Tinnitus:
What You Need to Know
Tinnitus is the sensation of hearing ringing, buzzing, or other noises in the ears when no external sound is present. It’s a common condition that affects both adults and children, and while it can be temporary, for some people it becomes persistent.
Causes of Tinnitus:
Tinnitus can be triggered by a variety of factors, including:
-
Exposure to loud noises (e.g. concerts or loud machinery)
-
Ear infections or fluid in the ear
-
Age-related hearing loss
-
Impacted ear wax or sinus issues
-
Stress or anxiety
Management and Treatment:
While there’s no cure for tinnitus, there are ways to manage it:
-
Sound therapy: Using background noise or white noise can help mask the tinnitus.
-
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): A type of counselling that can help you cope with the emotional impact of tinnitus.
-
Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT): A combination of sound therapy and counselling to help your brain ignore the tinnitus sounds.
-
Medications: In some cases, medications may help manage the underlying causes, such as anxiety or depression.
When to See an ENT Specialist:
If tinnitus is persistent, present in one ear only, pulsatile, or affecting daily life, it’s important to seek advice from an ENT consultant. A thorough examination can help identify underlying causes and guide you towards the best management options. Early intervention can help improve quality of life and may prevent the condition from becoming more distressing.