By Stephanie Simons,
Head Pharmacist,
Lindo’s Pharmacy in Devonshire
Few conditions are as common – and yet as ill-understood – as tinnitus. Taking place in February, Tinnitus Awareness Week seeks to improve knowledge and understanding of tinnitus to ensure sufferers are aware of the help available, and that those around them can offer support.
Tinnitus is an audiological and neurological issue affecting more than 10 percent of adults in the US – more than 25 million adults – according to the National Institute of Deafness and Other Communications Disorders (NIDCD). Of those, approximately five million suffer from chronic tinnitus, and up to two million find it debilitating.
Often misconstrued as a health condition itself, tinnitus is in fact the symptom of one of many underlying conditions. Those who suffer from tinnitus hear ringing, buzzing, whooshing, or other sounds that aren’t audible to others around them. The sounds are often specific to the individual – as are the underlying causes.
While still not fully understood, most medical experts consider tinnitus to be caused by a sensorineural reaction in the brain to auditory system damage. It often follows age-related hearing loss thus tinnitus is highly prevalent among the elderly. Tinnitus can be the result of prolonged exposure to loud noise and is therefore common amongst those who work with music or heavy machinery. It can also occur following a single high-volume incident like an explosion.
There’s currently no direct cure for tinnitus, but health professionals can often treat your symptoms by addressing the underlying cause. If your tinnitus continues for more than a week and/or impacts your mental health, sleep, or concentration, it’s best to speak to your GP. They can either diagnose and treat the cause of your tinnitus, or provide a referral to an appropriate specialist. A wide range of professionals can assist in this process, from audiologists and otolaryngologists to psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, dentists, and physical therapists.
Tinnitus can also occur – or worsen – due to blockages in the ear canal that cause pressure to build in the inner ear impacting the eardrum. Ear wax, loose hair, and dirt can often cause this type of blockage and sometimes directly touch or irritate the eardrum itself further exacerbating tinnitus symptoms.
In such cases, you can help to ease the problem by treating the blockage. Steam is a good way to break it down, so try taking a shower or pressing a warm flannel against the ear. Oil-based products like Cerumol olive oil ear drops or Waxol ear drops can help to clear your ear canal, as can hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide or products like Murine ear drops. Mix the peroxide with warm water and use a dropper to apply it to the ear.
Tinnitus symptoms can often arise due to nasal congestion from a severe cold, flu, or sinus infection that can cause pressure in the ear. In this case, treating the congestion can help to ease the tinnitus symptoms. Try a nasal spray like Otrivine, or decongestion medication like Sudafed to lessen the internal pressure.
Tinnitus can be a frightening experience, but there is plenty of help available. By identifying the cause, we can identify the treatment – so do seek help as soon as you can. Your pharmacist or GP can provide expert advice, from decongestion remedies to specialist services to help ease your symptoms and your mind.
Stephanie Simons is the head pharmacist at Lindo’s Pharmacy in Devonshire. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and has been practicing for over 20 years. She is a registered pharmacist with the Bermuda Pharmacy Council and is a member of the Bermuda Pharmaceutical Association.
