What causes the ear condition Tinnitus and can it be treated?

Tinnitus can be described as a ringing, buzzing or hissing sound in the ear that does not come from an external source.

The noise may come and go but in more severe cases the ringing is continuous causing nausea and dizziness, preventing many suffers from leading a normal life.

Tinnitus is usually caused by a problem with the system responsible for transmitting signals from the inner ear to the brain. Other reasons for the condition include repeated exposure to loud noise, ear infections and inflammation and low thyroid hormone levels.

Treatment for tinnitus will depend on whether the underlying cause of the ringing can be established and effectively addressed. But in chronic cases of tinnitus this is often not possible.

There is no fully effective medication or technique to cure the actual ringing itself. Perhaps the best approach is through cognitive therapy to help the patient develop ways to deal with this unfortunate ear condition.

Tinnitus suffers can also be prescribed medication to help combat the nausea and dizziness which often accompanies the ear ringing. Some people also find antidepressants can help prevent the problem from having such an depressive effect on their lives.

How much does private healthcare cost in the UK, and is it worth the money?

Click here for the full list of health questions