Tinnitus Management

Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the ears or head without an external source. It’s often described as a ringing in the ears, but it can also sound like:

Buzzing, Hissing, Whistling, Clicking, Roaring, Whooshing, Pulsing (in sync with your heartbeat — called pulsatile tinnitus)

Key Facts

  • Not a disease — it’s a symptom of an underlying condition.
  • Can be temporary or chronic.
  • Can affect one or both ears.
  • Varies in volume and pitch, and may come and go.
What you need to know

What Causes Tinnitus ?

Ear-related

  • Hearing loss (especially age-related or noise-induced)
  • Earwax blockage
  • Ear infections
  • Otosclerosis (abnormal bone growth in the ear)

Circulatory

  • High blood pressure
  • Abnormal blood flow (pulsatile tinnitus)

Neurological

  • Meniere’s disease
  • Vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma — a rare tumor)
  • Head or neck injuries

Other Factors

  • Stress or anxiety
  • Jaw disorders (like TMJ)
  • Sleep issues

Medications

Certain drugs are ototoxic (harm the inner ear), including:

    • High doses of aspirin
    • Some antibiotics (e.g., gentamicin)
    • Chemotherapy drugs
    • Loop diuretics

🔈Is Tinnitus Dangerous?

Tinnitus itself isn’t dangerous, but it can seriously affect quality of life:

  • Trouble sleeping
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Emotional distress (anxiety, depression)

🧪 Diagnosis

If you experience tinnitus, a healthcare provider may:

  • Examine your ears
  • Perform hearing tests (audiometry)
  • Order imaging (like MRI or CT) if they suspect structural causes

💊 Treatment Options

There’s no universal cure, but many people find relief through:

🛠️ Management:

  • Hearing aids (especially if hearing loss is present)
  • Sound therapy (background noise or white noise machines)
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to reduce distress
  • Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT)

🧴 Treat underlying causes:

  • Remove earwax
  • Adjust medications
  • Treat TMJ, infections, or circulatory issues

🚫 Avoid triggers:

  • Loud noise exposure
  • Stimulants (like caffeine or nicotine)
  • Stress