ears with.

This is one very ridiculous myth.

In fact, q-tips, like hairclips, hairpins, the key, or even the small finger nail, may only impact the

wax and drive it deeper into the ear canal.

Over time, the impacted wax hardens and creates even more problems. By then, the damage is

done.

At the same time, since the ear drum can be easily accessible to the q-tip, then it is equally

likely that it can pierce or puncture the ear drum.

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Essentially, your ears are quite self-cleaning in a sense. The wax is collected in the outer part of

the ear and usually washed away by shower.

If you feel that your ears require more cleaning than the usual, consult your doctor.

Now, with the myths cleared up, let’s explore the inner workings of the ear.

Basically, the ear is the organ which detects sound.

Some people consider the visible portion the ear, while others look

at the whole connection of the ear (visible and invisible) and call

that the ear. The ear is basically made up of 3 parts: the outer ear

(the visible portion), the middle ear, and finally, the inner ear. Let’s

take a look at each of them, starting with the outer ear.

Outer Ear –

The outer ear is the most external portion of the ear.

It includes the following:

The pinna is further made up of the curving outer rim (helix) and the inner curved rim (the anti-

helix). The rims, and by that extension the whole pinna, are ridged cartilage covered by skin.

It opens into the ear canal (officially known as the external acoustic meatus). The ear canal is

also known as the auditory canal. The skin of this ear canal contains fine hairs and glands which

secretes wax.

Near the ear canal, the tragus protrudes and partially covers it.

The pinna, or auricle (visible outer ear).

The ear canal.

The outer layer of the tympanic membrane (ear drum).

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The ear canal stretches for a distance of about an inch. The inner part of it is surrounded by

bone. The outer layer is surrounded by cartilage. The ear canal is the part of the ear which

conducts sound.

The ear canal ends at the ear drum, the external surface of it. This external part is also known

as the tympanic membrane.

2 sets of muscles are linked to the outer ear, and they are called the intrinsic and extrinsic

muscles. In humans, their purpose is minimal, although in animals, the muscles can manipulate

the direction of the pinna.

These 2 muscles are supplied by the action of the facial nerve, which also supplies the sensation

to the skin of the ear, and the ear cavity itself.

The function of the outer ear is to provide protection (for the rest of the ear) and to channel

sound.

Middle Ear –

The middle ear is an air-filled cavity behind the tympanic membrane (ear drum).

The cavity is made of 3 bones (ossicles) – the malleus (hammer), incus (anvil) and the stapes

(stirrup). It is also called the tympanic cavity.

Overall, the bones transmit the sound from the tympanic membrane (ear drum) to the

ventricles of the ear. The malleus is connected to the tympanic membrane, a sort of a long

handle.

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The incus links the malleus and the stapes together, like a bridge bone. The stapes is the

smallest bone in the body, and also known as a footplate.

The bones are arranged in such a way that the transfer and transmission of sound is smooth.

The stapes pushes on an oval window (linked to the inner ear) and results in the movement of

fluid within the cochlear (part of the inner ear).

In our ears, and that of mammals, the middle ear is normally filled with air. However this air is

not in direct contact with the air, or atmosphere, outside of the body.

The middle ear is where impacted ear wax may cause trouble with hearing, and may cause

conducive hearing loss.

In the middle, there is also a Eustachian tube, which acts to equalize between the inner and

outer surfaces of the tympanic membrane.

Inner Ear –

The inner ear is the final section and is made of 2 parts

– the bony and the membranous labyrinths. The reason

why the labyrinth is used as the naming is due to the

complex structure of the inner ear.

The inner ear contains the sensory organs responsible for balance and motion called the utricle

and the saccule. This is one of the major functions of the inner ear – to operate the body’s

sense of balance and equilibrium. The other major function is of course to send the converted

information of the sound to the brain, and the rest of the body.

The bony labyrinth is a bone matrix which opens externally into the oval window (middle ear),

which is linked to the incus (the bridge bone of the middle ear).

The membranous labyrinth is filled with a fluid called the endolymph. The endolymph is

contained within the 2 sensory organs, the utricle and the saccule.

The endolymph will eventually transfer the sound to the attached cochlea, a spiral-shaped

structure, and the nerves of the inner ear. The sound will be converted into signals and

transmitted to the brain.


The cochlea is made of 3 fluid-filled chambers or spaces – the scala tympani, the scala vestibuli

and the scala media. These 3 chambers spiral around a bony core known as the cochlear duct.

The main hearing organ is located within the duct, and is known as the organ of Corti, and is

filled with fine hairs.

There is also an auditory tube in the inner ear which will drain fluid from the middle ear into the

throat.

How Do We Hear?

After going through the 3 sections of the ear, you now

have an idea of how sound travels. This is how

hearing occurs in this very simplified process:

The pinna picks up sound from the surrounding stimuli.

The sound is carried through the ear canal (auditory canal).

The sound impacts on the tympanic membrane (ear drum) and causes it to vibrate.

The sound is transmitted by the tympanic cavity, and further carried by the 3 bones in

succession (malleus, incus, stapes).

The oval window also vibrates and transmits to the fluid (endolymph) in the inner ear.

The cochlea will convert the endolymph vibration into a signal and send it to the brain

through the nerves.


Based on the signals and the interpretation by the brain, our reaction is accordingly reflected in

our movements.

The ear is very delicate, and can be prone to various conditions if we don’t maintain it well.

Here is a look at some of the conditions which can afflict our hearing organ:

Swimmer’s ear (Otitis externa) – Inflammation of the outer ear. Usually caused by an

infection (bacterial, fungal etc). It can be very painful, and may interfere with sleep. In

chronic situations, it may be due to a skin condition (dermatitis).

Middle ear inflammation (Otitis media) – Inflammation of the middle ear, behind the

eardrum. Usually caused by an infection. May be characterized by severe ear ache, or

high temperature (especially in children).

Cerumen impaction – The blockage of the ear canal by ear wax which adheres to the ear

drum, thus causing diminished hearing.

Ruptured ear drum – The tearing of the ear drum by sudden loud noises, abrupt changes

in the air pressure, infection, or foreign objects.

