One of my patients is in the process of filing for bankruptcy because his new insurance company denied a hospital claim for his recent $500,000 dollar brain surgery. His insurance claimed that the brain tumor was pre-existing based on the fact that he consulted a physician about tinnitus 5 years ago.
Yes, tinnitus is a symptom of a rare tumor on the ear nerve; however complaints of tinnitus are common. About 20% of people between 55 and 65 years old report some kind noises in their ear. Sometimes they use such terms as ringing or roaring in their ear to describe their tinnitus which is often associated with hearing loss. There are many causes of tinnitus such as:
• Noise exposure
• Heavy equipment, chain saws and firearms
• Portable music devices, such as MP3 players or iPods
• Head and neck trauma
• Certain disorders, such as, hypo- or hyperthyroidism, Lyme disease and fibromyalgia.
• Wax build up
• Jaw misalignment or TMJ
• Cardiovascular disease
• Medications
• Antibiotics such as erythromycin, vancomycin and neomycin
• Cancer medications
• Water pills (diuretics)
• Quinine medications used for malaria
• Some antidepressants
• Aspirin, in uncommonly high doses
Make sure that you receive a thorough medical exam from a doctor that specializes in the ear if you suffer from tinnitus.
