Do you constantly get the perception that you are hearing the noise of buzzing, ringing, or hissing within your ears even when there is no external sound present? If yes, then chances are high that you are the victim of tinnitus. Prevalent among about 15–20% of the world population, tinnitus is an extremely common yet extremely puzzling disorder.

Even though it is not a disease, sometimes it is the symptom of numerous medical diseases with varying degrees of loss of hearing. Information on tinnitus, its cause, its symptoms and signs, and treatment, is the beginning of relief and improved life. What Is Tinnitus?

What is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is a perception of ringing or ear sound occurring without noise. Tinnitus is usually a phantom sound that sensitive ears report as a phantom and can be anything from a change in pitch, amplitude, and duration. Tinnitus is permanent or temporary and may occur unilaterally or bilaterally in the ears.

Various Types of Tinnitus

  • Subjective Tinnitus: Most frequent kind, and you are the sole one to notice the sound. It is usually associated with outer, middle, or inner ear problems.
  • Objective Tinnitus: A Less frequent kind where the physician will also hear the sound when he examines you. It's usually caused by blood vessel, muscle spasm, or bone disease of the ear.

Temporary vs. Chronic Tinnitus

  • Temporary: Usually caused by exposure to incessant noise or infection of the ears and will heal in a few days.
  • Chronic: Persistent longer than six months and can be treated for periods lasting well into months.

Read More: How Long Does Tinnitus Last


Some Common Causes of Tinnitus


Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

The most common causes of tinnitus is exposure to noise. Concert noises, construction sounds, or frequent heavy headphone use destroys small hair cells in your cochlea's inner ear. When those hair cells are destroyed, they cannot be replaced, and tinnitus and hearing loss result for life.

Age-Related Hearing Loss

With age, hearing loss also happens, more significantly in the higher frequencies. It is also known as presbycusis and typically accompanies tinnitus. Lesser input through the ears can be overcome by the brain by creating phantom sound.

Earwax Build-up and Infection

Excess earwax loads pressure on the eardrum, and it creates tinnitus. Middle ear infection also loads pressure and fluid buildup, resulting in the ringing in the ears effect.

Ototoxic Drugs

Certain drugs are ototoxic because they carry the potential to ruin the inner ear. These are:

  • Overuse of aspirin
  • Loop diuretics
  • Aminoglycoside antibiotics
Certain chemotherapy drugs Long-term treatment of some of them is seen to result in tinnitus as a symptom.

Health Disorders and Conditions

  • Hypertension: May impact blood supply to ears
  • Diabetes: Kills nerve cells and capillaries
  • Thyroid disease: Impacts metabolic system
  • TMJ disorders: Changes jaw movement and ear pressure
  • Acoustic neuroma: A benign tumour on the temporally hearing nerve which occurs comparatively rarely (relatively infrequently)

Some Important Tinnitus Symptoms

Tinnitus symptoms are as follows:

Patterns of Heard Sounds

Tinnitus sounds vary greatly between individuals:

  • Ringing
  • Buzzing
  • Hissing
  • Clicking
  • Roaring
  • Pulsing or whooshing (usually synchronus with pulse)

Length and Recurrence

  • Intermittent: Occurs and disappears erratically
  • Continuous: Always present, may vary in loudness

Effect on Daily Living

  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Sleep disruption
  • Emotional distress in the form of anxiety or depression
  • Hyperacusis (sensitivity to common sounds)

Diagnosis and When to Consult a Doctor?


When to Seek Medical Assistance

You may require the services of a physician or audiologist for tinnitus if:

  • Tinnitus persists for more than seven days
  • It is due to hearing loss or dizziness
  • You have a history of previous infection in your ears or previous exposure to sounds that are too loud
  • You have a sudden or sudden onset of symptoms

Diagnostic Tests

  • Physical Exam: Physical exam of the ears, jaw, and neck.
  • Hearing Test (Audiometry): Done to assess range and sensitivity of hearing.
  • Imaging Tests: Tumors or structural defects can be found using MRI or CT scan.
  • Tinnitus Matching: Assesses the loudness and pitch of tinnitus, hence making it simple to treat.

Successful Treatment Options for Tinnitus


Sound Therapy

This is utilization of background sound for tinnitus masking:

  • White noise machines
  • Hearing aids with maskers
  • Tinnitus-specific maskers
  • Phone applications hearing calming or ambient noise

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is one of the psychotherapies that can alter disturbing tinnitus thought and response. It will not eliminate the noise but reduces bothersome aspect.

Hearing Aids

Hearing aids assist patients with hearing loss and tinnitus. Hearing aids will amplify exterior noises louder, which may be ear ringing cure or just reduces noise-induced tinnitus.

Medications

There are no medications for tinnitus cure directly, but some medications can symptomatically manage related symptoms:

  • Antidepressants: Chill emotional tension
  • Anti-anxiety medication: Reduce effect of tinnitus
  • Melatonin: Control sleeping of patients with tinnitus Always take advice from your physician before taking any medication.

Lifestyle and Home Remedies for Tinnitus


Reduce Stress

Stress is a proven causative factor. Tinnitus relief remedies include Incorporate relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, and regulated deep breathing.

Avoid Stimulants

Cut down or abstain from caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol, which are stimulants that worsen tinnitus.

Improved Sleep

  • Use fan or white noise machine
  • Establish consistent sleeping habit
  • Avoid TV, computer, or phone screen before retiring

Diet and Supplements

Some patients benefit from:.

Ginkgo biloba They are effective for some but not for others, and are best performed under the care of a physician.

Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT)

TRT is counselling and sound therapy to help the brain learn to tune out tinnitus. It is extended therapy which is often very soothing in 12-24 months.

How is it Coping With Tinnitus?


Make Your World Cozy

Low-level ambient background noise decreases the annoyance of tinnitus. Try:

  • Mellow music
  • Waterfalls
  • Environmental noise machines
  • Stay Fit
Exercise produces increased blood flow and diminished tension, both of which are bound to help tinnitus.

Find Support Groups

Conversing with people who have tinnitus might provide you with emotional support in addition to potential recommendations.

Watch out for your triggers

Maintain a symptom diary to monitor what is good or bad for your tinnitus. Bring this to your audiologist.

Conclusion

Tinnitus can actually disrupt your life, especially if it becomes one that is chronic. With the knowledge of its causative factors, its symptom awareness, its appreciation of the tinnitus treatment options, you can effectively manage tinnitus management. Whatever it is, be it sound therapy and cognitive behavior therapy or lifestyle modification and drugs, there are multiple paths upon which you will be free from tinnitus. When you experience ringing in your ears, don't overlook. See an audiologist or ENT doctor and begin your path towards better hearing health.

Please book an appointment with the best ENT Specialist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find a verified doctor for your disease.