“Tinnitus…the sound that no one else hears.”  Author Unknown

About 10 years ago, my husband’s aunt told us about a weird phenomenon she was experiencing. Aunt Dorothy was in her late 80s and laughed as she related hearing what sounded like a radio playing, off and on, in her home. She lived alone and made sure that the radios and TVs were turned off. Yet, she still heard voices, music, and static as if a radio was blaring. She was no longer laughing a month later as she described how the noises were keeping her up at night and driving her nuts.

Tinnitus, from the Latin word meaning ringing, is the perception of sound within the human ear when no external sound is present. It is a fairly common problem, affecting about 1 in 5 adults and children, or nearly 36 million Americans.

Tinnitus can be perceived in one or both ears or in the head. It is usually described as a ringing noise. However, in some people it takes the form of a high-pitched whining, buzzing, hissing, humming, or whistling sound, or as ticking, clicking, roaring, “crickets” or beeping. Others hear music and/or voices as if a radio is playing nearby.

Tinnitus is not a disease but a symptom resulting from a range of underlying causes. Causes include ear infections, blood vessel disorders such as tumors, high blood pressure, and atherosclerosis, foreign objects in the ear, nose allergies that prevent fluid drain and cause wax build-up, and injury from loud noises. Prolonged exposure to loud noise can damage receptors in the ear, causing hearing loss and ultimately tinnitus.

Tinnitus is also a side effect of some oral medications, such as aspirin and antibiotics, and may also result from an abnormally low level of serotonin activity. Sometimes tinnitus is simply a result of age-related hearing loss. In many cases, however, no underlying physical cause can be identified.

Bio-Touch has been shown to alleviate symptoms associated with tinnitus. While not a substitute for standard medical care, Bio-Touch is an effective complement to medical protocols. Family members and friends can learn how to help each other feel better using Bio-Touch, without being concerned about negative side effects.

The Bio-Touch organization is offering a workshop on tinnitus at the Center in Tucson on Thursday February 28th from 6-8PM. Workshop attendees will learn the Bio-Touch points necessary to address the symptoms.

So, come and bring your family and friends to the Center at 5634 E. Pima St. in Tucson. It’s so rewarding to share Bio-Touch, you’ll be glad to know how! For more information or to learn about online classes, go to justtouch.com.