Answer: Tinnitus (TIN-uh-tuss or tuh-NITE-us) is a buzzing, ringing, whooshing or pulsating ear noise that affects up to 50 million North Americans and drives them to distraction. It's not a disease. It's a symptom that something has gone wrong with the inner ear or with the nerve that transmits sound sensations to the brain. The first order of business is locating the problem.

For many, it results from hearing loss. If a person with normal hearing is put in a soundproof room, in a short time, that person will complain of hearing ear noises. The inner ear constantly generates those noises, but with an intact hearing apparatus, those sounds are suppressed and we don't pay attention to them. For the hearing-impaired, a hearing aid is often the answer to tinnitus.

Tumors of the hearing nerve can also bring on tinnitus. They have to be removed.

Medicines are a major cause, and you should bring a list of all the ones you take to your doctor.

Caffeine and nicotine increase tinnitus's loudness, so they should be avoided.

If the underlying problem can't be fixed, a tinnitus masker can make the noise less intrusive. It's a little device that fits in the ear like a hearing aid. It emits a noise that blocks the tinnitus racket from reaching the brain. At night, by tuning a bedside radio's dial to soft static, the same effect can be obtained.

Tinnitus is a medical condition. Check with your insurer about whether treatment for it is covered. Also check with the American Tinnitus Association, which can provide information on this common condition. You can reach the Association at 1-800-634-8978. Canadians might have to dial 1-503-248-9985. The Web site is www.ata.org.

By Dr. Donohue
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