Q: What Exactly Is Tinnitus (Ringing in Ears)?

 

I see advertisements all the time about tinnitus. I see patients many times a day complaining about tinnitus. Tinnitus is what we call ringing, buzzing, hissing, whistling, “crickets,” or any other sound that we hear. It is not actually generated in our ears. It is generated in the brain, usually in response to the brain not receiving the signals that it thinks it should be receiving. Most of the time, it is related to hearing loss, but not always. Hundreds if not thousands of research studies have been performed on tinnitus. Unfortunately, no treatment has been proven to shut it off like a light switch. That said, there are several therapies that have been shown to reduce it to the point that it is no longer noticeable.  

I recently was asked about Sonus, which is a combination of different supplements for treatment of tinnitus. Like many other supplements (lipoflavenoid, Arches tinnitus supplements), it promises a lot. Since it is newer, I haven’t found research proving its effectiveness (or disproving it either). Like the other supplements, I don’t discourage patients from trying them, but always caution patients about the lack of research behind them. One thing I do recommend: do NOT watch the Sonus video!  Why? It is long and boring. I did, and instantly regretted it. 

 
 
 

click below for all you ever - and never - wanted to know about ENT

Teach & Learn, Ear, Highlighted PostsErin Shellenbergerear, ringing in ears, tinnitus