Tinnitus

Tinnitus is the perception of ringing, buzzing, hissing or humming in the ears when no matching external sound is present. It is a symptom, not a disease, and it is often linked with hearing loss, noise exposure or other changes in the ear.

What are the common tinnitus symptoms?

Tinnitus symptoms differ from person to person. The sound may be ringing, buzzing, clicking or whistling, soft or loud, constant or occasional. It can affect one ear or occur as tinnitus in both ears, and it is often more noticeable at night. At Muskan Speech & Hearing Centre, audiologists assess the sound together with the person’s hearing.

What are the reasons for tinnitus?
Tinnitus causes are varied. Common ones include:

• Exposure to loud noise
  
• Age-related hearing loss
  
• Earwax blockage
  
• Ear infections
  
• Head or neck injury
  
• Certain medicines that affect the inner ear
  
• Stress, which can make the sound feel stronger
  

How is tinnitus assessed?

• Case history covering onset, duration and daily impact
  
• Pure tone audiometry to check hearing levels in both ears
  
• Speech understanding tests, if needed
  
• Pitch and loudness matching, where suitable
  
• Explanation of findings and ENT referral, if required

When should medical help be sought promptly?

• Tinnitus that starts suddenly
  
• Sound in one ear only
  
• A sound that beats in time with the pulse
  
• Sudden hearing loss, dizziness, ear pain or discharge
  
• Tinnitus after a head injury