First of all, Tinnitus is not a disease. It is a syndrome caused by various factors that more or less directly affects the auditory brainstem and inner ears.The definition for tinnitus is the perception of ringing or other sound when there is no external corresponding sound present. In medical records there are two forms of tinnitus. The objective tinnitus and the subjective tinnitus. In some objective tinnitus cases, the sound is actually audible to another person.The cause of objective tinnitus can be due to vascular anomalies,repetitive muscle contractions or inner ear defects. Some may experience rhythmic sound timed to their heartbeat, brought about by an altered blood-circulation condition near the ear. This is referred to as pulsatile tinnitus and could also indicate inflammations of large blood arteries in the head region.

For subjective tinnitus, the causes are many. Any disorder ranging from the ear canal to the brain are debatable including external factors. Tinnitus may or may not have the following symptoms like hearing loss, hyperacusis and balance problems. Possible causes are listed below.

* wax or dirt built-up in the ear canal - you should NEVER dig or suction to remove, not even a physician. The better solution is to get a chemical ear wash from the drugstore.

* acoustic neuromas - slow growing benign tumor (usually affecting only one ear)

* meniere's disease - disorder of the inner ear causing bouts of vertigo, tinnitus and progressive hearing loss

* ototoxic drugs - high dosage aspirins, ibuprofen, anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, certain anti-depressants and even oral contraceptives

* high blood cholesterol - clogs arteries that supplies oxygen to the nerves of the inner ear

* Temporo-Mandibular Joint syndrome (TMJ )
To confirm TMJ syndrome, a reputable experienced dentist recommends the following procedures:
i) clenched teeth together and observe the sound intensity
ii) using the palm of the hand to push hard against the jaw and observe for change in sound
iii) push in against the forehead resisting with the head and observe again
Any change in intensity of sound or pitch or tone would be a clear indicator.

* head injuries - crash victims had been reported to be affected

* cochlear implants or related surgeries - accidental damage to auditory system

* stress, diabetes,food allergies

* poor diets and living lifestyles - abuses from alcohol,cigarettes,high fats and high sodium intakes

Successful treatment for tinnitus are as varied as the causes because all documented success are limited and inconclusive.Apart from symptoms that require surgery to rectify the physical aspect of it, you can start by examining your daily routine and lifestyle to weed out possible causes using the list above as a rough guide. Going through the many documented success claimed, the maxim in treating tinnitus seems to concentrate on the importance of blood circulation. Many former sufferers attest to the fact that after usage of blood flow enhancing drugs, they had either a reduced tinnitus condition or it stopped completely.Even though successful in some cases, the possible side effects of these 'wonder drugs' makes it risky for a would-be patient with unknown medical condition or background.The real harm may come from possible drug interaction especially among individuals who self-diagnose and administer treatment without sufficient medical knowledge of the drugs concerned.

An example is the Vinpocetine drug. Known side effects are indigestion, nausea, dizziness, anxiety, facial flushing, insomnia, headache, drowsiness and dry mouth. Vinpocetine may also cause a temporary drop in blood pressure and in rare cases, tachycardia (excessive rapid heartbeat) which can be fatal. Possible drug interactions with blood-thinning medications such as aspirin, Plavix (clopidogrel), Ticlid (ticlopidine), (Trental) pentoxifylline, vitamin E, garlic or ginkgo. It should not be used with Coumadin (warfarin).This description is meant for informative purpose only and is not recommended for use by any individual, without professional medical advice.