 |
|
Clinical factors of tinnitus influence perceived loudness and annoyance
December 19, 2006Clinical characteristics of tinnitus such as duration, consistency and other factors influence the way individuals perceive loudness and annoyance associated with the condition, according to a report in the December issue of Archives of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.
Tinnitus, a ringing, buzzing or whistling sound in one or both ears occurring without outside stimulus, can be acute or chronic, constant or intermittent. Tinnitus can be due to a medical disease or of unknown origin. According to background information in the article, some patients describe their tinnitus to be louder than most or all environmental sounds and 1 percent to 5 percent report that tinnitus is so troublesome that it interferes with sleep or has led to disability and reduced quality of life.
Wolfgang Hiller, Ph.D., University of Mainz, Germany, and Gerhard Goebel, M.D., from Roseneck Center of Behavioral Medicine, Prien, Germany, analyzed data from a mail survey composed of two parts: a questionnaire to assess perceived annoyance and a comprehensive screening questionnaire that grades loudness. The total of 4,995 individuals who responded had an average age of 56 years and was 42 percent female and 58 percent male.
A total of 4,971 individuals accurately completed the loudness survey. Of these, 407 (8.2 percent) rated their condition as grade I (weak degree of tinnitus loudness), 2,964 (59.6 percent) as grade II (medium degree of tinnitus loudness) and 1,600 (32.2 percent) as grade III (strong degree of tinnitus loudness). Annoyance scores were available for 4,982 people of whom 1,957 (39.2 percent) were categorized as mildly distressed, 1,189 (23.9 percent) as severely distressed and 637 (12.8 percent) as most severely distressed. Most of those with grade I conditions reported mild tinnitus distress, those with grade II conditions were split and approximately two-thirds of those in grade III reported having severe or very severe distress, indicating a moderate correlation between loudness and annoyance.
"In particular, higher levels of severity were found in men, older adults, binaural [in both ears] and centrally perceived tinnitus, increase in tinnitus intensity since onset, sensitivity to loud external noise, continuous tinnitus (as opposed to intermittent tinnitus) and the coexistence of hearing loss, vertigo and hyperacusis [abnormal sensitivity to sounds]," the authors note. However, other factors had an inconsistent influence on loudness and annoyance. The share of individuals who experienced an increase in tinnitus loudness since onset was 35 percent whereas there was no clear increase in tinnitus annoyance in years since onset. The authors believe it is possible that habituation and acceptance of tinnitus increase over time, which is likely to lead to reduced annoyance.
"Although it has been shown that personal distress due to tinnitus is to some degree dependent on primarily psychological factors such as cognitive appraisal or differences in coping behavior, the role of physical, audiologic and medical properties of tinnitus should not be underestimated," the authors conclude. "We need studies that investigate the determinants of tinnitus loudness and annoyance to understand more deeply how patients react to their tinnitus and which factors contribute to the long-term maintenance of distress."
JAMA and Archives Journals
A total of 4,971 individuals accurately completed the loudness survey. Of these, 407 (8.2 percent) rated their condition as grade I (weak degree of tinnitus loudness), 2,964 (59.6 percent) as grade II (medium degree of tinnitus loudness) and 1,600 (32.2 percent) as grade III (strong degree of tinnitus loudness). Annoyance scores were available for 4,982 people of whom 1,957 (39.2 percent) were categorized as mildly distressed, 1,189 (23.9 percent) as severely distressed and 637 (12.8 percent) as most severely distressed. Most of those with grade I conditions reported mild tinnitus distress, those with grade II conditions were split and approximately two-thirds of those in grade III reported having severe or very severe distress, indicating a moderate correlation between loudness and annoyance.
"In particular, higher levels of severity were found in men, older adults, binaural [in both ears] and centrally perceived tinnitus, increase in tinnitus intensity since onset, sensitivity to loud external noise, continuous tinnitus (as opposed to intermittent tinnitus) and the coexistence of hearing loss, vertigo and hyperacusis [abnormal sensitivity to sounds]," the authors note. However, other factors had an inconsistent influence on loudness and annoyance. The share of individuals who experienced an increase in tinnitus loudness since onset was 35 percent whereas there was no clear increase in tinnitus annoyance in years since onset. The authors believe it is possible that habituation and acceptance of tinnitus increase over time, which is likely to lead to reduced annoyance.
"Although it has been shown that personal distress due to tinnitus is to some degree dependent on primarily psychological factors such as cognitive appraisal or differences in coping behavior, the role of physical, audiologic and medical properties of tinnitus should not be underestimated," the authors conclude. "We need studies that investigate the determinants of tinnitus loudness and annoyance to understand more deeply how patients react to their tinnitus and which factors contribute to the long-term maintenance of distress."
