$Unique_ID{BRK02117}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{What is New for Tinnitus}
$Subject{ringing ear ring ears tinnitus hear Hearing aid aids sounds masking
machine white sound caffeine Smoking alcohol Aspirin anticonvulsant
anticonvulsants carbamazepine primidone phenytoin antidepressant
antidepressants trazodone hydrochloride lidocaine}
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Copyright (c) 1993  Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What is New for Tinnitus


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QUESTION:  For some years now I have had a ringing in my ear, that my doctor
has identified as "tinnitus".  Each time I visit him, I ask the same question,
"What is new for this problem?".  Each time he tells me he can offer nothing
to help.  Now I am asking you.  Tell me what's new?

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ANSWER:  Since the exact cause of tinnitus is still a mystery, the solution
for this annoying problem still remains elusive.  It is just that, an annoying
problem, but not one that is life threatening.
     A review of some of the things you should be doing to help reduce the
ringing in your ear may be helpful, particularly if you are not doing this
now.  Reduce the amount of caffeine in your diet; coffee and tea as well as
carbonated beverages that contain caffeine.  Smoking is out (of course!) and
so is alcohol.  Aspirin can aggravate the condition so avoid it too.  So are a
number of other medicines, so keep reminding your doctor of your condition.
     Hearing aids that amplify sound can be helpful, as this sound can push
the ringing into the background.  Some hearing aids can be made to include a
masking sound (white sound)  that also diminishes the amount of ringing you
hear.  And a masking sound machine by your bedside can make falling asleep a
bit easier, as it reduces the sound that seems so much louder in the quiet and
the dark.
     Some researchers report that the use of anticonvulsants, carbamazepine,
primidone, phenytoin, and the antidepressant trazodone hydrochloride produce
some positive results, but the dosages must be adjusted with great care.
Another report tells that an intravenous drip of lidocaine can provide relief
in some patients, although the effect is short lived.
     While these treatments may be classified as something new, they are not
the definitive treatment I think you are seeking.  However, if you deal with
your problem with patience, and use some of the tips I have provided, you may
be able to reduce the effect tinnitus has on you to more acceptable levels.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.