January 21, 2009

Imaginary Cicadas And Other Tinnitus Sounds

According to ear, nose and throat (ENT) experts, a large number of individuals will, at some point in their lives, experience tinnitus, or a constant buzzing or ringing in the ears. Most will hear the onset after frequently exposing themselves to loud noises at a rock concert or after hearing a firecracker, a gunshot, a car backfire, or a door slamming shut in front of them. There are different levels of tinnitus sounds, which bring a varied array of effects on the people who hear them. Tinnitus is the term used for noises that patients hear in the ears or inside their head. The imaginary cicadas and other tinnitus sounds one hears may vary, from a ringing, hissing, screeching, crackling, buzzing or rasping noise, as well as a combination of these sounds.

The factors that lead to the onset of tinnitus vary, depending on the level of severity and duration. It may be caused by work-related noise, or by the sounds a person is frequently exposed to at recreational or sporting activities. Apart from frequent exposure to work-related or recreational noise, this condition may also be a symptom of an internal ailment, such as an ear or throat infection, food or drug allergies, cardiovascular disorders, temporomandibular joint defects, damage to the bones in the inner ear, and other causes. The imaginary cicadas and other tinnitus sounds one hears may also be caused by the use of certain medications like aspirin or an antidepressant drug.

While some people will experience bouts of erratic ringing ears, some may not be too lucky, as their tinnitus symptoms can be permanent and may last for a few years or more. Medical research has indicated that around 35 million individuals are afflicted with tinnitus in the United States. The bouts of imaginary cicadas and other tinnitus sounds may vary, lasting from a mere 10 minutes or more, or it may come in a sudden, screeching burst of noise. The objective tinnitus relief methods used these days range from employing the use of specialized hearing aids, prescription medications, coping therapies, as well as the use of herbal and natural medicines.

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