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Objective Tinnitus – Detailed Info and Tips

3rd August, 2011 - Posted by health news - No Comments

Tinnitus is classified into two types: subjective tinnitus and objective tinnitus. The former is a common type of tinnitus which is characterized by hearing ringing and hissing sounds unheard by other people. Objective tinnitus, on the other hand, is a rare type of tinnitus wherein the sounds produced can also be heard by others. For instance, the sounds can be heard by a doctor just by using a stethoscope. This is also more disturbing than the other type as it is accompanied by serious medical conditions like cardiovascular problems. This type of tinnitus occurs in 3% of all cases of tinnitus.

People with objective tinnitus frequently hear rhythmic clicking, low humming, or thumping sounds which are heard along with the breathing or heartbeat; hence its other name pulsatile tinnitus. This type of tinnitus may therefore be treated not only by treating the sounds or noise produced by tinnitus but also by treating the medical condition it indicates.

Objective tinnitus may be caused by two things. First, the sudden alteration in the blood circulation in the arteries or veins surrounding the ears can cause the production of ear thumping tinnitus sounds. Second, the heightened or increased sensitivity to the noise caused by the blood circulation in the ears can make a person hear tinnitus sounds. There are few cases however when this condition is accompanied by aneurysm or other fatal or life-threatening conditions making it imperative for the patient to receive proper diagnosis as there are root causes that must be pinned down.

This condition is usually clinically diagnosed through checking the medical history of the patient to see history of cardiovascular conditions. It may also be necessary for the patient to undergo tests such as ultrasound, angiography, magnetic resonance scanning (MRI), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), and CT scan as these medical examinations and tests show blood flow and blood vessel images which can greatly help a doctor determine the root cause. Blood tests may also be done to see if the patient is suffering from anemia.

Relief against objective tinnitus depends mainly on the primary condition, which upon identification must receive immediate treatment. For example, if the cause of the condition is hypertension, it must be treated by taking medication that can lower the blood pressure, diet change, and lifestyle modification.

Patients suffering from pulsatile tinnitus should avoid the following:

• High sodium diet
• Fat-rich diet
• Alcohol
• Beverages with caffeine
• Stress
• smoking

High fat and cholesterol have always been associated with atherosclerosis which is believed to be one of the most common causes of pulsatile tinnitus. Thus, patients must stay away from them. Salt heightens the body tissues’ fluid retention which is one of the causes of high blood pressure. Caffeine stimulates and elevates the blood pressure and heart rate. Alcohol changes the body’s fluid balance, causing an inner ear fluid imbalance. Stress is a tinnitus triggering factor. Fatigue and anxiety must be managed well to prevent worsening of tinnitus. Always remember that objective tinnitus relief may also be achieved through relaxation, alternative remedies, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.

To find out which tinnitus treatment can best help you in eliminating tinnitus once and for all, visit our Tinnitus Products Review