Acoustic neuroma – Non-cancerous tumor growing on the nerve between the ear and

the brain.

Cholesteatoma – Another type of benign cancer.

Caused by the build-up of fibrous tissue. May

result in a chronic, smelly discharge. If left

untreated, the hearing and sense of balance may

be destroyed. Facial nerves may also be affected.

Testing And Diagnosis

A hearing test usually provides an evaluation of the sensitivity of a person’s hearing. It is often

performed by an audiologist. An audiometer is often used.

Here are some other types of hearing evaluations:


Rinne Test –

This test is used primarily to evaluate hearing loss in one ear.

It is usually conducted together with the Weber Test (see below).

The test is named after Heinrich Adolf Rinne (January 24, 1819 – July 26, 1868), a German

otologist.

The test is carried out by placing a tuning fork (high frequency, 512 Hz) against the patient’s

mastoid bone, and the patient’s feedback of the moment when the sound cannot be heard

following tuning.

Once the feedback is given, the tuning fork is supposed

to be re-positioned, about 1 – 2 cm from the auditory

canal, and the subsequent feedback whether the

patient can hear the tuning fork.

Weber Test –

This test is a quick screening test for hearing.

Named after Ernst Heinrich Weber (June 24, 1795 – January 26, 1878), a German physician, the

test detects:

In this test, a tuning fork is placed on the middle of the forehead, above the upper lip and under

the nose, or on top of the head equidistant from the patient’s ears. The patient is to determine

which ear detects a louder sound when the fork is tuned.

Unilateral hearing loss (one-side).

Conducive hearing loss (middle ear hearing loss).

Unilateral sensorineural hearing loss (inner ear hearing loss).


Hearing In Noise Test (HINT) –

This test measures the ability to hear in silence and in a noisy environment.

The patient is required to repeat sentences in these 2 environments, with competing noise

presented in various directions. It will measure the signal-to-noise ratio for the following

conditions. 4 conditions are to be provided for this test:

Pneumatic Otoscopy –

The pneumatic otoscope is the standard tool used to diagnose otitis media (middle ear

inflammation).

It is made of a lens, an enclosed light source, and a nipple for attachment of a rubber bulb and

tubing.

During testing, a speculum will be attached to the pneumatic head and can be fitted snugly into

the patient’s external auditory canal.

Gentle squeezing and release of the rubber bulb in rapid action permits the observation of the

ear drum response to both positive and negative pressure.

Sentences with no competing stimuli.

Sentences with competing stimuli before the patient.

Audio stimuli presented 90 degrees to the directional right of the patient.

Audio stimuli presented 90 degrees to the directional left of the patient.


Tympanometry –

A test used to detect middle ear problems, and strictly not testing for the hearing per se, but

the condition of the middle ear and the mobility of the ear drum.

To administer the test, a tympanometer is placed into the ear. The device alters the air pressure

in the ear and makes the ear drum move back and forth.

The results will be recorded onto a machine into tympanograms.


During the administration of the test, the patient is not to move, speak or

swallow. The reason is because any such motions can alter the ear

pressure and incorrectly produce the results.

On top of that, the sounds heard for the test may be very loud to some people. It is important

not to be startled. If a child is undergoing the test, the test may need to be demonstrated so

that the child is less nervous and knows what to expect.

Acoustic Reflectometry –

A test used to measure the build-up of fluids in the ear.

Sounds will be used to test the volume of fluids in the middle. Like the tympanometry test, it is

also strictly not a hearing test examination. The difference is that acoustic reflectometry

measures the amount of fluid present in the middle ear, while tympanometry measures

movement of the ear drum.

In the event of a sound, usually the ear drum will be able to absorb it. However, when there is

pressure from the fluid in the middle ear, the more sound the ear drum will be able to reflect.

Audiometry –

An audiometry test examines the ability to hear sounds. It is able to measure the hearing for

variation in sound, pitch and tone, which also involves different frequencies.

Before that is done, some pre-tests may be administered first to determine whether there is

such a need for audiometry in the first place. For instance, the ear may be blocked by a physical

object and the ability to hear whispers, spoken words and other sounds tested. A tuning fork

may be used.

For the audiometry test, earphones will be attached to the audiometer. When the patient hears

a sound, he or she may indicate so.

Usually a specific test will be undertaken first to determine the threshold level, which is the

lowest audible level of sound. Then the ear will be subjected to sounds at varying levels of

loudness, frequency etc.


For the test, the minimum intensity will be plotted onto a graph (audiogram).

Here are the various testing types of audiometry:

Treatment Of Usual Ear Infections

In the treatment of ear infections, they will usually resolve itself without the use of antibiotics

within a week or two.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians agree on

the same course – a wait-and-see approach as the first option.

The usual pain management for ear infection follows:

For more information, consult your family doctor.

The Tinnitus Condition

In the previous introductory section, we gained the knowledge of the basic anatomy of the ear.

We also look at how our faithful ears transmit sound so that we may hear the wonders of the

world, and also the testing and diagnosis of hearing problems.

This section, we will focus on tinnitus, the essential topic of End Tinnitus Today.

Subjective Audiometry – Pure Tone, Speech and Bekesy.

Objective Audiometry – Acoustic Impedance, Evoked Response and Otoacoustic

Emission.

Warm Compress – Placing a warm, moist cloth over the affected ear may alleviate

the pain temporarily.

Pain Medication – Eardrops are commonly prescribed. They may contain

antipyrine-benzocaine-glycerin as a pain relief.


What Is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus (pronounced ti-NIGHT-us or TIN-i-tus) is the condition of the perception of ringing in

the ear when there is no presence of external sound. However, do take note that ringing may

just be one of the sounds perceived in tinnitus – It can be a form of high-pitched electric

buzzing, hissing, humming or whining and so on. It is also referred to as “head noise”.

Tinnitus is not a disease, but a condition which

may result from several underlying factors.

Many people diagnosed with tinnitus also have a

particular degree of hearing loss. Because of this,

they are not able to hear clear external sounds

which are within the hearing range of their usual

frequency.

