Understanding Tinnitus: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
What is Tinnitus? Learn about its symptoms, from ringing to buzzing, explore the common causes, and discover effective treatment and management options.
Written by Dr. Siri Nallapu
Reviewed by Dr. Rohinipriyanka Pondugula MBBS
Last updated on 24th Aug, 2025
Do you ever hear a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in your ears when there’s no external noise? If yes, you might be experiencing tinnitus. While tinnitus itself is not a disease, it is often a symptom of an underlying condition. The good news is that it can often be managed with the right approach.
In this article, we’ll explore what tinnitus is, its symptoms, possible causes, and how you can find relief.
What Is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the perception of noise in one or both ears when no actual sound is present. It can be temporary or chronic and varies in intensity—some people barely notice it, while others find it extremely bothersome.
Common Sounds People Hear with Tinnitus:
- Ringing
- Buzzing
- Hissing
- Clicking
- Roaring
- Whistling
These sounds may come and go or be constant.
Symptoms of Tinnitus
The primary symptom is hearing sounds that aren’t coming from an external source. However, tinnitus can also lead to:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sleep disturbances
- Anxiety or stress
- Irritability
- Fatigue
If tinnitus is affecting your daily life, it’s important to seek medical advice.
What Causes Tinnitus?
Tinnitus can result from various factors, including:
1. Hearing Loss (Most Common Cause)
- Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) or noise-induced hearing damage can trigger tinnitus.
2. Earwax Blockage
- Excessive earwax can press against the eardrum, leading to tinnitus.
3. Ear or Sinus Infections
- Fluid buildup or inflammation in the ear can cause temporary tinnitus.
4. Medications (Ototoxic Drugs)
- Certain medications (e.g., high doses of aspirin, some antibiotics, diuretics) may contribute to tinnitus.
5. Blood Vessel Disorders
- Conditions like high blood pressure or atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries) can cause pulsatile tinnitus (a rhythmic sound matching the heartbeat).
6. TMJ Disorders
- Problems with the temporomandibular joint (jaw joint) can sometimes lead to tinnitus.
7. Head or Neck Injuries
- Trauma affecting the auditory nerves or brain’s sound processing areas may cause tinnitus.
8. Meniere’s Disease
- An inner ear disorder that affects balance and hearing can also lead to tinnitus.
How Does Tinnitus Affect Health?
While tinnitus itself is not lifethreatening, it can significantly impact quality of life by:
- Causing sleep problems
- Leading to anxiety or depression
- Reducing concentration and productivity
- Increasing stress levels
Chronic tinnitus may require medical intervention to manage its effects.
How Is Tinnitus Diagnosed?
If you experience persistent tinnitus, consult an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialist or an audiologist. They may perform:
- Hearing tests (audiogram)
- Imaging tests (MRI or CT scan) if a structural issue is suspected
- Blood tests to check for underlying conditions
Treatment and Management of Tinnitus
While there’s no universal cure, several strategies can help reduce symptoms:
1. Treating Underlying Causes
- Removing earwax blockage
- Adjusting medications (if drug-induced)
- Managing blood pressure or vascular issues
2. Hearing Aids
If hearing loss is contributing to tinnitus, hearing aids can amplify external sounds, making tinnitus less noticeable.
3. Sound Therapy
Background noise (white noise machines, fans, or soothing music) can help mask tinnitus.
4. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps change negative thought patterns about tinnitus, reducing distress.
5. Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT)
A specialized therapy combining sound masking and counseling to help the brain ignore tinnitus.
6. Lifestyle Changes
- Reduce caffeine and alcohol – They can worsen tinnitus in some people.
- Avoid loud noises – Use ear protection in noisy environments.
- Manage stress – Meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises can help.
- Exercise regularly – Improves blood circulation, which may reduce symptoms.
7. Medications
While no drug cures tinnitus, some medications (like antidepressants or antianxiety drugs) may help manage symptoms.
Consult a General Physician For The Best Advice
When to See a Doctor?
Seek medical attention if:
- Tinnitus is sudden or worsening
- It’s accompanied by hearing loss or dizziness
- You hear a pulsating sound (could indicate a vascular issue)
- It affects your daily life
If you're experiencing persistent tinnitus, you can consult an ENT specialist or audiologist through Apollo 24|7. Early diagnosis and management can improve your quality of life.
Final Thoughts
Tinnitus can be frustrating, but understanding its causes and treatment options can help you manage it effectively. Simple lifestyle changes, sound therapy, and medical interventions can make a big difference.
If tinnitus is bothering you, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Book a consultation with an ENT specialist on Apollo 24|7 for personalized advice and treatment.
Stay informed, stay healthy!
Consult a General Physician
Consult a General Physician
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Dr Vinay Kumar A V
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8 Years • MBBS, MD - General Medicine, DM - Nephrology
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Consult a General Physician For The Best Advice
Dr. Swathi Reddy Perugu
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
7 Years • MBBS, MD (General Medicine)
Hyderabad
Health plus, Hyderabad
Dr. Rajib Ghose
General Practitioner
25 Years • MBBS
East Midnapore
VIVEKANANDA SEBA SADAN, East Midnapore
Dr. Kavitha Subash
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
15 Years • MBBS, MD
Chennai
Apollo Speciality Hospitals Vanagaram, Chennai
Dr. V K Aneja
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
38 Years • MBBS, MD (Med.)
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
(75+ Patients)
Dr Vinay Kumar A V
Nephrologist
8 Years • MBBS, MD - General Medicine, DM - Nephrology
Bilaspur
Apollo Hospitals Seepat Road, Bilaspur
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