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Health Tip: Ringing in the Ears |
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(HealthDayNews) -- Tinnitus is the medical term for the mistaken perception of a ringing, chirping or buzzing sound in one or both ears, according to the American Tinnitus Association.
Tinnitus can be intermittent or constant. The ATA says more than 50 million Americans experience tinnitus to some degree, and about 12 million cases are severe enough that patients seek medical attention.
The exact physiological causes of tinnitus aren't understood. But contributing factors include: exposure to loud noises; wax build-up in the ear canal; certain medications that are toxic to the ear; ear or sinus infections; and jaw misalignment.
One way to prevent the condition is to protect your hearing. At work, make sure your employer meets federal regulations that require you to don hearing protection for any situation in which noise levels exceed 90 decibels over an eight-hour workday.
And privately, make sure you wear hearing protection the next time you hunt or attend a loud concert or sporting event.
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