Certainly, some people do not consider it a serious medical condition as compared to the

deadly cardiovascular disease or cancer.

However, its complications and symptoms of this “phantom” noise are very real and disrupt a

happy functional life.

You will feel frustrated and stressed of the ringing in your ears.

Your productivity at work will drop.

You will be unable to focus on the simplest of conversation or task.

In one National Study of Hearing, it was found that in 25% of the participants, the degree of

tinnitus increased over time, while for the rest of the 75%, there was no such increase.


Although the sound is usually described as a ringing, it can also be described in the following

terms:

Beeping Cicada-like sounds

Buzzing Cricket-like sounds

Chirping Locust-like sounds

Clicking (or Ticking) Electric buzzing

Hissing High-pitched whining

Ringing Human voice sounds

Roaring Tunes or songs

Whistling Other sounds

Whooshing - Fig 1. The different types of ringing in the ear.

But why does tinnitus happen in the first place? Here are the speculative causes of tinnitus:

Objective Tinnitus –

This type of tinnitus refers to the perception of an actual sound which may arise from muscle

spasms in causing sounds around the middle ear. They refer to sounds which may also be

audible to other people besides the patient, and can be recorded using a sensitive microphone.

It may also be a sound which beats in tandem with the pulse (pulsatile tinnitus). The doctor

ought to be able to hear it clearly in such diagnosis.

Pulsatile tinnitus is usually objective, and rare. It may arise from an altered blood circulation or

increases blood flow or turbulence at the ear.

Subjective Tinnitus –

This type of tinnitus is commonly known as otologic disorders, which typically causes hearing

loss. They refer to sounds only the patient can hear.

The most common cause is likely to be a noise-induced one, which is itself caused through

exposure to excessive or loud noises, be it in a normal environment or due to a prolonged

exposure.


Up to 90% of tinnitus patients are afflicted with some form of noise-induced

hearing loss. Subjective tinnitus can occur in all 3 parts of the ear (outer ear,

middle ear, inner ear). Inner ear damage is the most damaging of the lot. Once the

hair cells are damaged, they may send random impulses to your brain, and this is

what causes the symptoms of tinnitus. Since it is impossible to revive the hair cells,

the damage is permanent.

Importantly, there may not be an obvious external cause or even symptoms. At the same time,

ototoxic drugs (antibiotics, loop diuretics etc) may cause subjective tinnitus through a

secondary opening to hearing loss.

Subjective tinnitus can also be due to a side-effect of aspirin and quinidine etc. Indeed, over

260 types of medication have been reported to cause tinnitus, but so far, no underlying cause

has been established.

Here is a longer list of what may cause subjective tinnitus:

Ear problems – Conducive hearing loss (external ear infection, acoustic shock, middle

ear infection, excessive and loud music, acoustic neuroma, ototoxic medication).

Extreme war wax damage can also occur and damage the ear drum permanently.

Hereditary disorders – Due to genetic anomaly or mutation, the bones of the middle ear

may not be formed in the correct way. This may affect the hearing and cause tinnitus.

Metabolic disorders – Hyperlipidemia, iron-deficiency anemia, thyroid disease and

vitamin B12 deficiency.

Neurological disorders – Head injury or trauma (inclusive of fractures) and multiple

sclerosis etc.

Psychiatric disorders – Anxiety and depression.

Others – Fibromyalgia, Lyme disease, thoracic tympanicum tumor and vasculitis etc.

At the same time, age-related hearing loss may happen as one ages.


With this kind of hearing loss, it will usually worsen with age.

Medications have also been known to cause or worsen tinnitus:

Diagnosis Of Tinnitus

People who suspect they have tinnitus may be asked to undergo several tests to determine

that:

Audiological Test – You may be asked to sit in a soundproof room. You will also be asked

to wear earphones and specific sounds run through to you. The purpose of the test is to

determine whether you can hear the sounds.

Body Movement – You may be asked to move your legs, clench your jaw, or even roll

your eyes or facial muscles. If you have tinnitus, it may indicate itself in your ears as you

run through these little actions.

Imaging Test – CT or MRI scans may be recommended depending on the suspected

diagnosis.

Antibiotic – Erythromycin, neomycin, polymyxin B and vancomycin.

Antidepressants.

Aspirin – If taken in usually high doses (more than 12 daily).

Cancer Medication – Mechlorethamine and vincristine.

Diuretics – Bumetanide, ethacrynic acid and furosemide.

Quinine Medication – Medication used for malaria.


The sounds you hear may be able to determine your condition too:

High-Pitched Sound – A high-pitched buzzing or ringing may occur when there is

exposure to a loud external noise, or blow or trauma to the ear.

Humming Sound – These sounds may emerge when your balance changes, for instance,

when you lie down or stand up.

Clicking Sound – Sharp clicking sounds are caused by muscle contractions in and around

your ear.

Due to the fact that tinnitus is usually thought to only

occur to adults, it is generally overlooked in children

who are similarly afflicted. In their case, their concerns

may be swept aside because of their unreliability of

testimony. Children with hearing loss are prone to

tinnitus. Furthermore, for children who do suffer from

tinnitus, there is a higher risk of migraine, juvenile

Meniere’s disease and other chronic conditions.

Tinnitus does not just mean the appearance of the ringing sound in the sound. There are

complications which greatly affects the quality of life.

Here are the complications of tinnitus:

Anxiety and irritability – Tinnitus is continuous, so this regular and consistent ringing

inhibits the positive energy of the person, resulting in anxiety and intense negative

emotions. Because of this negative focus of and on tinnitus, the fight or flight response

of the patient is activated. With the activation, stress is placed immediately on the blood

flow, heart beat and so on. This leads back to ear, and creates more anxiety.

Depression – The more severe aspect of anxiety. It escalates to such a stage where the

patient becomes chronically depressed over this condition where it is perceived that he

or she has no control over this debilitating condition. There will be social withdrawal

and a destructive loss of self-esteem.


Fatigue – Tinnitus is linked to fatigue. Because of the fact that the ringing sounds last

over a long period of time, the body is continuously geared towards maintaining all

types of responses to the condition over this period. Inadvertently, fatigue sets in.

