Tinnitus

Tinnitus is a symptom rather than a disease and usually indicates an underlying issue within the auditory system. It may originate from the outer ear, middle ear, inner ear, or neural pathways involved in sound processing.

Patients may experience:

• Ringing

• Buzzing

• Clicking

• Hissing

• Humming

• Pulsatile sounds synchronized with the heartbeat

The sound may be constant or intermittent and can vary in pitch and intensity.

Tinnitus may result from several medical conditions, including:

• Hearing loss (age-related or noise-induced)

• Earwax impaction

• Exposure to loud noise

• Ear or sinus infections

• Certain medications with ototoxic effects

• Circulatory conditions causing pulsatile tinnitus

• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders

• Stress and anxiety

• Rare conditions such as acoustic neuroma

Identifying the underlying cause is essential for effective management.

Symptoms may include:

• Perception of ringing or buzzing sounds

• Difficulty concentrating

• Sleep disturbances

• Sound sensitivity

• Ear pressure or discomfort

• Dizziness or imbalance

Persistent symptoms should be evaluated by an ENT specialist.

Diagnosis involves a detailed assessment that may include:

• Otoscopy to evaluate the ear canal and eardrum

• Audiometry to assess hearing function

• Tympanometry to evaluate middle ear pressure

• Imaging (CT or MRI) when neurological or vascular causes are suspected

These tests help determine the cause and guide treatment planning.

Tinnitus management focuses on symptom control, auditory rehabilitation, and addressing underlying causes.

Treatment of Underlying Conditions

If tinnitus is caused by earwax buildup, infection, or medication side effects, treating the underlying condition may reduce symptoms.

Sound Therapy

Sound therapy helps reduce awareness of tinnitus by introducing external sound stimuli. This may include:

• White noise devices

• Hearing aids with sound generators

• Environmental sound enrichment

Hearing Aids

For patients with hearing loss, hearing aids can improve auditory input and reduce the prominence of tinnitus.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps patients manage emotional and psychological responses to tinnitus, improving coping strategies and sleep quality.

Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT)

TRT combines sound therapy with counseling to retrain the brain’s response to tinnitus, reducing long-term symptom perception.

Medication Support

Although no medication cures tinnitus, certain drugs may be prescribed to manage associated symptoms such as anxiety or sleep disturbance.

Lifestyle and Wellness Measures

Supportive strategies may include:

• Avoiding loud noise exposure

• Reducing caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol intake

• Maintaining regular sleep habits

• Managing stress through relaxation techniques

Management of Circulatory Causes

For pulsatile tinnitus, evaluation and treatment of vascular or blood pressure issues may be required in coordination with other specialists.

With proper diagnosis and management, tinnitus can become less intrusive. Education, counseling, and rehabilitation play an important role in improving daily function and emotional well-being.

Preventive measures include:

• Protecting ears from loud noise

• Avoiding deep insertion of objects into the ear canal

• Treating ear infections early

• Scheduling regular hearing evaluations

• Managing cardiovascular health

Treatment cost varies based on:

• Diagnostic tests required

• Type of therapy or device used

• Duration of rehabilitation or counseling

• Follow-up requirements

Cost details are discussed during clinical consultation based on the treatment plan.