Öronsus

Öronsus, also known as tinnitus, is the perception of sound in the absence of any external auditory stimulus. This perceived sound can manifest in various ways, including ringing, buzzing, hissing, clicking, or roaring. The intensity and nature of the sound can vary greatly among individuals and can be constant or intermittent.

The exact cause of öronsus is not always clear, but it is often associated with several factors. Hearing loss, particularly age-related hearing loss (presbycuscus) or noise-induced hearing loss, is a common underlying condition. Damage to the inner ear's delicate hair cells can disrupt normal sound processing and lead to the perception of phantom sounds. Other potential causes include earwax buildup, ear infections, head or neck injuries, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and certain medications, such as aspirin or some antibiotics, known as ototoxic drugs. Less commonly, öronsus can be a symptom of more serious conditions like Meniere's disease or acoustic neuroma.

While öronsus itself is not a disease, it can be a symptom of an underlying issue. For many, it is a mild annoyance, but for others, it can be a significant source of distress, leading to difficulties with concentration, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depression. Diagnosis typically involves a medical history, a physical examination, and hearing tests. Treatment strategies focus on managing the underlying cause if identifiable and providing strategies to cope with the perceived sound. This can include hearing aids for those with hearing loss, sound therapy or masking devices to help distract from the tinnitus sound, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to manage the emotional impact, and lifestyle adjustments such as stress reduction and avoiding loud noises.