Tinnitus may refer to any noise, including ringing, in the ears. Less of a condition and more of a symptom, tinnitus impacts around 20 percent of the population. Symptoms of tinnitus include:
- Buzzing
- Clicking
- Hissing
- Humming
- Ringing
These noises may be intermittent or constant, but in most cases, they are not a cause for concern. Tinnitus can, however, be bothersome, limit your hearing abilities, and even interfere with your ability to concentrate. When tinnitus becomes a problem, it is best to talk to a doctor about possible treatment.
What Causes Tinnitus?
While the cause of tinnitus is not always detectable, common causes of the issue include:
- Age-related hearing loss
- Congestion
- Earwax blockage
- Inner-ear hair cell damage
- Overexposure to loud noises
- Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)
Tinnitus may also be caused by various chronic health conditions. It is not caused by cosmetic ear surgery (otoplasty).
Otoplasty and Tinnitus
Otoplasty is not a known cause of tinnitus. Changing the shape of your ears can, however, impact hearing. A study conducted in 2013 found that some patients who underwent ear pinning experienced an improvement in speech intelligibility, but cosmetic ear surgery is neither intended nor designed as a medical procedure to treat hearing loss and should not be expected to improve these conditions. Nor should it be expected to make them worse.
What Can Cosmetic Ear Surgery Do?
Cosmetic ear surgery improves the size, shape, and projection of the ears, bringing them into ideal proportions with surrounding facial features. With otoplasty, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. George Chatson can produce a look that is complementary to the size and shape of your head, neck, and face, helping to produce a look that is both attractive and subtle, allowing for a natural look that can help improve self-confidence and esteem.
The best way to learn what cosmetic ear surgery can do for your appearance is through a one-on-one consultation at the Nashua or North Andover office of Dr. George Chatson. Please call 603-882-2103 or 978-687-1151 to schedule your consultation today.
Dr. Chatson is an award-winning plastic surgeon. He serves Lawrence, Georgetown and surrounding areas of Massachusetts, along with Salem, Manchester, and nearby areas of New Hampshire.
