Remedies for Tinnitus - What Causes Ringing in the Ears and What Can Help Relieve Tinnitus Symptoms

Could being a gunner's mate in 1952 during the Korean War be a cause of tinnitus?

I've had Tinnitus for a long time. About six years ago, I was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. The Tinnitus seems to have worsened since then. I hear loud multi-frequency ringing mostly in my right ear. It has effected my ability to sleep greatly. I also have a moderate case of Psoriasis that involves my ears a lot. They itch and form plaques that I pick at constantly. Does the Psoriasis and the Leukemia further complicate Tinnitus and make finding relief less feasible?

Dear Maree, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia is a complex disease. Many people with this disease are symptom less. However, there have been a few cases in medical literature where hearing loss and tinnitus were associated with the increase and uncontrolled number of white blood cells, specifically in your case, the lymphocyte cells present in the blood. You didn't say if you are currently getting treatment for your leukemia, or if you are taking drugs to control your leukemia. Side effects of drugs can also cause tinnitus. Sensorineural dysfunctions of the cranial nerves occur as a result of leukemia and can result in symptoms such as tinnitus or hearing loss because this disease may affect the auditory nerve which in turn affects hearing. Usually, controlling the number of lymphocytes in the blood circulation may stop or decrease the tinnitus, so you should definitely mention this symptom of tinnitus to your doctor. It is also important to get regular check-ups and blood work tests to monitor your white blood cell count on a continuous basis, making sure that there is not a flare-up of your disease. Since it is chronic, this means that you are in this for the long haul. If you are seeking a more natural approach to stopping the ringing in your ears, you might want to try Acupuncture. Acupuncture has been successful in treating many neurological problems which otherwise could not be treated with conventional medicine. Of course, Acupuncture is not recommended in place of your regular check-ups and blood counts, but it could be a valuable asset for controlling the tinnitus symptoms. As far as the psoriasis goes, this is another symptom which may indicate that you are allergic to something which you are currently taking or even may be a drug induced response. It also means that your liver may not be able to process and handle the chemicals to which your body is or has been exposed. If you are interested in exploring a deeper cause for your leukemia, you might want to visit a doctor who is knowledgeable in environmental medicine and toxic exposures. Good luck in your quest for healing.

Hello Doctor, I didn't know what tinnitus was until I read about it. My symptoms included headaches and mostly stuffy head or congested head. I also used to have shoulder pains and stiff neck. All that has become better now. I realized something funny was happening to my left ear. I could hear echo sounds whenever I used to shout or cough, and then I started feeling like there was a lot of pressure or air in my left ear. Just two weeks ago I started hearing a constant sound, and sometimes it feels like it is loud. It sounds like a sharp whistle. It's very irritating and scary. It is difficult to sleep when its very quite. I can hear the sound, and my ear feels full. I haven't shared this with anyone in my family, and I also have had watery eyes for the last month. I have been to the eye doctor, but he said my eyes are totally perfect, saying that maybe its the change of weather. My eyes are still watery, and my head still hurts sometimes. Theres is a constant hissing sound in my ear. What can I do?

Dear Julie, Tinnitus is considered a symptom, and not a disease. Even though it is a common problem, there are many medical conditions which can be the cause of your problem. Usually, when the cause of this ringing is found, the symptoms may be able to improve over time. In your case, you visited your eye doctor, but you did not mention whether you saw your medical doctor or health practitioner to be examined for this problem. Inside the inner ear, there are small microscopic hairs called cilia, which line the surface of the auditory cells. These auditory cells conduct an electrical charge from the auditory nerve and your brain interprets these signals as sound. Damage to these delicate hairs can cause the tinnitus or noise such as you are experiencing. Viruses are one common cause for this auditory cell damage. Please read the article above for other common causes for tinnitus. Because you are experiencing a headache and this problem appears to be on-going and persistent for any length of time, it is important that you find the cause and rule out the possibility of a more serious health condition. It is also important to get diagnosed so that this does not lead to a permanent hearing loss. Discuss with your doctor what makes the noise worse and what alleviates it. Be sure to mention any other symptoms and drugs which you are taking. Your doctor will also check in your ear to visualize the amount of ear wax in your canal, which can also affect the noise and make it worse. After a complete examination by your medical doctor to rule out high blood pressure, a viral infection, circulatory problems, anemia, low thyroid levels, neck and spinal mal-adjustments or mis-alignments, medication and drug interactions, atherosclerosis, or head or neck tumors, you might want to try acupuncture if there are no other causes found. Usually, when you have other symptoms associated with tinnitus, such as you mentioned above, it is a good indication that these symptoms will be able to point to the cause. Good luck in your diagnosis.

My Aunt says the ringing in my right ear is due to a virus. If that is the case, how long does it typically last? I have had mine for almost seven months. It has gotten quieter over time. I am hopeful that it will go away completely. Thanks for any information you can provide.

Dear BK, Viruses are only one cause of ringing in the ears or tinnitus. Did you read the article above? It lists many different causes. Also, read my answer to Julie above. It is important to find out the cause if you want to get rid of this annoying symptom. Depending upon the cause, your doctor will give you an appropriate remedy. Also, acupuncture is effective, so you might want to try it. Good luck.

As a matter of fact, I did read the other posts and responses. The ENT eliminated the other causes like medication, hearing loss, loud noise by doing a hearing test, and an MRI eliminated a tumor, and concluded that it was a virus. From talking to a number of people with this issue, the answer seems to be from a few days to as long as 9 months but the average seems to be 5-6 months.

Thanks BK for keeping us up to date and providing us with more information on the subject. I hope you get better soon.