Memory problems – In one research study, results indicated that the reading span of

the tinnitus patients was significantly shorter than that of the control group. In another

aspect of the study, the tinnitus participants recorded slower reaction times and poorer

accuracy in executing the planned tasks.

Sleep problems – Tinnitus patients commonly complain about sleep disturbance issues.

Because of the decreased tolerance associated with tinnitus, insomnia becomes

frequent and wrecks the normal focus and concentration, and the overall regenerative

health of the body.

Stress – Symptoms of stress can vary in different patients. Stress can come from

thoughts, so it is imperative that the patient reduce as much unpleasant or negative

thoughts as possible. It is important to be aware of situations when a person is

distressed by the tinnitus condition. Stress can also come from physical reactions. These

physical reactions are ways which people deal with tinnitus. For instance, some people

may present certain behaviors in public which would lead to increased scrutiny from

others.

In all, the complications are a vicious cycle in itself, and it is clear that something must be done

about it.


Who Are At Risk?

As mentioned earlier, tinnitus is the Number One service–connected disability aspect for

veterans. Exposure to loud noise during training, simulations and combat cause and aggravate

this condition.

It is imperative to note that since 2005, the number of veterans receiving tinnitus treatment, or

similar, has increased by at least 15% per year.

Without a doubt, tinnitus is a growing problem for our soldiers. Tinnitus is very disruptive and

can threaten the future of the soldiers, including sleep issues, cognitive stress, relationship

stress and so on.

In the meantime, music lovers are in a similar fix as well. All kinds of

music have the ability to become loud, whether it is jazz, pop and

others; it does not necessarily restrict to rock music. Music is much

entrenched in our society. Whether it is for recreation or work, we

often listen to music. In this modern era, we listen to music on the go

too, and that is very evident in the younger generation now. They are

just plugged in every time in their cell phones or players, listening to

music, watching drama series etc.

Besides Lars Ulrich, there are many people in the music industry who also suffer from tinnitus.

Black Eyed Peas frontman will.i.am is also suffering from tinnitus.

“I can’t be still. Work calms me down… I can’t be quiet, as that’s when I notice the ringing in my

ears.”

“I don’t know what silence sounds like any more. Music is the only thing which eases my pain.”


Here is a look at other risk factors:

People who are regularly exposed to loud noises. Prolonged exposure damages the

sensory hair cells of the ear.

Older people. As a person age, the whole body, including the ear hairs, the nerve cells

etc, decline in function.

Men. Men are actually more prone to contracting tinnitus.

Smokers. Studies have shown that smokers are more susceptible to tinnitus.

If you discover that you are highly at risk, or that you seem to be showing symptoms of tinnitus,

quickly seek help from your family doctor or the professionals. It is best to be diagnosed and

receiving treatment at the onset, rather than wait and allowing the condition to worsen

irreversibly.


Taking Back Control Of The Volume

We have just taken a look at the debilitating condition of tinnitus. In the upcoming sections, we

will explore the current treatment and medications for this problem. Alternative therapies are

also another avenue in overcoming this problem so we will look at it too.

While trying to resolve tinnitus, we should not also neglect basic ear care or cleaning, so we

customized such a section for you.

Medication And Treatment

In “Medication And Treatment”, we will look at the drugs and medication available and the

various treatment plans prescribed by doctors.

In treating tinnitus, the doctor will first have to identify whether there is any other underlying

factors which may be causing the symptoms.

If it is something which can be easily resolved, the doctor may take the necessary action steps

to resolve it there and then.

These scenarios include the following:

Excessive Ear Wax – This scenario can be resolved on the spot. The doctor may remove

it with a special solution, or baby oil or glycerin oil.

Interference From Existing Medication – In this case, your existing medication for other

medical condition(s) may be causing the symptoms of tinnitus. This scenario may be

easily resolved too. The doctor would have to make an informed decision on changing

your medication, depending on the severity of your existing medical conditions(s) and

your tinnitus.

Existing Problems (Brain, Blood Vessels, Ear and Heart) – Specialized tests would be run

to eliminate these problems as the underlying causes.


After determining and eliminating possible underlying causes which may give false positive

symptoms of tinnitus, we take a look at the medications available out there in treating

diagnosed tinnitus. (Do note that effectiveness of drugs vary from patient to patient; what may

work for someone else may not be effective in your situation.)

Acamprosate –

This drug has been tested successfully in Brazil, with significant results. According to the study,

an impressive success rate of 87% was observed after following a 90-day treatment of

Acamprosate.

It is currently being tested in trials in the USA.

It is previously used to treat alcohol dependence. The drug is thought to stabilize the chemical

balance in the balance, which would be otherwise disrupted by alcohol withdrawal. In the

treatment of alcohol, several side-effects were observed – ranging from headaches, insomnia,

impotence to allergic reactions, diarrhea, and high/low blood pressure.

Alprazolam (Niravam, Xanax) –

This drug may reduce the tinnitus condition and relieve the

associated symptoms of anxiety and insomnia, but the

consumption may become addictive. On top of that, side-

effects include drowsiness and nausea.

In one research study, 40 participants who suffered from at least a year of tinnitus were given

either alprazolam or a placebo (lactose).

Upon completing of the study period, their tinnitus condition was evaluated using a tinnitus

synthesizer and a visual analog scale.

Of the 17 patients who were on alprazolam, 13 of them indicated a reduction in the loudness of

their tinnitus.


Lidocaine –

Effects of lidocaine on tinnitus have been reported in literature before. However its effects are

quite temporary.

For instance, in one study of 30 tinnitus patients (28 with normal hearing and 2 with mild

sensorineural hearing loss), intravenous lidocaine was administered measured against their

body weight. Measurements were taken almost immediately, and at varying times up to a

month. Results indicated that subjective relief was present in some patients almost

immediately. However, the strongest effect on tinnitus only lasted for 4 weeks at the longest.

