Tinnitus, Middle Ear Myoclonus, and Advanced Treatments
Lori Lovato MA, FAAA, Audiologist
Friday, June 14, 2024
3 Min Read
Hearing a constant ringing, buzzing, or humming in your ears can be incredibly distressing. If you've ever asked, "Why are my ears ringing?" or "Why do I hear ringing in my ears?" you're not alone.
These auditory sensations, known as tinnitus, affect millions of people worldwide and can significantly impact one's quality of life.
However, there's another, lesser-known, condition that can also cause persistent ear noise: middle ear myoclonus (MEM).
Understanding Tinnitus: The Persistent Ringing in Your Ears
Tinnitus is characterized by the perception of noise or ringing in the ears when no external sound is present. It can manifest as various sounds, such as buzzing, clicking, hissing, or whistling.
The severity and pitch of tinnitus can vary, and it can be intermittent or continuous. Common symptoms include difficulty concentrating, trouble sleeping, and heightened stress or anxiety.
Common Causes of Tinnitus:
Prolonged exposure to loud environments, such as concerts or construction sites, can damage the hair cells in the inner ear, leading to tinnitus.
As people age, the auditory system naturally deteriorates, which can cause tinnitus.
Earwax buildup, ear infections, or foreign objects in the ear can trigger tinnitus symptoms.
Certain medications, such as antibiotics and chemotherapy drugs, can damage the auditory system and result in tinnitus.
The effects of tinnitus go beyond the auditory system, often leading to lack of sleep, declining mental health, and social isolation. It's essential to seek professional help if your tinnitus is impacting your daily life.
Middle Ear Myoclonus: A Different Kind of Ear Noise
While tinnitus is a common cause of ringing in the ears, middle ear myoclonus (MEM) is another condition that can produce similar auditory symptoms.
MEM is a form of myoclonus that affects the muscles of the middle ear, causing involuntary contractions. These muscle spasms can create a rhythmic clicking or thumping sound that may be perceived as tinnitus.
Key Differences Between Tinnitus and MEM:
Often described as a constant or intermittent ringing, buzzing, or humming sound that can vary in pitch and volume.
Typically presents as a rhythmic clicking or thumping sound caused by involuntary muscle contractions in the middle ear.
Both conditions can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making it crucial to seek professional evaluation and appropriate treatment.
Advanced Tinnitus Treatment With Lenire
We understand the frustration and distress caused by tinnitus and MEM.
That's why we're proud to offer the revolutionary Lenire tinnitus treatment, provided by Dr. Whitney Jacky, Au.D.
Raised in Walla Walla, Dr. Jacky is dedicated to bringing the latest and most effective treatments to her community.
What Is Lenire?
Lenire is a scientifically proven, at-home treatment system designed to alleviate tinnitus symptoms.
This innovative device combines Bluetooth headphones and a Tonguetip to deliver tailored sound therapy and gentle electrical pulses to the tongue. This bimodal neuromodulation technique retrains the brain, making tinnitus less obtrusive in daily life.
How Lenire Works:
Deliver custom sounds to activate the auditory nerve and address tinnitus at its core.
Emits gentle pulses to the tongue, stimulating essential neural pathways.
Allows for easy management of treatment schedules and intensity.
Lenire has received FDA approval and has shown significant results in clinical trials, with 83 percent of participants endorsing its effectiveness. As one of the select few trained providers of Lenire in Washington, Dr. Whitney Jacky is ready to guide you through this transformative treatment.
Why Seek Professional Help?
If your ears won't stop ringing, it's crucial to seek professional help to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
Sound Audiology & Hearing Aids offers comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans to address tinnitus and MEM effectively.
Schedule Your Lenire Tinnitus Treatment Today
Don't let tinnitus or MEM control your life. If you're experiencing ringing in your ears and seeking relief, schedule a TeleAudiology appointment with Dr. Whitney Jacky to discuss your symptoms and explore the benefits of Lenire.
For more information on why your ears are ringing and to explore our tinnitus treatment options, visit Sound Audiology's Tinnitus Resource Page.