JAMA and Archives Journals
Tinnitus Current Events and Tinnitus News RSStudy: The new buzz on detecting tinnitus
It's a ringing, a buzzing, a hissing or a clicking - and the patient is the only one who can hear it. Complicating matters, physicians can rarely pinpoint the source of tinnitus, a chronic ringing of the head or ears that can be as quiet as a whisper or as loud as a jackhammer.
Ultrasound shown to exert remote control of brain circuits
In a twist on nontraditional uses of ultrasound, a group of neuroscientists at Arizona State University has developed pulsed ultrasound techniques that can remotely stimulate brain circuit activity.
National guidelines released for earwax removal
The American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) will issue the first comprehensive clinical guidelines to help health care practitioners identify patients with cerumen (commonly referred to as earwax) impaction. The guidelines emphasize evidence-based management of cerumen impaction by clinicians, and inform patients of the purpose of ear wax in hearing health.
Zebrafish may help solve ringing in vets' ears
Ernest Moore, an audiologist and cell biologist at Northwestern University, developed tinnitus -- a chronic ringing and whooshing sound in his ears -- twenty years ago after serving in the U.S. Army reserves medical corps.
Overactive nerves in head and neck may account for 'ringing in the ears'
Do your ears ring after a loud concert" Nerves that sense touch in your face and neck may be behind the racket in your brain, University of Michigan researchers say.
Silence may lead to phantom noises misinterpreted as tinnitus
Phantom noises, that mimic ringing in the ears associated with tinnitus, can be experienced by people with normal hearing in quiet situations.
Scientists Search for Brain Center Responsible for Tinnitus
For the more than 50 million Americans who experience the phantom sounds of tinnitus -- ringing in the ears that can range from annoying to debilitating -- certain well-trained rats may be their best hope for finding relief.
New cell culturing method pumps up the volume
In a breakthrough that will likely accelerate research aimed at cures for hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance problems, scientists have perfected a laboratory culturing technique that provides a reliable new source of cells critical to understanding certain inner-ear disorders.
More than 80% of patients manage to stop discomfort from tinnitus and can lead a normal life again
It is estimated that between 10 and 17% of the population has suffered tinnitus at some time in their lives, according to a number of international studies.
For First Time, Cochlear Implant Restores Hearing To Patient With Rare Genetic Disorder
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have, for the first time, used a "bionic" ear to restore hearing in a patient with von Hippel-Lindau disease. They say this advance offers new hope for individuals with the rare disorder, which can produce non-malignant tumors in ears, as well as in the eyes, brain, and kidneys.
More Tinnitus Current Events and Tinnitus News Articles
 |
Clear Tinnitus - 60 - Capsule by Clear Products Clear Tinnitus A remedy for the ringing, buzzing, humming, roaring and hissing, otherwise known as "Tinnitus". Clear Tinnitus is an all natural herbal product, scientifically formulated to help relieve the effects of tinnitus. This proprietary blend consists of thirteen FDA approved herbs that will not make you drowsy or increase your heartrate. No side effects! All natural ingredients! Clear Tinnitus Ingredients: Puerarie root, platycodon root, angelica root, coix seed, ginger root, ligustici root, peony root, perillia leaf, magnolia flower, notoplerygium root, cinnamon bark, scelellaria root, licorice root. Dosage: Take 1 to 2 capsules 2 times per day. Continue dosage to maintain benefits. Do not exceed 6 capsules per day. Fluid intake should be increased! |
 |
Tinnitus: Turning the Volume Down (Revised & Expanded) by Kevin Hogan (Author), Jennifer Battaglino (Author) Over 50 million Americans experience some form of tinnitus and there are those who don't realize that the ringing in their ears has a name. Of those 50 million, 12 million are estimated to have severe tinnitus where they seek medical treatment. Approximately two million people are suffering so severely that they cannot make it through their daily activities. Kevin Hogan has a positive approach to health as a definite goal worthy of determination. Kevin experienced tinnitus, and partly because of this, he treats those who suffer from it with respect! He heard the usual, You have to live with it, and he does NOT live with it. In addition he has remolded his profession to help those with tinnitus. This book is a positive example, a helping hand, a light in the darkness.... |
 |
Arches Tinnitus Relief Formula by Arches Natural Products, Inc Arches Tinnitus Relief Formula® (TRF) uses clinically proven natural herbal & mineral ingredients for the reduction of tinnitus. The real truth is that there is no cure for tinnitus. But for the majority of those who try TRF there is real relief. Over 30 placebo based clinical studies have shown the ingredients used in TRF effective in reducing tinnitus noise. TRF is recommended by thousands leading US Ear, Nose & Throat doctors (ENT) to their patients with tinnitus who tell them to take TRF for at least 100 days (4 bottles) to determine total its effectiveness and total reduction of tinnitus noise. Arches Tinnitus Relief Formula is endorsed by Michael Seidman, MD, inner ear specialist and leading US tinnitus authority. Dr. Seidman is director of the Tinnitus Center for a major US... |
