What is tinnitus and what causes ‘ringing in the ears’? Symptoms, treatment and how it’s diagnosed
Tinnitus is a medical term to describe the perception of noise either in one ear, both ears or in the head
YOU may be familiar with people saying they have a “ringing in the ears”, but while this may not sound too serious, the condition is no laughing matter.
Here we look at the causes, symptoms and available treatment for tinnitus.
Tinnitus sufferers perceive a noise either in one ear, both ears or in their head when there is no external sound
What is tinnitus?
Tinnitus is a medical term to describe the perception of noise either in one ear, both ears or in the head, when there is no corresponding external sound.
It is often described as a “ringing in the ears” but the exact sound heard can vary from person to person.
The sounds most commonly experienced include a ringing, buzzing, whistling, humming or hissing sound.
What are the symptoms of tinnitus and what causes it?
These perceived sounds may come and go or be continuous and the condition can develop suddenly or over time.
In the majority of cases, some may only notice the condition at quiet times, including at night when they are trying to sleep.
But, others may find that the condition intrudes upon their daily life and really bothers them.
There are two types of tinnitus.
Subjective tinnitus is the most common type.
This is where the sounds are only heard by the person who has tinnitus and is usually linked to problems affecting the hearing pathway.
Objective tinnitus is the second type and is much rarer.
This kind of tinnitus sound can be heard by other people too, for example, a doctor listening through a stethoscope placed by your ear.
Objective tinnitus is caused by a physical problem that produces sound - such as the narrowing of blood vessels in your ear.
How is tinnitus diagnosed?
If you’re experiencing the symptoms of tinnitus, your doctor will likely also ask you if you’re taking any medication that could possibly cause issues, such as antibiotics or aspirin.
They will also likely examine the inside and the outside of your ear.
The doctor will check for problems such as an ear infection or a build-up of earwax and might also arrange for blood tests.
These can check for conditions occasionally associated with tinnitus - such as anaemia, diabetes or thyroid issues.
What is the treatment for tinnitus?
There's no quick fix when it comes tinnitus - but the severity of the condition will often improve gradually over time.
There are a number of treatments available to help sufferers cope.
If your tinnitus is caused by an underlying health condition, treating this condition will help.
For example, if your tinnitus is caused by a build-up of earwax, it is suggested that ear-drops or ear irrigation are used to help clear this.
In some cases a cause for the tinnitus can't be found, so treatments such as sound therapy, counselling, tinnitus retraining therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy are advised.
According to the , self-help can also prove extremely healthful when it comes to managing tinnitus.
Methods include:
- Relaxation – stress can make your tinnitus worse, so relaxing activities, such as yoga, may really help
- Music – calming music and sounds may help you relax and distract you enough to get to sleep
- Bedtime routine – if tinnitus affects sleep, sticking to a regular sleep pattern and avoiding caffeine or alcohol before going to bed may help
- Hobbies – having a hobby that you find enjoyable may help distract you from tinnitus
- Support groups – speaking with others who have tinnitus may help you cope better
The may also prove useful. You can call their confidential helpline free of charge on 0800 018 0527.