Misoprostol –

Small studies indicated that this prostaglandin analogue may be

effective for some tinnitus patients. In one study, 28 participants

with a minimum period of tinnitus diagnosis of 6 months were

placed on placebo and misoprostol treatment. At the end of the

study, 18 of the group showed significant improvement in tinnitus

loudness. In another small study, 42 patients, who were suffering

from both tinnitus and diabetes, were placed in a controlled trial.

Their misoprostol therapy was also given at an increasing dose,

starting with 200 micrograms and capped at 800 micrograms

daily. At the completion of the study, 13 individuals out of the 42

showed an improvement in their tinnitus condition.

Tricyclic Antidepressant (Amitriptyline, Nortriptyline) –

These drugs have been used with some measure of success. However experts advised that they

are only to be utilized for more severe cases of tinnitus due to the fact that they can bring

about side-effects such as blurred vision, constipation, dry mouth and heart problems.

Besides drugs, there are many conventional methods available to treat tinnitus, and they are

listed here:


Cochlear Implant –

The ambient sounds which the implants provide may be able to mask the tinnitus sounds.

A cochlear implant is made of 2 components:

The electrode array which is threaded into the cochlear

effectively destroys whatever healthy hair cells are still

present. This is more applicable to a patient who is

already profoundly deaf or experiencing a severe hard-

of-hearing condition. In one study, half of the

participants who had tinnitus BEFORE being fitted with

cochlear implants experienced relief from tinnitus after

the implantation.

The reason why the cochlear implant is thought to help alleviate the tinnitus condition could

probably be due to suppression activity of the tinnitus from the electrical stimulation from the

implant. Another reason could be that the ambient sounds from the implant were sufficient to

mask the tinnitus.

Hearing Aid –

Treatment may also come in the form of the hearing aid. This will be especially beneficial if

hearing loss is also diagnosed together with tinnitus. The hearing aid is able to enhance the

overall level of the ambient sound awareness to the patient.

The hearing aid is different from the cochlear implant because the hearing aid only amplifies

sounds, in which case is then useful for the patient who is suffering from both hearing loss and

tinnitus. The effectiveness of the hearing aid however is greatly dependant on the premise that

the frequency of both the hearing loss and the tinnitus conditions should lie in the same range.

An electrode array threaded into the cochlear.

A receiver which is implanted just underneath the skin, behind the ear.


Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) –

In one theory about tinnitus, known as the neurophysiological model, it is proposed that the

limbic system is prioritizing tinnitus sounds over other sounds.

According to the model, this refers to the sounds as having a great significance to the patient.

Therefore, TRT works by capitulating on the patient’s natural ability to get used to sounds.

Sound is used to create a background to make the tinnitus less noticeable. The patient gets

used to the sound (and tinnitus) so that it becomes part of his or her subconscious, and no

longer a conscious perception of frustration.

For this treatment, a wearable device will deliver an individually-programmed tonal music

catered specifically to mask the patient’s particular frequency of tinnitus. Do note that this

treatment may require an intensive commitment of 18 months to 2 years. There is also likely to

be some financial investment as well.

Over time, the patient would be accustomed to the tinnitus, and not be distracted or frustrated

by it as much.

Alternative Therapies

We just looked at the conventional medication and treatment for tinnitus. There are also

natural remedies which people go for. Here are but a few of them for you to research and find

out more:

B12 (Vitamin) –

B12 deficiency has been reported as the common factor among people exposed to loud noises.

For this, intramuscular B12 injections have been found to reduce the severity of tinnitus.

Do note that no formal research has been done on this even though

there are online anecdotes.


CoEnzyme Q10 (CoQ10) –

According to a 2007 Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery journal study, clinical studies on

the effects of CoQ10 revealed that it may be useful for some tinnitus patients in relieving their

condition.

Zinc –

It has been often found that tinnitus patients suffer from some sort of zinc deficiency in their

system. Consequently, some patients are able to experience a relief in their condition by taking

zinc supplements daily.

If zinc intake is low, experts recommend a dose of 90 – 150 milligrams daily for 3 – 6 months.

Acupuncture –

Acupuncture originates from East Asian countries and

is implemented through needles applied on the skin.

This therapy is thought to alleviate the discomfort

from tinnitus. However, it all depends on the

individual. Controlled studies have determined that

acupuncture was able to relieve symptoms, while

some indicated that they enjoyed no such benefit.

The foundation of this TCM practice is based on the belief that there is excess qi (natural life

force) around the ear, hence causing the obstruction (tinnitus). Acupuncture would then

remove this obstruction through several sessions.

Herbal Preparation (Gingko biloba) –

A traditional Chinese medicinal treatment, gingko biloba is generally thought to improve blood

flow. With that, it is thus able to reduce high blood pressure. It also additionally reduces

inflammation in blood vessels and promotes better circulation to the capillaries of the nerves

around the (inner) ear.

Experts advised that it may be better to use the Gingko leaf extract supplement instead of

Gingko seeds as the latter may contain toxic compounds. On top of that, it would be best to use

it in combination with other remedies.


Cranio-Sacral Therapy –

This is a hands-on therapy which focuses on improving the flow of cerebral spinal fluid around

the brain and the spinal column.

With this enhanced flow, it is thought that tinnitus symptoms are greatly reduced.

Eustachian Tube Drainage –

This requires the service of a naturopath. This strategy is a naturopathic method to relieve the

congestion in the tube behind the ear drum by draining away the (excess) fluid.

Hyperbaric Oxygen –

This therapy works by improving the oxygen supply to the inner ear.

The patient is required to sit within a pressured chamber with 100% oxygen so that there is

overall increased supply of oxygen to various body tissues.

Amplification (Hearing Aids) –

Putting on a hearing aid may actually relieve tinnitus for some people. If a

patient’s diagnosed hearing loss is within the hearing frequency of the

tinnitus, the aid would be able to emphasize the ambient sounds which

will naturally mask the tinnitus sounds.

Biofeedback –

This is a relaxation technique which allows practitioners to control their body functions (such as

muscle movement or skin temperature).


During such a session, a machine will be hooked up to the patient through the administering of

the accredited therapist. Feedback from the machine reveals the condition of the patient’s

physiological reactions (pulse, temperature etc).

