What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the perception of ringing, buzzing, hissing, clicking, or other sounds in the ears when no external sound is present. It can be temporary or chronic and may affect one or both ears.
Symptoms of Tinnitus
Tinnitus isn’t a disease itself but a symptom of an underlying issue. It can manifest as:
- Ringing, buzzing, roaring, clicking, or hissing sounds
- Subjective tinnitus, which is hearing sounds that other people don’t hear
- Sounds that match your heartbeat (pulsatile tinnitus)
- Noise in one or both ears, either frequently or intermittently
When Should You Be Concerned?
You should seek medical attention if:
- The ringing lasts for a long time or keeps coming back
- It’s only in one ear (this could indicate a nerve or ear-related issue)
- It’s getting progressively louder or more frequent
- You have hearing loss, dizziness, or balance issues
- It started after a head injury
Your heartbeat is accompanied by a pulsating noise (pulsatile tinnitus may indicate a vascular problem).
Tinnitus typically subsides on its own if it is mild and brief (for instance, after exposure to loud noise). But if it persists, interferes with your daily life, or comes with other symptoms, seeing an ENT specialist is a good idea.
If you’re dealing with tinnitus, there are several steps you can take to manage it or find relief. The right approach depends on the underlying cause, but here are some general strategies:
- Identify and Treat the Cause
Earwax Buildup – If your ears are clogged, seeing a doctor for safe earwax removal might help.
Hearing Loss: A lot of tinnitus sufferers also have hearing loss. A hearing test can determine if hearing aids might help.
Infections or Medical Conditions – Treating ear infections, high blood pressure, or TMJ (jaw issues) may reduce tinnitus.
Medication Side Effects – Some medications (like aspirin, antibiotics, or antidepressants) can cause tinnitus. If you suspect this, consult your doctor about alternatives.
- Reduce Triggers
Avoid Loud Noises – Use earplugs or headphones with noise cancellation to shield your ears from loud noises.
Limit Stimulants – Reduce caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine, as they can worsen tinnitus.
Manage Stress & Anxiety – Tinnitus can get worse with stress, so relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga might help.
- Mask the Ringing
Use Background Noise – White noise machines, fans, or soft music can help drown out tinnitus, especially at night.
Hearing Aids or Specialized Masking Devices – If tinnitus is associated with hearing loss, hearing aids or specialized masking devices may be of assistance.
- Try tinnitus retraining (TRT) therapy.
This therapy helps you “retrain” your brain to ignore tinnitus by combining sound therapy with counseling.
- Lifestyle Adjustments
Improve Sleep – Tinnitus can feel worse when you’re tired. Try maintaining a regular sleep schedule.
Eat a Healthy Diet – Some people find that reducing salt and processed foods helps.
