Tinnitus in Monroe, NJ
Board-certified New Jersey otolaryngologist Dr. Scott Kay, FACS, treats tinnitus for the residents of Monroe, NJ.
What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is a persistent ringing in one or both ears. Tinnitus is typically a symptom of another condition such as injury to the ear, hearing loss or disease.
Causes of Tinnitus
Certain neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, may cause tinnitus. These conditions can cause the small Eustachian tube inside the ear to open and close repeatedly. This can cause a clicking or ringing noise in the ear. A defect in the veins or arteries of the ear may also cause tinnitus and is usually accompanied by throbbing in the ear. Some other potential causes of tinnitus include:
- Repeated exposure to loud noises
- Tumors
- Aging
- Drug toxicity
- Bone growth in the middle ear called otosclerosis
- Injury
- A condition affecting the flow of fluid in the ear called Meniere’s disease
Benefits of Treatment
Chronic tinnitus can have devastating effects on overall quality of life. Individuals suffering from tinnitus may have difficulty hearing certain sounds, have trouble sleeping and even depression. Proper treatment can reduce or eliminate tinnitus and restore quality of life.
Tinnitus Treatment
Treatment for tinnitus depends on the exact cause. Common treatments include the following:
- Hearing aids
- Removal of earwax
- Surgical removal of tumors
- Medication changes
- Devices to mask the ringing