Once identified, the therapist will provide training for the patient to recognize them, and to

control such responses with his or her behavior, emotions and thought patterns.

By using biofeedback, the individual train his or her body NOT to respond in the event of the

stress which emerges from tinnitus.

Cognitive Therapy –

This is a type of counseling which focuses and treats the patient’s reaction to tinnitus, rather

than resolve the actual tinnitus condition itself. Reactions include anxiety and difficulties with

focus.

In essence, the counseling or training helps patients to re-structure their reactions to tinnitus

itself, so that they can cope with it and continue living normal lives.

Cognitive therapy may be used together with sound therapy or medication treatment.

Electrical Stimulation (Via Implant) –

An electrical stimulation sent through the auditory nerve by an implant may suppress the

tinnitus sounds.

Sound Therapy –

Sound is often used to mask partially or completely over the tinnitus

sounds. In these cases, the sound therapy acts to help patients forget

about their symptoms so that they may carry on their lives with minimal

distractions. Sound therapy is usually effective in combination with

counseling.

The devices used can be either the wearable or non-wearable type. Generally, they emit low

levels of “white noise” to mask the tinnitus sounds.

They are also known as white noise machines, and emit simulated environmental sounds such

as soothing ocean wave crashes or light falling rain patters.


Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ) Treatment –

Treatment for this jaw disorder may alleviate symptoms of tinnitus, which may also include

otalgia and vertigo.

The reason is likely due to the close link between the muscles and nerves of the jaw and the ear

itself. Through dental treatment or bite re-alignment to correct the TMJ problem, tinnitus and

TMJ-associated pain may be relieved.

Lifestyle Advice

In addition, patients are advised to AVOID

stimulants such as alcohol and nicotine, the

reason being that the stimulants are apt to

increase blood flow, and increased blood flow is

usually associated with tinnitus. In such events,

alcohol and nicotine worsens the tinnitus

condition by dilating the blood vessels. Due to the

increased blood flow, the “whooshing” sounds of

the fast-flowing blood circulation may be “heard”

by the inner ear, thus contributing to tinnitus.

Caffeine is usually considered in the group too, but recent research suggests that it may not be

the case, that caffeine may actually be beneficial in alleviating tinnitus symptoms; you can refer

to “LATEST FINDINGS” for more details.

To wrap up this section on treatment, we share here a case study from the U.K. of a patient

who underwent therapy for her tinnitus condition.

Case Study – Janice Dyson, 63, Derbyshire (U.K.), married with 2 children

Janice Dyson loved listening to music on her headphones. But one day, she started hearing a

constant whooshing noise on her iPod which interfered with her enjoyment of music.

The strange phenomenon appeared from her left ear, and it didn’t go away even when she

turned the volume up.


Soon it started disrupting her sleep. Subsequently, this whooshing similarly affected her focus

and mood.

The problem actually started last year in 2013. Janice Dyson had a totally-unrelated spinal

problem (Tarlov cyst). For that, she was prescribed anti-seizure drugs gabapentin and

pregabalin. And that was when the trouble with her hearing emerged, even as her back

problems gradually subsided.

Subsequently, she was diagnosed with tinnitus.

Doctors suspected that her medication may have been the cause of her condition, but they

cannot be sure.

“I couldn’t get to sleep for ages and when I eventually did I

would be woken several times in the night by this constant

noise.” During the day she felt exhausted and wasn’t fully

able to focus.

However, few months later Janice Dyson was nearly back to her usual self, all thanks to a highly

specialized treatment for tinnitus. She started sleeping once again, and was socializing with her

friends, with an estimated 80% hearing loss “regained”.

Janice Dyson was initially fitted with a hearing aid, and a device which generated “white noise”

to mask away the whooshing sound. To her disappointment, the measures didn’t work, so she

sought advice from the Tinnitus Clinic in Birmingham.

The doctors there suggested desensitization therapy.

Through this therapy, patients are taught specialized sound enrichment techniques so that they

can live better with tinnitus. However she had to fork out £2,000 for the treatment. Still, it was

something Janice Dyson did not regret, because it gave back her life to her.


Basic Ear Care

Most people know of the ear as a hearing organ.

But it is also a vital organ for our sense and balance. Without the ear, our hearing sense, and

balance and mobility, will be much affected.

Just because we are unable to see the inside of our ears, we may think lightly of it, and forget

that the ears can be very vulnerable to injury.

At the same time, we now live in an age where noise is more common now, compared to our

ancestors… when there were no industrial noises, only environmental noises.

Therefore, it is vital to care well for your ears.

To that end, here is a basic ear care section.

Personal Hygiene:

DO NOT put dirty fingers into the ears.

DO NOT swim or wash yourself in dirty water.

DO NOT put the following into your ears – Cold or hot oil, and liquids such as

kerosene.

DO NOT use Q-tips, bobby pins or sharp objects to clean your ears.

If you have pierced ears, clean your earrings, studs, and your earlobes regularly with

rubbing alcohol.

Always clean your ear with extra care. A washcloth or tissue may be used to wipe the

outer ear.

If you have a build-up of wax which is affecting your hearing, consult your family

doctor to remove it.


Basic Ear Cleaning Strategies:

Ear wax – The ear wax is there for a functional reason: To trap bacteria, dust or other

particles from entering your ear and causing further damage. Usually, jaw movements

during talk or food consumption will push the wax out to the outer ear where it can be

easily removed with a damp piece of cloth or cotton.

Cotton tips – They are essential used to clean the outer ear. However, many people just

push the tips in. This will only impact the ear wax and harden it as you push it in deeper

into the ear canal.

Ear cleaning – your doctor may prescribe you a wax-softening medication, or you may

purchase a carbamide peroxide cleaning solution at your local pharmacy. Simply use a

dropper and apply it into your ear, according to the recommended dosage. Tilting your

head to the side will allow the cleaning process to be more effective. Have a cloth at

hand to wipe away any solution which dribbles out. Give the solution some time to

break up the ear wax (around 10 minutes). Drain out the fluid by holding a cotton tip at

the outside of your tilted ear. Squirt lukewarm water gently into the ear to flush out any

other loosened ear wax. Gently dry your outer ear with a towel.

