North Idaho Direct Primary Care

  • What is Direct Primary Care?
    • Introduction
    • Care Benefits
    • Pricing
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • The Insurance Puzzle
  • Ancillary Care Network Benefits
  • About Dr. Samuel
  • Blog
  • Contact Us

November 3, 2011 by Richard R. Samuel, MD Leave a Comment

Ringing in the Ears

Ringing in the ears is known as tinnitus.  It can be quite annoying and can disrupt one’s life.  Fortunately, many causes are reversible.  Some of the common causes of tinnitus include the following:

  1.  Anti-inflammatory Medications: Aspirin products, as well as other anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen), are a common cause and should be avoided.
  2.  Blood pressure and/or Diabetes: Symptoms can be decreased once blood pressure abnormalities are corrected and diabetes is treated.  For further reading on strategies to decrease blood pressure, click here to view our article, Six Lifestyle Changes To Help Reduce Blood Pressure.
  3. Caffeine: Eliminating caffeine, alcohol and tobacco as well as lowering stress can also be helpful.
  4. Allergies and Ear/Sinus Infections: Ear infection, allergies and sinus infection occasionally cause tinnitus, and appropriate treatment for these conditions often cures the problem.

The most common cause of tinnitus, however, is noise exposure, either over time, or a sudden, recent, loud report.  As we get older, ringing becomes more common, probably from the cumulative effect of exposure to noise over time.  An audiogram, or hearing test, is an important test to evaluate tinnitus, with or without noticeable hearing loss.  Sometimes a physician will order an MRI or CT scan of the head, especially if there has been head trauma or there is concern about a tumor as the cause.

Hearing aids and masking devices that interfere with detecting tinnitus are often prescribed with success.  A good rule of thumb is to always wear adequate hearing protection when around loud noises.  This will decrease the chance of developing tinnitus over time.

If you are experiencing persistent tinnitus, you may want to schedule an appointment with your physician for evaluation.

If you found this article helpful, you can click here to subscribe to our monthly newsletter.

Tagged: acute hearing loss, adequate hearing protection, Affordable Healthcare, Age, allergies, Alternative Healthcare, alternative practice, anti inflammatory medications, aspirin, blood pressure, caffeine, CT scan, diabetes, Direct Primary Care, dr richard samuel, Dr. Samuel, Dr. Samuel's Practice, ear infection, Family Medicine Hayden, Hayden Idaho, head trauma, Health Insurance Alternative, hearing aids, hearing loss, hearing protection, masking devices, MRI, noise exposure, North Idaho Direct Primary Care, Richard R Samuel MD, richard samuel, sinus infection, tinnitus, tumor

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sign up to receive Dr. Samuel’s free ebook!

You'll learn:

  • What direct primary care is (as well as what it isn't).
  • How direct primary care compares to "traditional" medical care.
  • The 7 types of people direct primary care works best for.

Enter your email address in the form below and we'll send you a copy of the book immediately.

Featured Blog Posts

Common Pet-Transmitted Infections

Common Supplement-Drug Interactions

How To Treat Acute Diarrhea

Contact Us

  • Office Hours: 8 AM - 5 PM, Monday thru Friday
  • 8880 N. Hess St., Suite #1
    Hayden, ID 83835
  • phone: 208-772-5204
  • fax: 208-772-5275
  • office@richardsamuelmd.com
  • Visit our Facebook page

Search Our Site

From Our Patients

"We've used Dr. Samuel a few times now and have been impressed each time. We will continue to use him for all our family's needs in the future. Very caring, very informative, and takes the time necessary to help with your concern and/or discuss your questions with you." Brian Tenney, CPA
"Dr. Samuel and his staff are warm, friendly, and professional. My family and I have received excellent care and highly recommend his services to others looking for a great family doctor." Jonathan Wold
"I want to thank Dr. Samuel so much! Dr. Samuel came to visit me at my house when my husband came to the doctor's office citing that I was too sick to get out of bed. He is so very caring and listens to what his patients have to say.. I am so thankful for Dr. Samuel and I put my faith and trust in him." Rebecca K.
"He really cares about his patients. Takes the time to listen. Provides thoughtful and professional care." via Google Reviews

© 2019 · Richard R. Samuel, MD · Hayden, Idaho · 208-772-5204 · Privacy Policy · Managed by Practice Heroes