Music and Tinnitus, Part 1

In a recent study by the American Tinnitus Association, or ATA, there are an estimated 50 million people in the United States living with the misery of tinnitus. There is a group of approximately two million people within that larger group who suffer from tinnitus so severe they cannot live a normal life. Tinnitus is a condition that affects the hearing of a patient in one or both ears. Tinnitus causes a number of odd sounds to occur in the affected ear including ringing, hissing, humming, buzzing or roaring. These errant noises can so affect the patient they are unable comfortably hear, work or sleep. There are commonly used treatments available for patients suffering from tinnitus including hearing aids, relaxation techniques and even more serious treatments such as cochlear implants. Unfortunately for all patients suffering from tinnitus, there is no known cure for the disorder. There is new research being conducted that indicates music therapy may be a viable option for treatment of patients with tinnitus.

There are several possible causes of tinnitus, many of which can also cause hearing loss. Damage or injury to the ear or the microscopic hair cells inside the inner ear, head trauma and even prolonged exposure to noise can cause tinnitus. In fact, the National Institute for Deafness and other Communication Diseases is advising consumers there are over 200 standard prescription medications that can cause temporary or permanent tinnitus.

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