One of the most common forms of holistic ear care is ear candling.

In this therapy, a hollow candle will be lighted at one end and the

unlit end placed in the ear canal which is to be treated. The patient is

to lie on his or her side, so that the treated ear faces up. Each session

may last up to an hour. This therapy is explained to work in this

manner – The flame creates negative pressure, which draws out the

wax and debris. However this holistic therapy has been criticized, with

experts claiming that there is no substantial data that it is effective

for anything. There have been risks of ear injuries.


Noise Management:

Work – In work situations which expose the ear to loud noises, put on hearing

protections or protective headgear. Situations include usage of power tools etc. For the

home, lawn mowing or leaf blowing may be considered as loud noises too, and the ears

should be protected as well. Cover your ears when you are walking past a jackhammer

in action.

Home Stereo – When using home stereos or sound systems, keep the volume low if

possible. If you think that the sound is too loud, it probably is.

Personal Sound – When using personal sound system from music applications, volume

should also be managed at a low volume. If a person next to you can hear it, it is

probably too loud for your own good.

Concert, Nightclub, Motor Events – When attending music concerts (rock music etc) or

nightclubs or motor events, consider wearing earplugs.

Scuba Or Diving-Related Events – Practice and implement proper underwater

techniques so as to minimize the damage in your ears due to the changing pressure.

Ski, Bike – Put on a helmet when you are skiing, on the bike, or even roller-blading. A

helmet will protect you against potential head, and ear, injuries.

Aerobic Exercise – During such exercise (gym, treadmill, cross-training routine etc), the

blood is diverted from the ears to our limbs and also the heart. Because of the altered

blood flow, the ear hairs are rendered more susceptible to damage. This is the reason

why many experts actually recommend that you DO NOT listen to music while you are

jogging etc.


Swimming – Refrain from swimming in dirty water where there will be more bacteria

and increasing risks of infection (swimmer’s ear). Shake any water out after a swim or

shower. You may consider a swimming cap to protect your ear.

Airplane – Swallow or yawn frequently because the different air pressures also may

affect your ears. The action of swallowing or yawning equalizes the pressure in the ears.

In addition, if you are suffering from common cold or any upper respiratory conditions,

it may be helpful to have a decongestant spray for use.

At the end of the day, have your hearing regularly checked, especially if you are at risk due to

certain occupations which require the environment of loud noises.

Here are some warning signs of hearing loss you can take note of:

Difficulty in hearing what other people are saying, especially in the event of external

noise, either in person or on the phone.

Difficulty in hearing external environment noises, like chirping or birds or running water.

Having to regularly ask others to repeat themselves.

Misunderstanding what others have said, and responding in an inappropriate manner.

Adjusting the volume of the TV or radio set to be louder than what others in the same

environment prefer.


Here are some examples of the decibel levels of the sounds we can hear around us:

Fig 2. Decibel levels of common environmental sounds.

Experts recommend that ear plugs ought to be worn when exposed to sounds of decibel level

85 and above.

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, people who work in

loud environments should NOT be exposed to sounds of decibel 85 and above for over an 8-

hour period.

Sound Decibel Level

Rustle of leaves 10

Whisper 30

Suburban street (without traffic) 40

Urban home 50

Normal conversation 60

Noisy restaurant 70

Vacuum cleaner 75

Truck (at 16 feet distance) 90

Rock concert 100 - 120

Jackhammer 120

Jet engine (at 100 feet distance) 130


Latest Findings

In this section, we take a look at recent clinical studies of tinnitus and share with you the latest

findings or promising results.

Study 1

Coffee – some people love it, while some hate it.

According to Statistics Brain, about 54% Americans over

the age of 18 consume this beverage on a daily basis.

Furthermore, 35% of them just like it black. It turns out

that coffee is rather beneficial for tinnitus. A study led by

Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Ontario, Canada,

showed that higher caffeine intake from coffee was

associated with a decreased risk of tinnitus.

Dr. Jordan Glicksman led the study and had this to say: “Caffeine has long been thought to be a

risk factor, or an exacerbating factor, for tinnitus, but I could not find any good evidence to

support this idea.”

With the data from the U.S.-based Nurses’ Health Studies II, Dr. Jordan Glicksman compiled

from results from more than 65,000 women, aged between 30 to 44 years of age, who also

took part in regular questionnaires about their medical condition(s) and lifestyle every few

years.

He found that on the average, caffeine intake among the participants was found to be an

average of 242.3 mg, or 2 – 3 cups of cups every day.

After 18 years of follow-up, 5,289 tinnitus cases were discovered.

However the study, though large-scale, was confined to Caucasian women. A better study

parameter was required for more believable results. Nonetheless, Dr. Jordan Glicksman

stressed that increasing caffeine intake is not a sure and sound measure against tinnitus.


Study 2

A November 2013 study was published in Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface

by researchers from University of Texas, Dallas, regarding an initial success for tinnitus

treatment using paired vagus nerve stimulation.

Drs. Sven Vanneste and Michael Kilgard of the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences tested a

new method in pairing vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) with auditory tones to alleviate the

symptoms of tinnitus (also known as VNS-tone).

VNS is a type of treatment which involves sending a mild electrical pulse through the vagus

nerve. The vagus nerve is one of 12 cranial nerves. It extends from the brain stem to the

abdomen, through various organs such as the heart and lungs. VNS is an FDA-approved

approach for treating various types of medical conditions such as depression and epilepsy.

For this particular method, the researchers wanted to

evaluate the safety of the VNS-tone strategy in

tinnitus patients. It was expected to be safe, because

the stimulation was estimated to be less than 1% of

the FDA-approved stimulation. Their study took place

in Belgium, with 10 tinnitus participants. The patients

were planted with a stimulation electrode on their

vagus nerve.

Prior to the study, the patients were diagnosed and living with tinnitus for at least a year, and

their condition not alleviated by previous treatments including audiological, drug or

neuromodulation strategies.

Over the course of 20 days, the patients received 2.5 hours of daily treatment.

