Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
I Have Tinnitus . I'm 71 And I've Noticed It
Question: I have tinnitus. I'm 71 and I've noticed it since I was around 35. I believe my tinnitus came about because of my experiences in the 60's and 70's. I am a musician. I went to music school and although I majored in music education, I also sang in choirs as a coloratura (highest range), played guitar and sang. Played balalaika professionally for 3 years. As a minister I made my living as a speaker with a microphone and leading singing. I have noticed that the tinnitus gets louder right after I've been to a musical activity: orchestra concert, bluegrass band, singing in Sweet Adelines, singing at my piano. I have lost the high upper range of my hearing on certain things. I don't think about tinnitus a lot - only when I am meditating and when it is brought up. If I am reading or talking (a lot) I don't notice it.
My type is a cross between a hiss and cricket buzz.
My type is a cross between a hiss and cricket buzz.
Brief Answer:
Please see details
Detailed Answer:
HI and Welcome to "Ask A Doctor" service. Thanks for using this app. I have read your question and here is my advice.
I am sorry to hear of your longstanding problem that may be very uncomfortable but I appreciate your courage.
In fact, tinnitus is common, and many are for short time and don't need treatment however your problems need more attention as it is a prolonged one.
In fact, tinnitus is caused by damage to the special hearing apparatus inside our ear. The causes are many however two very common causes of prolonged tinnitus is age-related damage and prolonged exposure to noise.
What you said that probably your problem is caused by your job-related noise, is very right, we said that prolonged exposure to high sounds is a common cause of it. Especially people who are musicians(or work in a factory, heavy machinery, airports) by profession are at risk of it. It also gives some hearing loss as well. So apparently your problem is linked to your profession. We always advise such people to use ear masks to avoid heavy noise exposure. All other efforts should be made to Avoid noise.
Unfortunately, the treatment is not promising for such patients as the damage done is permanent, however, avoiding further damage by avoiding more noise is the best strategy. Sometimes this may be very disturbing so certain things may help reduce this buzzing sounds. These include some drugs like anti-anxiety called benzodiazepines like Xanax, there are masking devices available that may help alleviate symptoms. Other include psychotherapy that may also work.
After having this said let me admit there are few more possible causes like drugs, high BP some blood disorders they may also be responsible for the same.
So get to an ENT specialist, for complete assessment and proper plan for management so that we can stop worsening of this problem as this may be very annoying if severe.
Hopes this help you understand your query. Let me know if you have any further questions about it. I would be glad to answer that.
Kind regards
Dr. Rahman
Please see details
Detailed Answer:
HI and Welcome to "Ask A Doctor" service. Thanks for using this app. I have read your question and here is my advice.
I am sorry to hear of your longstanding problem that may be very uncomfortable but I appreciate your courage.
In fact, tinnitus is common, and many are for short time and don't need treatment however your problems need more attention as it is a prolonged one.
In fact, tinnitus is caused by damage to the special hearing apparatus inside our ear. The causes are many however two very common causes of prolonged tinnitus is age-related damage and prolonged exposure to noise.
What you said that probably your problem is caused by your job-related noise, is very right, we said that prolonged exposure to high sounds is a common cause of it. Especially people who are musicians(or work in a factory, heavy machinery, airports) by profession are at risk of it. It also gives some hearing loss as well. So apparently your problem is linked to your profession. We always advise such people to use ear masks to avoid heavy noise exposure. All other efforts should be made to Avoid noise.
Unfortunately, the treatment is not promising for such patients as the damage done is permanent, however, avoiding further damage by avoiding more noise is the best strategy. Sometimes this may be very disturbing so certain things may help reduce this buzzing sounds. These include some drugs like anti-anxiety called benzodiazepines like Xanax, there are masking devices available that may help alleviate symptoms. Other include psychotherapy that may also work.
After having this said let me admit there are few more possible causes like drugs, high BP some blood disorders they may also be responsible for the same.
So get to an ENT specialist, for complete assessment and proper plan for management so that we can stop worsening of this problem as this may be very annoying if severe.
Hopes this help you understand your query. Let me know if you have any further questions about it. I would be glad to answer that.
Kind regards
Dr. Rahman
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
