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VA Healthcare Network Upstate New York - VISN 2
Tinnitus
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| Audiology Clinics: |
Albany
VA Medical Center
113 Holland Avenue
Albany, NY 12208
(518) 626-5820
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Batavia
VA Western New York Healthcare System
222 Richmond Avenue
Batavia, NY 14020
(585) 297-1140
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Bath
VA Medical Center
76 Veterans Avenue
Bath, NY 14810
(607) 664-4419
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Buffalo
VA Western New York Healthcare System
3495 Bailey Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14215
(716) 862-6095
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Canandaigua
VA Medical Center
400 Fort Hill Avenue
Canandaigua, NY 14424
(585) 393-7891
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Rochester
Outpatient Clinic
465 Westfall Road
Rochester, NY 14620
(585) 463-2701
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Syracuse
VA Medical Center
800 Irving Avenue
Syracuse, NY 13210
(315) 425-2437
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What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is “head” noise. It is often described as a ringing, humming, buzzing,
clanging, whistling, roaring, rushing, or hissing sound.
Some people hear the sound all the time. Other people hear it on and off.
How loud is the sound? It is different for each person too.
Why do I have this? What can be done for me?
| Cause |
Treatment |
| Hearing loss |
Avoid loud noise |
| Upper respiratory infections |
Treat the infection |
| Wax in ear |
Remove wax |
| High/low blood pressure |
Medication/diet |
| High cholesterol |
Medication/diet |
| Diabetes |
Medication/diet |
| Circulation disorders |
Medication |
| Medications such as aspirin, fluid pills,
anti-inflammatory and antibiotics |
Medication review |
| Head/neck injury |
See primary care physician |
| Loud noise |
Wear ear plugs |
| Stress |
Relaxation techniques |
Some tips that may help you:
- Try turning on a fan or air-cleaner. Some people use a radio tuned to the
static between the stations. All these items create white noise. This may help
cover up the sounds you hear. Many people find that listening to white noise
helps them fall asleep.
- Caffeine, nicotine, alcohol and stress can make it appear more bothersome.
Eliminating or reducing these things often helps.
- Some people find they have less trouble if they wear their hearing aid(s).
- Use relaxation techniques such as deep breathing.
There are many articles in magazines and newspapers that claim vitamins,
chemicals or special devices help. They might provide relief at first, but long-term
success with these is not common.
There is no cure for Tinnitus. Although it is often a benign problem, in conjunction
with other symptoms, it can be an indicator of something more serious. Patients
who experience tinnitus should always report it to their primary care physician.
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| Reviewed/Updated Date: December 3, 2007 |
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