Tinnitus

Tinnitus is the perception of sound within the human ear in the absence of corresponding external sound. The sound originates in the ear, not from any other outside source. It is not a disease, but a symptom
Tinnitus is the ringing, buzzing, crackling, or hissing sound heard inside one or both ears. It could also be felt as humming, tinging or whistling sound, or as ticking, clicking, roaring,tunes, songs, beeping, It has also been described as a "wooshing" sound, as of wind or waves in ear. Tinnitus can be intermittent or it can be continuous, in such case it can be the cause of great distress. In some individuals, the intensity can be changed by some of the bodily movements. The sound perceived may range from a quiet background noise to one that can be heard even over loud external sounds.
This condition can be very distracting and irritating, and is sometimes associated with partial hearing loss. Tinnitus can accompany other conditions related to the ears and nervous system, some of which need a physician’s assessment and treatment. Homeopathic remedies often reduce the discomfort and frustration that come with tinnitus.
CAUSES
Tinnitus is not a disease, but a symptom that can result from a wide range of underlying causes: abnormally loud sounds in the ear canal for even the briefest period (but usually with some duration), ear infections, foreign objects in the ear, nose allergies that prevent (or induce) fluid drain, or wax.
Tinnitus may be caused by allergy, high or low blood pressure (blood circulation problems), a tumor, diabetes, thyroid problems, injury to the head or neck, as well as a variety of medications including anti-inflammatory medicines, antibiotics, sedatives, antidepressants, and aspirin. Colds and flu, noisy environments, allergy flare-ups can increase the intensity of tinnitus noise. Other tinnitus irritants include high salt intake, sugar, artificial sweeteners, alcohol, various medications, tobacco, and caffeine.
• Otologic problems and hearing loss
• Conductive hearing loss
• Sensorineural hearing loss
• Iatrogenic (drugs)
• Neurologic disorders
• Metabolic disorders
• Psychiatric disorders
• Thoracic outlet syndrome
• Hypnogogia
• Glomus Tympanicum
TYPES
Objective tinnitus
In some cases one can perceive an actual sound emanating from the patient's ears. This is called objective tinnitus. Objective tinnitus can arise from muscle spasms that cause clicks or crackling around the middle ear.
Subjective tinnitus
In such cases the sound is percived only by the patient himself. Subjective tinnitus can have many possible causes, but most commonly results from otologic disorders – the same conditions that cause hearing loss. The most common cause is noise-induced hearing loss, resulting from exposure to excessive or loud noises. Ototoxic drugs can also cause subjective
SYMPTOMS
• Ringing, buzzing, crackling, or hissing sound heard inside one or both ears
• Dizziness
• Pain in the ear
• A sense of fullness in the ears
• Headache
HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES
Lycopodium: There is humming and roaring in the ears, along with impairment of hearing. Sounds may also seem to echo in the ears. People have a tendency toward ear infections with discharge, as well as chronic digestive problems or urinary tract complaints.
Natrum salicylicum: Natrum salicylicum is a useful remedy when tinnitus and tiredness occur after influenza or along with Meniere’s disease. It may be found to be beneficial if ringing in the ears is like a low, dull hum. Loss of hearing related to bone conduction, as well as nerve interference and vertigo, may be involved.
Salicylicum acidum: Salicylicum acidum may also be helpful if tinnitus has been caused by too much aspirin. This remedy is indicated for tinnitus with very loud roaring or ringing sounds, which may be accompanied by deafness or vertigo. The problem may have begun with flu, or occur in a person with Meniere’s disease
Calcarea carbonica: In this remedy tinnitus may be experienced alone or with vertigo. Patient may experience some hearing problems, or cracking and pulsing sensations in the ears. People in whome this remedy usualy seems indicated are usually fair,fat, flabby, chilly, easily fatigued, crave sweets, and feel overwhelmed and anxious .
Carbo vegetabilis: in this remedy ringing in the ears occurs during flu or other conditions involving vertigo and nausea. The symptoms may get worst in the evening and at night. The patient feels cold and faints, but usually has a craving for fresh and moving air (fanning).
Cinchona officinalis: indicated in people who feel touchy, weak, and nervous with sensitivity to noise and tinnitus. The subject suffers from fluid losses through diarrhoea, vomiting, sweating, surgery or other conditions involving blood loss.
Chininum sulphuricum: Buzzing, ringing, and roaring sounds that are loud enough to impair the person’s hearing . The patient may have a tendency towards chills and vertigo, during which the tinnitus gets worse.
Graphites: It is found to be beneficial to the patients who has tinnitus with associated deafness. Hissing and clicking sounds are often heard in the ears. Patients who need this remedy may also have a tendency towards constipation, generaly at the climatric age accompaning with the skin troubles.
Cimicifuga: People who respond to this remedy are very sensitive to noise, along with tinnitus, and often have pain and muscle tension in the neck and back. They are usually energetic, nervous, and talkative, but become depressed or fearful when not feeling well. Ailments during menstrual periods are often seen in people who need this remedy.
Coffea cruda: This remedy may be helpful to an excitable, nervous person with tinnitus accompanied by extremely sensitive hearing and a buzzing feeling in the back of the head. Patient also suffers from insomnia from mental stimulationcentration, and cracking skin eruptions.
Kali carbonicum: Tinnitus with ringing or roaring, accompanied by cracking noises and itching in the ears. Vertigo on turning is found in kali carb. Peerson in general are often quite conservative.