Conditions
Tinnitus
Sufferers of tinnitus can hear noise within their ear or head that is not coming from an outside source. It can be quite common amongst sufferers of colds, but can also be caused by exposure to loud music. Up to 10% of the population suffer from tinnitus and it can range from nothing more than an annoyance to a much more serious condition that can cause problems when sleeping or concentrating. Old age is the most common cause of tinnitus, but it can occur in any age group, and can be self-inflicted by over-indulgence in thrash metal. The most common cause is damage to the hearing nerves that causes a random series of signals to be received by the brain, and interpreted as sound. It can also be caused by ear wax, anaemia, and in rare cases by more serious medical conditions such as tumours. There is no cure for tinnitus, but there are various coping mechanisms that you can discuss with your GP.
Comments and Questions
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Please note: Unfortunately Channel 4 cannot respond to individual inquiries. If you have any concerns, you can check out NHS Choices, but ultimately it is always best to check with a health professional.
I have tinnitus but now I've developed a buzzing noise. Sounds like something flying around. Or hovering in my head. I'm really worried about it.
i've had this noise for years. when I nod my head up and down it's a noise that is like banging on and old heater and the noise moving my head back and forth has a similar sound but a different pitch. is heard only when moving my head.
Hi, I am 13 and somtimes when I stand up form lying down or whatever I get a really high pitched sound in my ear but it doesn't last for more than 10 seconds. Would this be something I should worry about? Thanks, Becky
i am 13 aswell and i get the same - just a siren like noise occasionally for a short while, i have had some problems in the past with my ears but i didn't think this was anything to worry about
hi.. i have just had an ear operation called tympanoplasty and I am hearing some noises in my ear. they sound like a pulsing heartbeat and a slight ringing. Are these sounds normal after this procedure and will they go away. they are stating to really freak me out. i feel like im going crazy. please someone help me!! thanks Tammy
I suffered from a blow to the head in an accident 2 years ago, I was diagnosed with concussion. I thoufht I was getting better then after a few months the ringing in my ears started followed by severe dizziness to the point of sickness and stumbling/acting drunk. The worst and most annoying and upsetting part is that as well as the ringing I hqve a weird clicking noise in my right ear which doeant go away, its really loud like bubble wrap popping in my ear and other people can hear it so unlike the tinnitus its not just in my head and isnt helped by the tinnitus masker hearing aid which helps the ringing. This is driving me crazy, im missing parts of conversations and just plain fed up as specialists dont seem to be able to give me any answers. Has anyone else ever heard of anything like this?
i have tinnitus and i also have distortion in my left ear when im near loud people or shouting, music i cant stand it anymore and im only 16! :(
I was diagnosed with Tinnitus over 2 years ago, it started with dizzy spells and a sense that my ear was blocked, I was walking as though I had a few too may drinks as my balance was all over the place,after several visits to my doctors and being told there was nothing wrong and being bed bound for a few days with the dizzy spells, I was unable to lift my head from the pillow without feeling dizzy and sick, I changed my GP and made an appointment to see the nurse who made me an appointment at the hospital after test and a headscan diagnosed me with Tinnitus advising that the cause was a change of blood supply to the ear. I have tried hearing aids but none seem to work. I am fortunate however as the noise does not keep me awake at night and cant imagine what it must be like to suffer in that way. I have seen heard of research in America http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/brain-and-behavior/articles/2011/01/12/animal-study-finds-nerve-stimulation-may-thwart-tinnitus, but are not aware if this has been introduced into the UK yet.
I have been reading through some of the comments. It's really re-assuring that so many people are in the same situation as me. Thanks
For a long time I've heard a noise that sounds like negative tv channel and I will hear it all the times. The worst is when I try and go to sleep and all I can hear is this noise.
I don't know how old you are or your situation of just how loud you enjoy your music. BUT - I have this similar situation that started after suffering a concussion and whiplash in an automobile accident. (I was rear-ended) I constantly hear ringing and at night I hear a noise like we left the tv going in another room. I have not talked with my doctor about it, but now I think that I need to! My dad has had tinnitus for about 10 yrs. He is 81 and has been in 10 motorcycle accidents in his life. He also has problems with ear wax!
I will some times be walking or sitting and will suddenly hear ringing, and I am the only one that can hear it, does this mean I have tinnitus or could it be a sign. Please can someone let me know ?
Sorry this isn't much of a answer, but I get this too! I'm worried its a sign of tinnitus. I listen to music but not too loud that you can hear it when it isn't in my ear. Also, it can be any time of the day a ringing it lasts about 2seconds, maybe less...but I just wanted to reassure you your not the only one out there! Hopefully it will be a minor annoyance which won't develope into a big problem.
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