A. Tinnitus is a ringing, buzzing, chirping or whirling sound in one or both ears that no one else but you can hear. Over 50 million Americans have it to some degree.

In 90 percent of the folks, it’ll go away after a short time. But for the rest, it’s a chronic annoying condition that’ll drive ’em nuts! Tinnitus is not a disease, but a symptom of some condition. Its number-one cause is exposure to loud noise.

If there’s high-frequency hearing loss, tinnitus is expected.

Straining to hear brings it on, and the aggravation over the hearing loss and resultant tinnitus just makes the condition worse.

That’s why hearing aids, learning to ignore the tinnitus and an occasional tranquilizer (if desired) are three very popular treatments for tinnitus.

Other potential causes for tinnitus are TMJ problems; bruxism (grinding teeth) due to stress; chronic high doses of aspirin or quinine; carotid artery blockage; rare tumors of the hearing nerve; and Meniere’s disease.

By the way, tinnitus does not cause hearing loss; hearing loss causes tinnitus.

Be sure to see a good ear, nose and throat physician to look for a treatable or reversible cause of tinnitus. Hearing tests are essential; CT or MRI scans of the head and neck may also be advised.

What can be done? Beyond hearing aids (if indicated), surgery (only if indicated) and night guards for grinding teeth, there are no sure-fire cures for tinnitus.

However, addressing the stress, anxiety and frustration over tinnitus is every bit as important as any medication, appliances or surgical intervention.

Meditation, responsible use of tranquilizers or the non-addictive drug Buspar, as well as “retraining therapy” to learn to ignore the annoyance are a few things to consider. “Masking” devices that generate a white noise help some.

Supplements like B-vitamins or Lipoflavonoid (Numark Labs, 800-338-8079) have anecdotal success. Cochlear implants for deaf or nearly-deaf folks have up to a 50 percent success rate.

To learn more, contact the American Tinnitus Association, (800) 634-8978, or www.ata.org.

By Dr. Mitchell Hecht