 |
Tinnitus Retraining Therapy: Implementing the Neurophysiological Model by Pawel J. Jastreboff (Author), Jonathan W. P. Hazell (Author) Tinnitus and oversensitivity to sound are common and hitherto incurable, distressing conditions that affect a substantial number of the population. Pawel Jastreboff's discovery of the mechanisms by which tinnitus and decreased sound tolerance occur has led to a new and effective treatment called Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT). Audiologists, ENT specialists, psychologists and counsellors around the world currently practise this technique, with very high success rates. TRT, the treatment developed by the authors from the model, has already proved to be the most effective and most widely practised worldwide. This book presents a definitive description and justification for the Jastreboff neurophysiological model of tinnitus, outlining the essentials of TRT, reviewing the research... |
 |
Lipoflavonoid Caplets - 100 Caplets- NEW FORMULA HD 4930020 by NUMARK LABORATORIES INC. INDICATIONS: Lipoflavonoid helps improve circulation in the inner ear,Lipoflavonoid is recommended by ear doctors as a nutritional supplement to their patients with Menieres Disease (an ailment involving ringing in the ears, loss of hearing, and dizziness). INGREDIENTS: Active Ingredients:Eridictyol Glycoside, Vitamin B6 and B12, Vitamin C, Niacin, Riboflavin, Thiamine, Bioflavonoids, Choline, Inositol, and Pantothenic Acid. Inactive Ingredients:Dibasic Calcium Phosphate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Croscamellose Sodium, Stearic Acid, Hydroxypropyl, Methylcelluose, Magnesium Stearate, Pharmaceutical Glaze, Polyethylene Glycol, Silica, Titanium dioxide, ethyl Vanillin, FD&C yellow 6, (sunset yellow), FD&C red 40 lake, FD&C blue 1 lake. DIRECTIONS: Adults and children 12 years or older:... |
 |
White Noise Variety 3-Pack Collection: White Noise Machine Alternative Savor a variety of 3 best selling pure white noise® soothing sounds for relaxation, sleep and potent noise masking for the home or office from Pure White Noise®. The perfect alternative or replacement for expensive bulky white noise machines and sound machines. This 3 CD multi-pack bundle includes: Pure White Noise® CD, Restful Rain CD and Calming Electric Fan CD. Value price for savings from Pure White Noise® the leader in white noise and nature audio products. Makes a much appreciated beautiful gift for any occasion! Note - Our CDs are now packaged in earth friendly recyclable cardboard jackets. It is environmentally irresponsible for us to use the outdated petroleum intensive big bulky plastic CD jewel cases in a web based retail environment. Thank you for joining us in our... |
 |
Natural Relief from Tinnitus by Paul Yanick (Author) |
 |
Tinnitus -60C Clear Products 60 Capsules by Clear Products CLEAR TINNITUSTM, contains a unique proprietary blend of thirteen herbs, scientifically formulated to work in combination with active homeopathic ingredients to provide temporary relief of tinnitus. Benefits and Features: - Provides temporary relief from the symptoms of tinnitus. - Contains specific homeopathic remedies traditionally used to relieve the symptoms of Tinnitus. - Safe for individuals with heart problems and does not increase heart rate. - Does not make you drowsy. - Easy to swallow capsules. - Users of Clear Tinnitus have felt a reduction of noise within a week and the daily recommended dose will need to be maintained for continued benefit. - No side effects. - Time tested Chinese herbs used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years. ... |
 |
Tinnitus: Questions and Answers by Jack A. Vernon (Author), Barbara Tabachnick Sanders (Author) A brief book focusing on the most frequently asked questions regarding to ringing in the ears. Uses an easy to follow "question and answer" format. Covers causes and treatments with an optimistic tone. Includes a glossary. Tinnitus patients have questions that most often their doctors and audiologists can't answer. The disorder is not taught in medical schools and a single frontrunner of a treatment has not emerged. Tinnitus patients typically do not know where to go for help. Thousands resort to chatting on the Internet about their condition. Thousands of others have written to the American Tinnitus Association and to Dr. Jack Vernon for help, compassion, wisdom and answers. This book is a reflection of Dr. Vernon's 30-year dedication to this problem. His optimism for... |
 |
NaturalCare RingStop for Ringing and/or Buzzing in Ears, Capsules, 60-Count Bottle by NaturalCare RingStop helps relieve symptoms of ringing and buzzing in the ears, ear noise and sensitivity to sound. This maddening noise is called tinnitus, and some people hear buzzing, hissing, roaring, whistling, chirping or clicking. This homeopathic formula comes in easy-to-swallow capsules, and includes ginkgo, special Chinese herbs, and key vitamins and minerals. |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |