Are you troubled by a constant ringing in your ears? If so, you're not alone. Tinnitus is a very common condition, affecting about 15% of adults. Our ENT consultants at eConsultant Clinic will listen to your story and guide you down the path of recovery. Read on to explore more!
What is Tinnitus?
The ear is a complicated organ with many moving parts. This complexity makes it vulnerable to injury, and because the ear is so sensitive and vital to our sense of hearing, even a minor injury can have lasting consequences.
Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is an indication of damage to the hair cells of the inner ear.
When these hair cells are damaged, they begin producing phantom sounds. It is the perception of sound when no external noise is present. The sound can be described as buzzing, ringing, whistling, or hissing. It may be intermittent or continuous, and it may be only heard by one ear or both.
Why are my ears ringing(tinnitus)?
Tinnitus is not a disease but a symptom that can result from a number of underlying causes. The most common cause of tinnitus is exposure to loud noises or to sudden, loud sounds. Other causes include age-related hearing loss, ear wax buildup, and ear injury. Tinnitus can also result from exposure to toxic chemicals and medications, including aspirin and antibiotics such as quinine.
Possible Causes of Tinnitus:
Earwax buildup: You may have noticed whitish material in your ear canal. That's earwax which protects your ears from dirt and germs by trapping particles before they get into your inner ear. If you have too much earwax, it can lead to tinnitus symptoms like hearing loss and ringing in the ears.
Ear infections: Ear infections are common among children and adults alike, especially after swimming in dirty water or being exposed to germs at work or at school. An infection can cause fluid build-up behind the eardrum which can lead to temporary hearing loss and tinnitus symptoms such as ringing in the ears
Age-related hearing loss: As you age, your hearing becomes less sensitive, and your ability to hear high-pitched sounds decreases. This change in how we hear makes it easier for us to get tinnitus as our sensitivity increases at lower frequencies while decreasing at higher frequencies.
What are the early signs of Tinnitus?
While there are many different causes of tinnitus, it is important to recognize these early signs so that you can take action and prevent further hearing loss. The earlier this type of damage is identified, the easier it will be to treat and prevent permanent damage.
Not everyone with tinnitus will experience all of these symptoms, but the presence of two or three of the following could signal that there's something wrong:
- A constant ringing in your ears
- A roaring or whooshing sound in your ears, often described as a waterfall
- Feeling that your ear(s) are blocked or plugged
- Dizziness, confusion, or trouble focusing
- A feeling like you're underwater
- Bizarre sensations within your head—numbness, heat, burning, tingling, or a combination of these.
If you are experiencing symptoms of tinnitus, make an appointment to see an ENT consultant to discuss your treatment options.
How can ENT Consultants at eConsultant Clinic help you?
At eConsultant Clinic, we offer one-on-one telephone and video consultations with ENT doctors who specialize in tinnitus. Our ENT consultants are medical professionals who are specialized in the treatment of disorders of the ear, nose, and throat. They can help patients with tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, by providing a comprehensive evaluation and developing a treatment plan that may include medication, counseling, and other therapies.
We encourage you to Book an e-consultation so that we can begin working together on your journey towards a better tomorrow!
