Ringing In Ears,

[WilliamIV]

I have Continual shhhhhhhhhhhhhhh in my Ears

Most times it is not worrysome

I am more aware of it when I wake up - and there is no other noise

But I can hear it any time that I listen for it !!!

About six months ago - I had a Hearing test at Ramkhamhaeng Hospital

I was told that my Hearing Levels are OK - I am 67 years old

What is the correct name for this problem ? I want to Google it ...

If anyone has experience or advice I would be grateful.

Has any recent Treatment been discovered?

Thanks

Billy Boy

[Tywais]

It's called tinnitus and is fairly common when over 60.

http://www.tinnitusearringing.com/tinnitus_causes.htm

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tinnitus/DS00365

I had it when I was about 45 and lasted a year. Doctors (US) said I will probably have to live with it and gave pamphlets in how to deal with it. However, in my case, it did go away. Occasionally occurs again.

[skipvice]

This is called tinnitus. Tinnitus can be described as "ringing" ears or the sound of other head noises that are perceived in the absence of any external noise source. It is estimated that 1 out of every 5 people experience some degree of tinnitus. Tinnitus is not a disease but a symptom of an underlying condition. There are many causes of tinnitus, such as wax against the ear drum, middle ear infections, otosclerosis (fixation of the stapes or stirrup bone), presbycusis (hearing loss with age), Meniere's syndrome (a problem affecting both the hearing and balance), and acoustic neuroma (small, rare tumor of the acoustic nerve). It can also be caused by exposure to loud sounds such as shooting, chain saws, rock concerts, etc.

I have it, and had it sence the Viet Nam War, you have to learn to live with it. check out this web site.

http://www.tinnitus.org/

[Mobi]

There are specaialists for tinnitus, but my impression is that is is pretty much untreatable.

The specialists are merely seeking new ways to alleviate it, rather than prescribe effective treatment.

I first suffered from it many years ago, but as time has passed I personally believe that my brain has sort of 'blanked it out'.

I still have it, but it never bothers me, except to reduce my hearing abilities, which are bordering on the 'hard of hearing'.

[WilliamIV]

Thai Visa Forum is surely wonderful

Within 15 mins of Posting - I get 3 very helpful replies.

Thanks to all of you.

I must say the Problem was more noticeable after using an iPod !!!

Billy Boy

[redrus]

I've had it for about 15 years now, I'm 30.

Doc says too many nightclubs/concerts with overly loud systems. Apparently I've perforated my eardrums, my ears never pop on planes. Not a bad thing but, also means I can't dive very deep, bad thing.

I have it nearly all the time, like you say more when I listen for it but, sometimes, I get it and its almost unbearable. So loud, although I know there is silence all around.

Weird but, I'm gonna check some of the links above and see if there's anything that can be done.

Hope you find a fix.

redrus

[qualtrough]

I recall reading that caffeine can make the symptoms worse.

[katana]

I had it once after a concert where they played the music too loud. Took about a week for the ringing to finally die down. Needless to say, I didn't make that mistake again. Loud noise can be a cause.