Ringing Ears and The Brain

Oct. 21, 2010 - PRLog -- Millions of Americans will suffer from ringing ears at some point in their lives, this is what the  American Tinnitus Association has announced. Patients who suffer from tinnitus might also experience hearing damage or different levels of hearing loss.  

Dr. Alan Micco, an associate professor of Otolaryngology and Neurological Surgery at Northwestern University, is conducting research about the causes and different treatments of Tinnitus.

Northwestern University interviewed Dr. Micco  and asked him about the central nervous system’s role in tinnitus. He explained how “Brain research is hot right now, but we’ve known for a while that tinnitus is a central nervous system problem. Over 20 years ago, researchers found that people who used anti-anxiety and anti-depressant medications, such as amitriptyline and aprazolam, showed improvement in their tinnitus symptoms. This may have been because of the medications’ effects on the brain, possibly due to a sedative effect that decreases perception. Stress and anxiety can make you fixate on the tinnitus.”

Dr. Micco explained that the brain's physical changes in patients suffering from this condition are being monitored through PET scans, in patients suffering from tinnitus. The scans showed “increased levels of activity in the left temporal lobe”, which is where the auditory cortex is found.”

Research continues, which gives hope to many people suffering from tinnitus. If you experience ringing ears visit your Miami Hearing Center and consult with your Miami audiologist such as Dr. Duran, which will diagnose you and help treat this condition.

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