Tinnitus is a ringing, buzzing, hissings, whooshing, or other type of irritating noise that occurs in a persons ears and is not caused by the surroundings or outside factors. Most people experience this problem temporarily throughout their lives but for some people tinnitus is a ongoing and permanent problem that may or may not be an indicator of a more serious issue. Permanent tinnitus can be a symptom of an underlying disease or disorder that can cause more serious health problems.

There are many causes of tinnitus, although in many cases the underlying cause is never found. Damage to the ear canal, ear drum, or internal ear structures is one common cause along with nerve damage. Age related hearing loss and ear changes can also cause tinnitus as well as wax buildup or foreign materials in the ears. Some diseases and disorders can also cause tinnitus including Meniere's syndrome, thyroid disease, brain tumors, and Otosclerosis. Prolonged exposure to loud noises is also a leading cause of tinnitus.

There are a few tests that are helpful in diagnosing the underlying cause of tinnitus. The characteristics of the noise, ringing, buzzing, pulsing, is important in determining what may be causing it. Tinnitus that is characterized by a ringing or buzzing is usually caused by a verve problem while tinnitus that is characterized by a whooshing or pulsing noise like the heartbeat is usually vascular or muscle related. A hearing test called an audiogram and computerized diagnostic tests such as CT scans and MRI's can be used to look for tumors and other problems that can cause tinnitus.

Unfortunately it can be hard to find the underlying cause of tinnitus. This makes it hard to find an effective treatment and many sufferers are forced to deal with their symptoms without relief. Sometimes tinnitus will go away on its own, or if the cause can be found and it is physical or verve damage it may be able to be repaired or will heal on its own. Some treatments include dietary supplements and changes, while others are homeopathic or pharmaceutical.

There are also some lifestyle and health choices that sufferers can make to lessen or eliminate tinnitus symptoms. Avoiding loud sounds, keeping blood pressure at normal levels, decreasing salt intake, reducing stress, and avoiding some medications such as aspirin have all been proven to help with tinnitus. While there is not always a cure most people can learn to deal with tinnitus and not let it negatively affect their daily life.