Question
What is tinnitus? What are the treatment methods?
Answer
Tinnitus is the perception of ringing sounds without any external sound stimulation. This ringing may be a monotone sound, such as a buzzing or hissing sound, or a combination of different sounds. Tinnitus occurs when the auditory nerve in the inner ear is stimulated, leading the brain to perceive sounds even though there is no actual sound source in the surrounding environment. In some cases, tinnitus may be temporary and can disappear without treatment; however, in other cases, it may be persistent and may require medical intervention. Treatment methods may include medication, sound therapy, and tinnitus retraining therapy. If tinnitus is accompanied by symptoms such as hearing loss, dizziness, or headaches, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly.