Tinnitus

Tinnitus is the sensation of hissing, buzzing or ringing in your ears. It can occur continuously or sporadically, varying in loudness, and can be felt more when background noise is low, such as while you are going to sleep. The sound may seem to come from one ear or both, from inside the head, or from a distance.

Most of us have experienced temporary, short-lived tinnitus, for instance after exposure to loud noise, such as after attending a loud concert. However, long-term chronic tinnitus, with symptoms that occur repeatedly for more than six, months are a cause for concern. People exposed to loud noises, older people, smokers, and patients of cardiovascular diseases are at greater risk of developing tinnitus.

Tinnitus is not a disorder itself, but is rather a symptom of disorders related to the ears. These disorders can vary from being simple to serious, and include:

• Earwax blockage.

• Diseases of the heart or blood vessels, such as high blood pressure or turbulent blood flow.

• Noise-induced hearing loss.

• Age-related hearing loss.

• Otosclerosis (stiffening of bones in the ear).

• Head and neck injuries.

• Ear and sinus infections.

• Meniere’s disease.

• Hormonal changes in women.

• Head or neck tumours that press on vessels in the head or neck can lead to tinnitus symptoms.

• Thyroid problems.

• Diabetes.

• Allergies.

Taking some medications may also cause tinnitus or worsen the symptoms, such as certain antibiotics, unusually high doses of aspirin, certain anti-depressants, cancer medications or water pills (diuretics).

When to seek expert advise

Temporary tinnitus that lasts a few minutes is not something to worry about. However, you must see a doctor if:

• Tinnitus lasts for more than a week.

• You have repeated episodes of tinnitus for more than six months.

• Tinnitus interferes with your normal daily activities and affects your concentration and ability to complete tasks.

• You experience hearing loss along with tinnitus.

• You experience sudden symptoms of tinnitus.

• You develop tinnitus after an ear, nose or throat infection.​