I now suffer from a constant ringing in my ears. At 65, I’m in good health and take no medications other than Allegra D for my nasal congestion. My blood pressure is good, and I just had a recent checkup.

Is there some medication that I can take that might reduce or eliminate the noise I hear all the time? I mentioned the problem to my doctor and just got a blank look.

DEAR READER: There are a number of conditions that can cause tinnitus (ringing in the ears). For example, more than 200 medications, kidney malfunction, tumors, wax buildup, ear infection, dental issues including temporomandibular-joint syndrome, migraine headaches, trauma, inner-ear injuries, hypertension and exposure to loud noises can be to blame. It’s likely that work exposure is the culprit, but you should request referral to an otolaryngologist, (ear-nose-and-throat specialist), who can perform testing to determine whether an underlying, treatable cause is to blame.

Your primary-care physician can certainly remove a wax impaction and can treat infection with antibiotics; however, because you have a positive history, I believe a specialist might get to the bottom of the issue. Until you determine the problem, it is difficult to determine whether drug therapy, hearing aids, counseling or another form of therapy will be most beneficial.

To provide related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Ear Infections and Disorders.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092-0167. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form off my website at www.AskDrGottMD.com.

DEAR READER: Yes, but first let me explain the condition. Tinnitus is a roaring, hissing, clicking, buzzing or ringing in the ears that is likely related to an underlying disorder such as ear injury, hearing loss or disorder of the circulatory system.

There are two forms of tinnitus — subjective and objective. The subjective form is common and can be heard only by the person whose ears are affected. This type is generally connected to the outer, middle or inner ear; however, the auditory nerve or portion of the brain that interprets nerve signals might also be involved. The objective form of tinnitus is less common but can be heard by a physician during examination and generally involves blood vessel, muscular or inner-ear-bone problems.

The inner ear contains delicate hairs that move with the pressure of sound. The cells of the ear then release an electrical signal via the auditory nerve to the brain that ultimately interprets the signal as sound. Should the hairs become bent or broken, they send random impulses to the brain that can result in tinnitus.

Some of the more common causes for the condition include repeated exposure to loud noises, as with using a lawn mower or chain saw or listening to music through earphones; excessive wax buildup in the ears; the normal aging process; and abnormal changes in bone growth. Less common causes include Meniere’s disease, injury, hypertension and benign tumors called acoustic neuromas.

A number of medications, including aspirin taken in high doses, some antibiotics, diuretics and others can cause tinnitus or worsen it.

Diagnosis begins with an examination to determine whether simple earwax impaction might be to blame. A medical history that includes drugs and over-the-counter medicines or supplements will help a physician determine whether the medication is to blame. If so, a change or discontinuation might be appropriate.

While tinnitus of unknown cause cannot be cured, there are a number of treatments that can reduce or mask its severity. Protect your ears with plugs, cotton or muffs when exposed to loud noises. If appropriate, reduce your alcohol intake, because it dilates blood vessels and causes a greater flow to the already damaged ears.

To provide related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Ear Infections and Disorders.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092-0167. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form off my website at www.AskDrGottMD.com.

DEAR READER:
Tinnitus affects more than 12 million Americans. It is recognized as a ringing, roaring, clicking or hissing in the ear. Causes vary but are often the result of hearing impairment, such as through the noise exposure at your workplace. It can also be a common side effect of many medications.

Your first step is to see an audiologist or otolaryngologist to determine the cause for the tinnitus. Perhaps hearing aids are all that will be required. They are well-advanced in comparison to the large units of a few years ago, and provide great relief for many patients. Maskers might also be recommended to over-ride the ringing you may be hearing. If the problem is medication-induced, simply discontinuing the offending drug should solve the problem. If it is the result of other health issues, these issues should be addressed.

Lipo-Flavonoid is the over-the-counter dietary supplement I probably referred to in a past column. The supplement was specifically developed to relieve the symptoms of Meniere’s disease that includes tinnitus, dizziness and hearing loss. It should be available at your local pharmacy or department store.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Ear Infections and Disorders”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped, number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

Would you know of an herbal remedy or natural cure I might try?

DEAR READER:
Tinnitus is defined as a noise, ringing, clicking, or buzzing in the ears that affects more than 12 million Americans. Common causes are ears blocked by wax and damage from loud noises such as from lawn mowers, engines and heavy equipment.

Tinnitus isn’t an actual condition, but a symptom of an underlying problem such as injury to the ear, a circulatory system disorder or simple, age-related hearing loss. Less common conditions are Meniere’s disease and acoustic neuromas. Some antibiotics, cancer medications, diuretics, and almost 200 other medications are linked to tinnitus.

The most common type of tinnitus is known as subjective, caused by problems in the outer, middle or inner ear where tiny hairs move as a result of sound wave pressure. Tinnitus results when the hairs become bent or broken. It may be present constantly, some of the time or in one ear or both.

Avoid alcohol, loud sounds and other triggers. If you are bothered while attempting to sleep, try turning on music (or better still, static) from a radio at a low volume. If you are on any medication that is linked to tinnitus, ask your physician to switch you to another drug.

Herbal remedies include feverfew, Hawthorne, rosemary, ginkgo biloba and essential oils. Vitamins and mineral remedies include magnesium, vitamins A and C, and bioflavonoids. I am not sure how effective vitamins, minerals or herbs might be. The only thing I can say is that they should not cause any harm if taken according to packaging recommendations.

An over-the-counter drug known as Lipo-Flavonoid, has met with success, according to a number of my readers.

Because you indicate nothing can be done for your tinnitus, I interpret you have seen an ear-nose-and-throat specialist. If not, that is your first step. Determine the reason for this annoyance and demand an understandable explanation of why nothing can be done. If you remain dissatisfied, request a second opinion from your primary care physician.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Ear Infections and Disorders”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

My sister has given me the address from your column in hopes that a copy of the article could be sent to me or if you could once again give the solution in your column. Please help.

DEAR READER: You are suffering from a common medical ailment called tinnitus. Your first step ought to be a consultation with an ear-nose-and-throat specialist. Meanwhile I recommend Lipo-Flavonoid — an over-the-counter product to reduce or eliminate the buzzing.