RAYUDU ENT HOSPITAL

Tinnitus – Ear Noises

Tinnitus is a condition where individuals perceive sounds or noises without any external source. People with tinnitus typically hear a ringing in the ears, but the sounds can also include buzzing, whistling, roaring, clicking, or hissing. Since these sounds do not come from an external source, only the person experiencing tinnitus can hear them.

For most people with tinnitus, the sounds last only for a few minutes, and in rare cases, it may result in hearing loss.

Approximately 15% to 20% of the global population experiences tinnitus, with 1% to 3% of cases severely impacting daily life.

Causes of Tinnitus

Some common causes of tinnitus include:

Hearing impairment.
Exposure to loud or prolonged noises.
Head trauma.
Side effects of certain medications.
High or low blood pressure.
Buildup of earwax in the ear canal.
Fluid behind the eardrum.
Conditions affecting the heart, blood vessels, neck, jaw, or teeth.

Symptoms

Intermittent or constant sounds in one or both ears, which can vary in pitch.
Possible noises such as ringing, buzzing, hissing, clicking, or roaring.
The intensity of the sound may fluctuate.
Potential hearing impairment.
Some individuals may also experience difficulty sleeping, lack of focus, and emotional distress such as frustration, anxiety, or depression due to the condition.

Preventive Measures & Treatments

To manage tinnitus, consider taking the following precautions:

Avoid alcohol consumption.
Quit smoking and refrain from using tobacco products.
Limit exposure to loud noises (wear ear protection if you work in noisy environments).

While there is no cure for tinnitus, relief can be found through these methods:

Hearing aids can help make the ringing or buzzing less prominent.
Sound therapy devices, such as sound generators, create pleasant background noise that can help mask the tinnitus sounds.

Tinnitus – Sounds in Ear

Tinnitus – Ear Noises

Causes of Tinnitus

Symptoms

Preventive Measures & Treatments