Tinnitus Expert in Perumbakkam
Your Trusted Partner in Tinnitus
Tinnitus is the perception of noise or ringing in the ears without an external source. It can manifest as buzzing, hissing, or clicking sounds and may be constant or intermittent. We are here to provide you with top-notch care and guidance to tackle your problems.
Understanding Tinnitus
Causes of Tinnitus
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- Age-Related Hearing Loss: Gradual hearing loss with age can contribute.
- Exposure to Loud Noise: Prolonged exposure to loud sounds, such as in certain occupations or loud music events.
- Earwax Blockage: Accumulation of earwax can cause tinnitus.
- Medical Conditions: Conditions like Meniere’s disease, otosclerosis, or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
- Medications: Certain drugs, like high doses of aspirin, can cause tinnitus.
- Head or Neck Injuries: Trauma to the head or neck may impact the auditory system.
- Vascular Issues: Blood vessel disorders affecting blood flow near the ears.
Symptoms of Tinnitus:
- Perception of Noise
- Constant or Intermittent
- Association with Hearing Loss
- Buzzing
- Roaring
- Clicking
- Hissing
- Humming
Risk factors
Anyone can experience tinnitus, but these factors may increase your risk:
- Loud noise exposure: Loud noises, such as those from heavy equipment, chain saws and firearms, are common sources of noise-related hearing loss. Portable music devices, such as MP3 players, also can cause noise-related hearing loss if played loudly for long periods. People who work in noisy environments — such as factory and construction workers, musicians, and soldiers — are particularly at risk.
- Age: As you age, the number of functioning nerve fibers in your ears declines, possibly causing hearing problems often associated with tinnitus.
- Sex: Men are more likely to experience tinnitus.
- Tobacco and alcohol use: Smokers have a higher risk of developing tinnitus. Drinking alcohol also increases the risk of tinnitus.
- Certain health problems: Obesity, cardiovascular problems, high blood pressure, and a history of arthritis or head injury all increase your risk of tinnitus.
Complications
Tinnitus affects people differently. For some people, tinnitus can significantly affect quality of life. If you have tinnitus, you may also experience:
- Fatigue
- Stress
- Sleep problems
- Trouble concentrating
- Memory problems
- Depression
- Anxiety and irritability
- Headaches
- Problems with work and family life
Treatments
Treatment
- Address Underlying Causes: Identify and treat any underlying conditions contributing to tinnitus.
- Hearing Aids: For individuals with hearing loss, hearing aids may alleviate both hearing impairment and tinnitus.
- Sound Therapy: Background noise, white noise machines, or music can help mask the perception of tinnitus.
- Counseling: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or counseling can assist in managing the emotional impact of tinnitus.
- Medications: In some cases, medications may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms.
Prevention
- Protect Your Ears: Use ear protection in noisy environments to prevent hearing damage.
- Manage Stress: Stress reduction techniques, like meditation, can help manage tinnitus.
- Limit Exposure to Loud Noises: Avoid prolonged exposure to loud music, machinery, or other sources of noise.
- Regular Checkups: Monitor and address conditions that can contribute to tinnitus through regular medical checkups.
- Healthy Lifestyle: Adopt a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, to support overall well-being.
Frequently Asked Question on Tinnitus
Tinnitus sounds can vary and may include ringing, buzzing, hissing, whistling, or clicking noises. The perceived sound may be constant or intermittent.
Tinnitus is a symptom, often associated with underlying conditions such as age-related hearing loss, exposure to loud noises, earwax blockage, or circulatory system disorders.
Yes, certain medications, including some antibiotics, antidepressants, and nonsteroidal anti–inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), may have tinnitus as a side effect.
Tinnitus can affect one or both ears, and the perceived sound may be consistent or vary between ears.
Diagnosis involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and sometimes additional tests, including hearing tests and imaging studies.