Tinnitus

Tinnitus is a ringing, buzzing, or another type of noise that is heard in one or both ears but has no external source. It can be caused by hearing loss, exposure to loud noise, certain medications, and other underlying medical conditions. It can range from mild to severe and can be temporary or permanent.

Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the ears or head when no external sound is present. It is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Tinnitus can be a symptom of an underlying condition, such as hearing loss, or it can be a standalone condition. Tinnitus can manifest in different ways, such as a ringing, buzzing, whistling, or humming noise. It can be constant or intermittent and can be heard in one ear, both ears, or in the head. The intensity and quality of the sound can vary from person to person.

Other Symptoms with Tinnitus

The symptoms of tinnitus can vary from person to person, but some common symptoms include

1. Ringing, buzzing, whistling, or humming in the ears or head: This is the most common symptom of tinnitus. The sound may be constant or intermittent and can be heard in one ear or both ears.
2. Difficulty sleeping: Tinnitus can make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep, which can lead to fatigue and daytime drowsiness.
3. Difficulty concentrating: The constant noise of tinnitus can make it hard to focus on tasks and activities.
4. Depression or anxiety: Tinnitus can be a distressing and frustrating condition, and it can lead to emotional difficulties such as depression or anxiety.
5. Dizziness or vertigo: Some people with tinnitus may also experience dizziness or vertigo.

Type of Tinnitus

Tinnitus can manifest in different ways and can be classified into two main types: subjective and objective.

1. Subjective tinnitus: This is the most common type of tinnitus, which is the perception of sound in the ears or head that is not caused by an external source. This type of tinnitus can be heard only by the person experiencing it.
2. Objective tinnitus: This is a rare type of tinnitus, which can be heard by both the person experiencing it and a healthcare professional. Objective tinnitus is caused by an external source, such as muscle contractions or blood flow problems in the inner ear.
3. Tinnitus can also be classified based on the duration and characteristics of the sound.
4. Pulsatile tinnitus
5. Continuous tinnitus
6. Intermittent tinnitus
7. High-pitched tinnitus

Conditions that cause Tinnitus

There are many medical conditions that can cause tinnitus, some of the most common include:

1. Hearing loss: The most common cause of tinnitus is damage to the hair cells in the inner ear, which can be caused by exposure to loud noise, aging, or certain medical conditions.
2. Ear infections: Recurrent ear infections can lead to tinnitus by damaging the eardrum or the bones in the middle ear.
3. Meniere's disease: A disorder of the inner ear that can cause vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus.
4. Ototoxicity: Certain medications, such as certain antibiotics, can be toxic to the ear and cause tinnitus.
5. Head or neck injuries: Trauma to the head or neck can cause tinnitus by damaging the inner ear or the auditory nerve
6. Cardiovascular disease: Conditions such as high blood pressure and atherosclerosis can reduce blood flow to the inner ear, leading to tinnitus.

Diagnostic tests recommended for Tinnitus

There are several diagnostic tests that can be used to evaluate and diagnose tinnitus.

• Pure-tone audiometry
• Speech audiometry
• Tympanometry
• Otoacoustic emissions (OAE) test
• Auditory brainstem response (ABR) test
• Tinnitus matching test
• Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI)
• Imaging test: such as a CT scan, and MRI can help detect underlying conditions that may be causing tinnitus.

Medical treatment options for Tinnitus

Treatment for tinnitus will depend on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. Some common treatments include:

• Sound therapy: This can include using background noise, such as white noise or nature sounds, to mask the tinnitus and make it less noticeable.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy: This type of therapy can help people with tinnitus learn to cope with the condition and reduce the emotional distress caused by tinnitus.
• Medications: Some medications, such as antidepressants, can be used to reduce the symptoms of tinnitus.
• Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT): TRT is a form of sound therapy that combines counseling and sound therapy. It can help people with tinnitus learn to habituate to sound and reduce their emotional response to it.
• Surgery: Surgery may be recommended to repair a conductive hearing loss, such as a hole in the eardrum or to remove a tumor or blockage in the ear.
• Maskers: These are small electronic devices that produce a low-level white noise to help mask tinnitus.

Preventive Measures for Tinnitus

There are several preventive measures that can help reduce the risk of developing tinnitus or reduce the impact of tinnitus on your life, including:

• Avoiding loud noise: Try to avoid exposure to loud noise, such as from loud music, heavy machinery, or firearms.
• Protecting your ears: When working in loud environments, wear earplugs or other protective gear to help reduce the risk of noise-induced tinnitus.
• Monitoring your medications: If you're taking medications that can be toxic to the ear, such as certain antibiotics, talk to your doctor about ways to minimize the risk of tinnitus.
• Having regular hearing tests: Schedule regular hearing tests, especially if you're at a higher risk of hearing loss, such as if you have a family history of hearing loss or work in a noisy environment.
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and don't smoking can help lower the risk of certain ear diseases that can cause tinnitus.

When to consult with the doctor

If you suspect that you have tinnitus, it is important to see an audiologist or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor for a comprehensive evaluation. You should see a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Persistent ringing, buzzing, whistling, or humming in the ears or head.
• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
• Anxiety or depression
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Sudden onset of tinnitus
• Tinnitus that is accompanied by hearing loss or other symptoms such as ear pain
• Tinnitus that is affecting your quality of life
• Tinnitus that is getting worse over time.

If you have tinnitus and are concerned about your health, it is important to seek immediate medical attention from a qualified tinnitus doctor. A doctor specializing in treating tinnitus, such as a Cardiologist, would be the right health professional to consult.

Here is a list of Top verified doctors for tinnitus. You can book an appointment with one to start your tinnitus treatment today.

Dr. George Cherian

Senior Consultant - Cardiology

65 Years of experience

10 Feedbacks

Narayana Institute of Cardiac Sciences, Bommasandra, Bangalore

Rs. 2,000 Consult Fees

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Dr. SC Munsi

Director - Cardiology

60 Years of experience

5 Feedbacks

Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai

Rs. 2,500 Consult Fees

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Dr. Mahesh Chandra Garg

Senior Consultant - Cardiology

55 Years of experience

1 Feedbacks

Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Sarita Vihar, Delhi NCR

Rs. 1,800 Consult Fees

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A hospital can provide various services to help diagnose and treat your tinnitus. If you are experiencing tinnitus In that case, it is important to visit a tinnitus hospital for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Check a list of Top Hospitals for tinnitus treatment.

Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai

Multi Speciality Hospital

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Super Speciality Hospital

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Multi Speciality Hospital

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4.8 out of 5 stars(1526 Reviews)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions and answers about tinnitus.

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There are a number of symptoms that may be associated with . These can include:

Slow Heartbeat · Angina · Arrhythmia · Chest pain · Heart palpitations · Irregular Heart Rate · Bradycardia · Rapid heartbeat · Chest Tighteness