Tinnitus
طنين الأذن
The perception of ringing, buzzing, hissing, or other sound in the ears or head without an external source, often linked to age-related or noise-induced hearing loss but sometimes caused by earwax buildup, certain medications, or an underlying ear or blood vessel condition. It's a symptom rather than a disease itself, and while it can't always be eliminated, various strategies can make it far less bothersome.
This information is for general awareness only and does not replace professional medical advice. Consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Quick answer
Tinnitus is the perception of sound — ringing, buzzing, hissing or humming — when no external sound is present. It is a symptom rather than a disease, and is very common.
It may be constant or intermittent, in one or both ears. It is often linked to hearing loss, exposure to loud noise, earwax, or ear infections, and sometimes to medicines or other conditions.
Most tinnitus is not dangerous, but it should be assessed — especially if it is in one ear, pulsing in time with the heartbeat, sudden, or comes with hearing loss or dizziness. Management focuses on the cause, hearing support and ways to reduce its impact.
Symptoms
Ringing in the ears
Buzzing, hissing or humming
Clicking or roaring sounds
Pulsing sound in time with the heartbeat
Called pulsatile tinnitus; needs medical evaluation.
Hearing loss
Often coexists with tinnitus.
Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
Anxiety, irritability or low mood
Persistent tinnitus can be distressing.
Causes and risk factors
Causes
- Noise-induced or age-related hearing loss — The most common association.
- Earwax build-up or ear infection
- Medicines — Some drugs, including high-dose aspirin and certain antibiotics and diuretics, can cause or worsen it.
- Ménière's disease and other inner-ear conditions
- Head or neck injury
- Blood vessel or blood-pressure related causes — Especially for pulsatile tinnitus.
- Jaw (TMJ) problems
Risk factors
- Exposure to loud noise — At work, concerts, headphones or firearms.
- Age over 60
- Hearing loss
- Smoking
- Cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure
- Taking ototoxic medicines
How is it diagnosed?
Assessment aims to find any treatable cause and check hearing.
History and ear examination
Onset, sound quality, which ear, noise exposure and medicines; look for wax or infection.
Hearing test (audiometry)
Measures hearing and tinnitus pitch and loudness.
Blood pressure and general checks
Imaging
MRI or CT if tinnitus is one-sided, pulsatile or comes with other neurological signs.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause. When there is no treatable cause, management focuses on reducing the impact of tinnitus.
Treat the underlying cause
Such as removing earwax, treating infection or reviewing medicines.
Hearing aids
Can help when tinnitus comes with hearing loss.
Sound therapy
Background sound or masking devices to make tinnitus less noticeable.
Cognitive behavioural therapy and counselling
Helps reduce the distress and effect on sleep and concentration.
Protecting hearing
Avoiding loud noise, using ear protection.
There is no drug that reliably cures tinnitus; treat claims of quick cures with caution.
When should you see a doctor?
Arrange a medical assessment if
- Tinnitus in one ear only
- Tinnitus that is constant and bothersome, or affects sleep or mood
- Tinnitus with hearing loss or a feeling of ear fullness
- A pulsing sound in time with your heartbeat
- Tinnitus after starting a new medicine
Seek urgent care if
- Sudden hearing loss in one or both ears
- Tinnitus with vertigo or loss of balance
- Tinnitus with facial weakness, numbness, severe headache or vision changes
- Tinnitus after a head injury
- Feeling distressed or hopeless because of tinnitus
Prevention
Protect your hearing
Wear ear protection around loud noise and keep headphone volume moderate.
Avoid smoking
Manage blood pressure and cardiovascular health
Don't clean the ear canal with cotton buds
See a professional for wax problems.
Review medicines with your doctor if tinnitus begins
Frequently asked questions
What is tinnitus?
Hearing a sound, such as ringing or buzzing, with no outside source.
Is tinnitus serious?
Usually not, but it should be assessed to rule out treatable causes, especially if one-sided, pulsating or sudden.
What causes tinnitus?
Hearing loss, loud noise, earwax, ear infections, some medicines and other conditions.
Can tinnitus be cured?
It depends on the cause. Some causes are treatable; otherwise it can often be managed so it bothers you less.
Does tinnitus go away?
Some cases settle, especially those from temporary causes; others persist but many people adapt over time.
What can I do to cope?
Sound enrichment, hearing aids when needed, relaxation and cognitive behavioural therapy can help, along with protecting your hearing.
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Medical sources
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