Not everyone will experience tinnitus, however, many people will suffer from this often debilitating ringing in the ears. There is actually no cure for this type of illness, but there are treatments one can engage in to help alleviate the symptoms to a livable level of annoyance.
If you find that you have constant ringing in the ears, you may need to seek the help of an ear nose and throat doctor. They will be able to offering tinnitus treatment for those unfortunate enough to have it.
Here are the 4 types of tinnitus:
1. Somatic Tinnitus
Somatic tinnitus or conductive tinnitus refers to something from the outside of the ear. Unlike some of the other types of ringing in the ears. This type of tinnitus is not brought on by a neurological issue or a sensory malfunction. Touch or physical movement are the main culprits of this type of ear ailment.
Some of the more common causes of somatic tinnitus include twisting of the neck, sleeping on a pillow incorrectly, and dental and/or jaw issues. Temporomandibular joint syndrome, also known as TMJ, or impacted wisdom teeth can be major causes of somatic tinnitus.
2. Neurological tinnitus
Neurological or sensory tinnitus is caused by an illness like Meniere’s disease. Meniere’s disease is an inner ear disorder that leads to severe bouts of tinnitus and vertigo. Neurology ringing in the ears is primarily caused by auditory malfunctions in the brain.
The majority of individuals that have ringing in the ears are suffering from a form of sensory tinnitus and are one of the most common forms. It is also the most difficult to keep under control. Doctors agree that it is a form of an impaired auditory system or rather one of the side effects.
3. Subjective tinnitus
Subjective tinnitus is another of the most common forms of ringing in the ears affecting millions of individuals around the world. This type of tinnitus is caused by excessive and prolonged noise. It can also disappear as suddenly as it appears.
This tinnitus is subject to loud noises, like music concerts or working with loud machinery without proper ear protection. Often factory workers, people who work on jet engines and trains or in construction suffer from this type of tinnitus.
Unfortunately, once the damage is done, there are little doctors can do to fix the ringing. There are, however, techniques that will help minimize the pain, ringing in the ears.
4. Objective tinnitus
Objective tinnitus is the rarest form of ringing in the ears. It is caused by muscle contractions, almost always involuntary, or from a deformity in the vascular muscles. This type of tinnitus can be treated and/or controlled.
The vascular noises are from the inner jugular bulb or a vein, or fistulas, arteriovenous malformations or tumors. Once this type of ringing in the ears is detected, it can be stopped or cured with either surgery or medications.
If you experience ringing in the ears or tinnitus, first see your primary care physician rule out other medical reasons. Then a visit to an ear, nose and throat specialist is in order for treatment.