What Is That Ringing In My Ear in Germantown?
Many of us in Woodlawn, MA and around the world suffer from ringing or buzzing in one or both of our ears from time to time. What does this come from? There are many different reasons or conditions that cause the symptom that we call "tinnitus". It is relatively common effecting about 1 in 5 people at some time during their lives. Tinnitus can be perceived as several different types of sounds.It is most often heard as a ringing, buzzing, whistling, humming or whooshing. Tinnitus is often a benign occurrence but, as it can sometimes be a symptom of a more serious underlying cause, it is always in a person's best interest to have a professional make an official diagnosis. The most common underlying causes are generalized hearing loss, circulatory issues or inner ear damage. Here at Barrett Family Chiropractic in Woodlawn we are often called upon to evaluate our patients for the symptom of tinnitus.
Hypertension and Ear Ringing in Woodlawn
Hypertension, more commonly known as high blood pressure, can sometimes cause a whooshing, whistling or ringing in the ear/ears. Hypertension can often be present for a long time before a person starts to notice any symptoms pointing to its presence. As blood pressure rises it can cause an increase in the pressure in the small but plentiful blood vessels that pass near the inner year as they bring oxygenated blood to the brain. An increase in that pressure can often lead to tinnitus so anyone presenting with tinnitus should have their blood pressure evaluated. High blood pressure, expecially chronic hypertension, can lead to very serious and life threatening conditions. Just as it can affect the blood vessels in the ear it can affect the blood vessels in the eye and cause blindness. Hypertension can also lead to heart attack or stroke. If you notice an occasional ringing in your ear and you haven't had your blood pressure followed recently, make sure you tell your Chiropractor in Woodlawn or primary care doctor so you can be evaluated.
Having an under-active thyroid gland, or hypothyroidism, can also be a cause of tinnitus. The mechanism in this case is less understood. It has been demonstrated that the symptom of tinnitus is more common in people who are overweight and in people with depression. As hypothyroidism can often result in both depression and an increase in a person's weight, this may be the correlation.Hypothyroidism is easily diagnosed with a blood test and it can be treated with medication.
Ear infections, or scar tissue from previous or chronic ear infections, can also be a cause of tinnitus. If you have an ear infection you will likely be aware as they can be very painful. Your Woodlawn Chiropractor can help you learn ways to prevent ear infections and suggest other ways of boosting you immune system naturally to help as well.
Joint dysfunction in the neck or jaw are also two major culprits for causing the symptom of tinnitus. Sometimes this is the first symptom to become evident even before pain in the dysfunctional joints or regions. Who better to evaluate, diagnose and treat joint dysfunction? Your friendly neighborhood chiropractor, of course!
If you are experiencing tinnitus in any of its forms, give us a call at 410-265-9911. Let Dr. Barrett and Staff at Barrett Family Chiropractic in Woodlawn, Maryland help uncover the reason you are experiencing this annoying and often disruptive symptom. Once the reason is discovered we can help you get the care you need.
