Tinnitus is the perception of noise or ringing in the ears when no external sound is present. This is a common condition, affecting about 15-20 per cent of people. It can vary in severity from a minor, temporary annoyance to a debilitating long term issue.
The ringing, buzzing, hissing, whistling, or humming sounds of tinnitus can be the result of a wide variety of underlying conditions. Exposure to very loud sound is a common trigger (over-stimulation of the tiny hairs in the ear that help us hear), but other possible causes include:
- Ear infections or blockages – earwax buildup, ear infections, or other issues with the ear canal or eardrum.
- Certain medications, especially at high doses, can cause or worsen tinnitus. These include some antibiotics, diuretics, cancer medications, and high doses of aspirin.
- Head or neck injuries – trauma to the head or neck can affect the inner ear, auditory nerves, or brain functions linked to hearing.
- Circulatory system disorders – conditions that affect blood flow, such as high blood pressure or atherosclerosis, can cause pulsatile tinnitus, a rhythmical noise that usually coincides with the heartbeat.
- Conditions such as Meniere’s disease, TMJ disorders (jaw issues), acoustic neuroma, and other auditory or neurological disorders can lead to ringing in the ears.
- Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) and noise-induced hearing loss are very common causes of tinnitus.
Management and treatment
Unfortunately, there’s no cure for tinnitus, but several strategies can help manage the symptoms:
- For individuals with hearing loss, hearing aids can amplify external sounds, making the tinnitus less noticeable.
- Sound therapy – using background noise to mask the tinnitus can be effective. White noise machines, hearing aids with masking features, or smartphone apps that produce calming sounds can help.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy helps patients change their perception of tinnitus, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve coping mechanisms.
- Tinnitus retraining therapy combines sound therapy with counseling to help individuals habituate to tinnitus, making it less annoying.
Although no existing medication can cure tinnitus, certain drugs can help reduce the severity of symptoms. These include anti-anxiety drugs, antidepressants, and sometimes anticonvulsants.
Managing stress, avoiding exposure to loud noises, reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, and ensuring adequate sleep can all help reduce tinnitus severity.
Addressing the primary health issue, such as avoiding loud noise, treating an ear infection or managing blood pressure, can alleviate the symptoms of tinnitus. Joining a support group can provide emotional support and practical advice from others experiencing similar issues.
Preventive measures
To reduce the risk of developing tinnitus, or prevent it from worsening, protect your hearing whenever possible.
Use earplugs or noise-canceling earmuffs in noisy environments. Limit your exposure to loud sounds, and keep the volume out of the dangerous range when using headphones or earbuds.
Regular exercise and a healthy diet can improve blood flow, potentially reducing the risk of tinnitus.
Regular hearing checkups are also a good idea – early detection and management of hearing loss can prevent tinnitus from developing or worsening.
There’s no doubt tinnitus can be a very challenging condition, but with proper management and coping strategies, many people find ways to live with it, or avoid it recurring.
If you’ve got a case of tinnitus that won’t go away, or is getting worse, making an appointment with a healthcare professional, such as an audiologist, (or an ear, nose and throat specialist), can be a great way to find a tailored approach to managing tinnitus based on your individual needs, starting with finding out exactly what’s causing that ringing in your ears.
