Tinnitus Treatment in Los Angeles

Tinnitus Causes

As tinnitus has many different catalysts, the precise cause may never be discovered. Tinnitus can be caused by a variety of medical conditions, ear problems, or injuries that have damaged the inner ear. The ear structure then sends random electrical pulses to the brain, interpreted as sounds. Causes for the condition include:

• Age-related hearing problems. Typically, at about sixty years and up, your hearing can begin to deteriorate, causing varying degrees of tinnitus or other hearing difficulties.
• Prolonged exposure to loud sounds. Persistent loud noise from heavy equipment or high-volume music through headphones can cause either short term tinnitus, or permanent hearing damage.
• Medical conditions. Tinnitus can be a precursor for Meniere’s disease, an inner-ear condition, and can also be an indicator of TMJ disorder, or problems with the joint near the ear at the jaw hinge. Acoustic neuroma is a small benign tumor on the nerve that controls balance and hearing, and can cause tinnitus in one ear. Finally, head or neck injuries can damage the inner ear and cause tinnitus, usually in the ear closest to the injury.
• Certain medications. Medications known to cause or worsen tinnitus include antibiotics, high dosages of aspirin, antidepressants, water pills (diuretics), cancer medications, and quinine medications. Usually the tinnitus subsides when you stop taking the medication.

There are many other causes to tinnitus, including blood vessel disorders and cardiovascular problems. Our experienced sinus surgeon can help you identify the cause of your tinnitus and recommend an effective treatment plan.

Tinnitus & Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

One condition that can cause tinnitus is eustachian tube dysfunction. Eustachian tubes are the small tubes that connect the ears to your upper throat. They are also responsible for the “popping” sensation you experience when you gain or lose altitude quickly, as they help regulate inner ear pressure. However, once the eustachian tubes are blocked or malfunctioning, it is more difficult for your ears to equalize air pressure and you may experience tinnitus, popping or cracking sounds, mild hearing loss, or problems with balance. For many people, treating eustachian tube dysfunction can alleviate tinnitus.

Treatment Options

There are a variety of treatment options available for tinnitus. Some include sound therapy, where specific sounds are played to counteract the ringing. In other cases, tinnitus can be improved with the use of a hearing aid. When it is caused by a medical condition or medication, controlling that medical condition or changing your prescription medication could reduce or eliminate tinnitus. When caused by eustachian tube dysfunction, some allergy medications such as antihistamines or decongestants can manage eustachian tube problems, balance ear pressure, and reduce tinnitus. For some cases, surgery is necessary. The surgery involves placing a pressure equalization tube (PET) in the eardrum, taking the place of the malfunctioning eustachian tube, equalizing inner ear pressure.

Treat Your Tinnitus in Los Angeles

Dr. Shervin Aminpour is highly regarded as an ear, nose, throat, and allergy doctor. He is an authority in the field and is personally dedicated to helping his patients with tinnitus to treat the condition. Tinnitus is a frustrating condition, and serious cases can make daily activities difficult and stressful. Dr. Aminpour is committed to finding solutions for your hearing, and creates a customized treatment plan for every patient, after identifying the underlying cause of the symptoms. Our friendly and compassionate staff will be happy to assist you at either of our Los Angeles area locations. Schedule a consultation with us today for one of the best treatments of tinnitus Los Angeles has to offer.