Healthpointe Medical Southern California

Tinnitus

What is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is a symptom of age-related hearing loss, ear injuries, or circulatory system disorders. Symptoms of tinnitus include hearing ringing, buzzing, hissing, chirping, whistling, or other sounds. It is a common problem that affects an estimated 50 million adults in the United States. In severe cases, tinnitus can cause difficulty concentrating or sleeping, and further interfere with daily life.

What causes tinnitus?

Some common causes include:

  • Age-related hearing loss
  • Exposure to loud noise
  • Earwax blockage
  • Changes in the structure of the ear bone

Other causes include:

  • Meniere’s disease (an inner ear disorder that may be caused by abnormal inner ear fluid pressure)
  • TMJ disorder (problems with the joints on the sides of the head)
  • Head or neck injuries
  • Acoustic neuroma (a benign tumor on the cranial nerve running from the brain to the inner ear that controls balance and hearing)

Blood vessel disorders linked to tinnitus include:

  • Head and neck tumors
  • Atherosclerosis
  • High blood pressure
  • Turbulent blood flow
  • Malformation of capillaries

Certain medications can also cause tinnitus, including:

  • Cancer medications
  • Antibiotics
  • Water pills (diuretics)
  • Certain antidepressants
  • Aspirin (taken in uncommonly high doses)

What are treatment options?

Treatment options depend on the extent of your condition, the underlying disorder, and your medical history. Once an underlying condition is identified, examples of treatment options can include removing earwax, treating a blood vessel condition, or changing your medication. In certain cases, noise suppression methods can also be used, such as white noise machines, hearing aids, masking devices, and tinnitus re-training.

When should I see a doctor?

Seek immediate medical attention if:

  • You develop tinnitus after an upper respiratory infection (such as a cold), and your tinnitus does not improve within a week.
  • You have tinnitus that occurs suddenly or without an apparent cause
  • You have hearing loss or dizziness with the tinnitus

Where can I go for tinnitus treatment?

Healthpointe now offers audiology treatment services, which includes treating tinnitus. Contact Healthpointe today to schedule an appointment for an evaluation and treatment of your hearing disorder. Don’t delay call 888-719-8448 or walk in to any of our locations such as, the Irwindale office near  Duarte, Azusa, West Covina, Vincent, and Mayflower Village.

 

About Healthpointe:

Healthpointe is a leading multidisciplinary healthcare organization offering a full range of medical services in practice locations throughout Southern California (Los Angeles county, Orange county, San Bernardino county and Riverside county). Healthpointe has locations situated in over 10 cities in Southern California including Garden Grove, which is conveniently located near Stanton, Santa Ana, and Westminster. As a highly regarded musculoskeletal group, we have a personal investment in the highest level of service, and we are proud of our record of excellence over the last four decades with private patients, injured workers, urgent care, personal injuries, and professional and non-professional athletes. Leading our organization is a dynamic team of healthcare professionals who continually strive to be at the forefront of medical innovation and healthcare service delivery. For more information, a complete list of services, and Healthpointe locations, visit healthpointe.net

About Brandon Davila

Hello! This is Brandon Davila, the Content Manager of Healthpointe. I’m a lifelong learner and chronic book-reader with a strong passion for the healthcare industry and search engine optimization. For more of Brandon, check out his articles on the Healthpointe blog.

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