Tinnitus

Explained in simple words

1Tinnitus is the medical name for hearing a sound in the ear or head when there is no sound outside.

2People describe it in many ways — ringing, buzzing, hissing, whistling, the sound of crickets, or a low humming.

3It is very common. A large number of people experience it at some time, and for many it comes and goes without any problem.

4It becomes important when it is constant, when it disturbs sleep, or when it interferes with concentration and daily life.

5The first thing to understand is that tinnitus is a symptom, not a disease by itself. Something is causing it.

6The commonest cause is hearing loss. When the ear stops receiving certain sounds, the brain increases its own internal activity, and that is heard as noise.

7This is why tinnitus so often goes together with hearing loss, and why it is common with increasing age.

8Another very common and completely treatable cause is simply wax blocking the ear canal.

9Other causes include middle-ear fluid, infection, a perforated ear drum, and stiffness of the small hearing bones.

10Long exposure to loud noise is a major cause — factory work, loud music through earphones, generators, firecrackers and gunfire.

11Certain medicines can cause it, including some painkillers taken in large amounts and some strong antibiotics.

12General conditions such as anaemia, thyroid problems, high blood pressure and uncontrolled diabetes can also contribute.

13Stress and lack of sleep do not usually cause tinnitus, but they make it much more noticeable and much harder to tolerate.

14Some patterns need urgent attention. Tinnitus in only one ear, especially with hearing loss in that ear, must be investigated properly.

15A pulsing sound in time with the heartbeat also needs investigation, as it may come from a blood vessel.

16Assessment includes examination of the ear, a hearing test, and further tests or a scan when indicated.

17There is no single tablet that cures tinnitus in everyone, and you should be cautious of anyone who promises that.

18However, a great deal can be done, and most patients improve substantially with the right approach.

19The first step is treating the cause — removing wax, treating infection, correcting anaemia or thyroid problems, and controlling blood pressure and sugar.

20If there is hearing loss, a properly fitted hearing aid often helps a lot, because restoring normal sound input reduces the brain's internal noise.

21Sound therapy is very useful. Soft background sound — a fan, gentle music, or a sound app — makes the tinnitus less noticeable, especially at night.

22Silence makes tinnitus louder, so complete quiet at bedtime is usually the worst thing for it.

23Protect your ears from loud noise, keep earphone volume low, and avoid using cotton buds or any object inside the ear.

24Counselling and relaxation techniques genuinely help, by training the brain to stop paying attention to the sound.

25Over time most people find the tinnitus troubles them far less, even when the sound itself has not completely disappeared. Do not lose hope, and do get the cause checked.