Question: I am trying to find a chat room to get more information on Tinnitus?

Answer: Many people experience an occasional ringing (or roaring, hissing, buzzing, or tinkling) in their ears (see an illustration of the ear). The sound usually lasts only a few minutes. If it becomes persistent, you may have tinnitus. Tinnitus is most common in people over age 40. It affects men more often than women.

There are two main types of tinnitus:

Vibratory tinnitus is often caused by mechanical sounds created by muscle contractions near the ear, changes in the ear canal, or blood flow (vascular) problems involving the face or neck. You may hear sounds such as your own pulse or the contractions of your muscles.

Nonvibratory tinnitus is caused by problems in the central or peripheral nerves involved with hearing. You may hear sounds in one or both ears. Sometimes this type of tinnitus is described as coming from inside the head.

Tinnitus is usually caused by prolonged exposure to loud noise (acoustic trauma), which damages to the nerves in the inner ear. However, tinnitus can occur with all types of hearing loss and may be a symptom of almost any ear disorder. Other possible causes of tinnitus include:

A buildup of earwax. Medications, especially antibiotics or large amounts of aspirin. Drinking an excessive amount of alcohol or caffeinated beverages. Hearing loss that may accompany aging (presbycusis). Ear infections or eardrum rupture. Dental or other problems affecting the mouth, such as temporomandibular (TM) problems. Injuries, such as whiplash or a direct blow to the ear or head. Injury to the inner ear following surgery or radiation therapy to the head or neck. A rapid change in environmental pressure (barotrauma). Severe weight loss from malnutrition or excessive dieting. Repeated exercise with the neck in a hyperextended position, such as when bicycle riding. Blood flow (vascular) problems, such as carotid atherosclerosis, AV malformations, and high blood pressure (hypertension). Nerve problems (neurologic disorders), such as multiple sclerosis or migraine headache. Other diseases. These may include: Acoustic neuroma. Anemia. Labyrinthitis. Mйniиre's disease. Otosclerosis. Thyroid disease. Most tinnitus that comes and goes (intermittent) does not require medical treatment. However, if tinnitus is accompanied by other symptoms, becomes persistent, or starts to localize to one ear, a visit to a health professional usually is needed. Often there is no cure for tinnitus, but your health professional can help you learn how to live with the problem.