Following the treatment, the health of the patients was tracked. At least half of the participants

demonstrated as much as a 44% decrease of the tinnitus impact in their lives.

5 patients, who were on medication, did not observe any significant changes.

4 participants were found to have their tinnitus symptoms clinically reduced by at least 26

decibels. These 4 participants incidentally were not on any medication for tinnitus.


This led the researchers to suspect that drugs and treatment may interfere with the VNS-tone

therapy.

Still, the outcome was encouraging, and a larger study will be carried out in the States.

Study 3

Meanwhile in July 2014, Loyola University Medical Center released some findings regarding

retired NFL players.

According to the Center’s ear surgeon John Leonetti, many NFL

players usually suffered some sort of concussion during their active

careers. With blunt head trauma especially, hearing loss and tinnitus is

usually associated. Here is what may happen in the case of a hit to the

head: There is jolting movement to the brain, which may result in

damaging the nerves which connect the brain to the inner ear.

A head trauma action may cause a shock wave to damage the cochlea.

John Leonetti had the opportunity to speak to retired players at an occasion. According to him,

all the players raised their hands when he asked how many of them suffered concussions.

When he asked about hearing loss, about 25% raised their hands.

When he asked who had tinnitus, 50% raised their hands.

In an interview with USA Today, Hall of Fame NFL lineman Joe DeLamielleure revealed that his

13-year NFL career finally left him a 68% hearing loss in his left ear.

In a class action suit, retired NHL player Curt Bennett alleged that he suffered from tinnitus and

sub-concussive impact from injuries incurred during his career.

Based on the anecdotal evidence, John Leonetti suggests conducting a rigorous study to

quantify the risk of tinnitus and hearing loss among the retired players.

If you play contact sports regularly (football, basketball etc), it may be prudent to be aware of

this potential issue.


Study 4

In the meantime, in October 2014, a new clinical guideline was released by the American

Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Foundation, and published in

Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery journal.

This multi-disciplinary, evidence-based clinical practice guideline is for otolaryngologists,

geriatricians, primary care physicians, nurses, behavioral neuroscientists, neurologists,

psychiatrists, radiologists and so on. The guideline aims to provide a framework of care and

support, and to improve diagnosis and management of tinnitus.

Study 5

Lastly, the American Tinnitus Association (ATA) recently launched a global request for impactful

and cutting-edge tinnitus proposals for the new grant cycle (2014 – 2015).

According to Cara James, Executive Director of ATA – “ATA will continue funding the best

research and researchers until a definitive cure to tinnitus found. If you have a research project

that can bring us closer to this goal, we encourage you to apply for an ATA grant.”

To kickstart innovative and high-quality research for the ultimate cure, they will be providing

$50,000 per project.

Hopefully, we will soon hear exciting new discoveries from them to (finally) cure tinnitus, and

return the amazing sense of hearing back to those who are suffering silently from it.


Resources

Before we conclude End Tinnitus Today, here are some resources for you to obtain more

information from:

American Academy of Audiology (U.S.)

http://www.audiology.org

American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (U.S.)

http://www.entnet.org

American Cochlear Implant Alliance (U.S.)

http://www.acialliance.org

American Society for Deaf Children (U.S.)

http://www.deafchildren.org

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (U.S.)

http://www.asha.org

American Tinnitus Association (U.S.)

http://www.ata.org/

Association of Adult Musicians with Hearing Loss (U.S.)

http://www.aamhl.org/

Association of Late-Deafened Adults, Inc. (U.S.)

http://www.alda.org

Association of Medical Professionals With Hearing Losses (U.S.)

http://amphl.org

Better Hearing Institute (U.S.)

http://www.betterhearing.org

Center for Hearing and Communication (U.S.)

http://www.chchearing.org/

http://www.audiology.org/

http://www.entnet.org/

http://www.acialliance.org/

http://www.deafchildren.org/

http://www.asha.org/

http://www.ata.org/

http://www.aamhl.org/

http://www.alda.org/

http://amphl.org/

http://www.betterhearing.org/

http://www.chchearing.org/


Coalition for Global Hearing Health (U.S.)

http://coalitionforglobalhearinghealth.org/

Hearing Health Foundation (U.S.)

http://hearinghealthfoundation.org/

Hearing Loss Association of America (U.S.)

http://hearingloss.org

National Association of the Deaf (U.S.)

http://www.nad.org

National Black Deaf Advocates (U.S.)

http://www.nbda.org

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (U.S.)

www.nigcd.nih.gov

Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Inc. (U.S.)

http://www.tdi-online.org

Action On Hearing Loss (U.K.)

http://www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/

Canadian Hearing Society (Canada)

http://www.chs.ca

International Federation of Hard of Hearing People (Sweden)

http://www.ifhoh.org

http://coalitionforglobalhearinghealth.org/

http://hearinghealthfoundation.org/

http://hearingloss.org/

http://www.nad.org/

http://www.nbda.org/

http://www.nigcd.nih.gov/

http://www.tdi-online.org/

http://www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/

http://www.chs.ca/

http://www.ifhoh.org/


Conclusion

To wrap up End Tinnitus Today, let’s take a look at more statistics provided by Hearing Health

Foundation:

Men are more likely than women to suffer from hearing loss.

3 out of 1,000 children here in the States will be born deaf or with a hearing issue.

Between the ages of 20 – 69, about 26 million Americans will suffer from hearing loss

due to exposure to loud noises, whether due to leisure activities or work.

The risk of hearing loss increases with age. Between ages 45 – 54, it occurs in 18% of this

age range. Between ages 65 – 74, the rate is about 30%. For people age 75 and older,

hearing loss constitutes about 47% of the group.

People with a mild case of hearing loss are TWICE as likely to develop dementia; this risk

increases with the severity of the hearing loss.

As you can see, it is not just war veterans or musicians who are more prone to tinnitus.

Tinnitus is also part of growing old and the indirect result of our modern lifestyle.

We hope that you found End Tinnitus Today to be a comprehensive study of tinnitus.

Do take good care of your hearing, and everything will just sound awesome and beautiful.

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