Signs and Symptoms of Meniere's Disease - Tinnitus

Tinnitus is a noise, ringing, or roaring sound in the affected ear. It is very disturbing and sometimes actually causes pain. It is certainly very uncomfortable.

Tinnitus may be described as the sound of escaping air, running water, the inside of a seashell, or as a sizzling, musical, buzzing, or humming noise. The sounds perceived include ringing noises, blowing sounds, hissing, whistling, high or low pitched sounds, roaring, pulsating sounds, and others.

At this moment, the mechanism that causes the perception of sounds where there is no external source of the noise is not known.

A mild form of tinnitus is common. Many people hear noises for several minutes.

However, persistent tinnitus sometimes accompanies sensory hearing loss. In Meniere's Disease it is very persistent and most unpleasant. And because it is in the persons ear, they cannot remove themselves from it. It is always with them. Tinnitus may interfere with the ability to concentrate or sleep and may cause (understandable) psychological distress.

There are two important things to remember here. One is that the person himself, is almost always exposed to two sounds. One comes from inside (internal source) and one comes from someone speaking to him (external source). These sounds compete when it is from external source.  This creates two sounds. This can be most frustrating, irritating, and stressful! Neither sound will be clear. So once again the person is shut out of his environment. It is important to recognize that this sound comes from the inside. That being the case: it is evident that he person can't escape the sound. That it very depressing.

For the family, tinnitus is also frustrating. They won't hear the sound, but they live with the results of the sounds. It gets tiring to repeat everything. It is difficult to remember which side of the person to stand on so that they can hear. When they speak and realize they aren't heard, they feel frustrated. These are relatively minor things, but if the sufferer is already tired and depressed, any less than positive interaction can create even more problems.

Tinnitus, in its mild form, is tolerable. In its loud, chronic form, is very destructive and stressful. It can lead increased depression and despair.