Tinnitus: more than just ringing in the ears

Have you ever noticed a constant buzzing or ringing in your ears that just won't stop? This condition, known as tinnitus, affects many people worldwide and can take both short-lived and chronic forms. Read on to find out what tinnitus is, how it develops and what treatment methods are available. 

What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus is a common disorder that causes noises in the ears that can only be perceived by the person affected. These noises can appear as a buzzing, whistling, hissing or ringing and usually occur when hearing loss is present. In some people it can also be perceived as a constant droning, clicking or even music. Tinnitus is often the result of damage to the hair cells in the inner ear, which can be caused by a variety of factors such as loud noises, certain medications or even natural aging. 

The role of the inner ear

The inner ear is crucial for our hearing and our perception of sound. Hair cells in the inner ear help to convert sound waves into electrical signals that our brain interprets as sounds. If these hair cells are damaged by noise, ageing or certain diseases, signals can be incorrectly sent to the brain, resulting in tinnitus.

Symptoms and effects of tinnitus

Tinnitus can affect the lives of affected individuals in a variety of ways and depending on the severity and duration of the tinnitus, the impact on daily life can vary considerably. Some of the most common symptoms of tinnitus are:

Continuous or periodic noises in the ear:
These ear noises can manifest as ringing, buzzing, hissing, whistling or even music. They can occur in one or both ears and can be either constant or intermittent.

Hearing difficulties:
Many people with tinnitus also experience some form of hearing loss. The persistent ringing in the ears can make it difficult to hear external sounds clearly, which can make it difficult to understand speech.

Problems with sleep:
The constant noise in the ear can make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. This can lead to a lack of sleep and associated problems such as tiredness, irritability and difficulty concentrating.

Concentration problems:
The constant ringing in the ears can make it difficult for those affected to concentrate on tasks, especially in quiet environments.

However, the effects of tinnitus go beyond the physical symptoms. For some people, tinnitus can cause significant psychological and emotional distress , including stress, anxiety and depression. In severe cases, tinnitus can affect quality of life to such an extent that normal activities and social interactions are impaired.

Causes and risk factors

Tinnitus can result from a variety of causes, and it is important to understand these factors to determine the best approach for treatment and management. The following are some of the most common triggers and risk factors for tinnitus:

Noise exposure:
Both one-off loud noises and long-term noise exposure can lead to hearing damage and the development of tinnitus. In particular, professions or hobbies that require regular exposure to high volumes, such as musicians, construction workers or sports shooters, are associated with an increased risk of tinnitus. The use of headphones at high volumes can also lead to damage to the inner ear.

Ageing process:
With advancing age, there is often a natural decline in the function of the hair cells in the inner ear, which can lead to hearing loss and, in many cases, tinnitus. This age-related hearing loss, also known as presbycusis, affects around a third of people between the ages of 65 and 75.

Medication:
Various medications can cause tinnitus as a side effect. These include certain antibiotics, cancer drugs, diuretics, certain antidepressants and high doses of aspirin. In most cases, the tinnitus disappears when the medication is discontinued or the dose is reduced.

Health problems:
Certain health conditions can also lead to tinnitus. These include conditions such as Meniere's disease, which is characterized by an excessive build-up of fluid in the inner ear, tumors in the ear or hyperacusis, an increased sensitivity to normal environmental sounds. Conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes can also cause or exacerbate tinnitus.

Ear and head injuries:
Injuries to the head or ear can damage the inner ear and lead to tinnitus. This can be caused by accidents, sports injuries or even aggressive ear cleaning.

It is important to note that in many cases the exact cause of tinnitus cannot be identified. Therefore, it is crucial to see a doctor if you experience persistent ringing in the ears to investigate possible causes and determine appropriate treatment options.

Hearing loss and tinnitus

For many people, tinnitus is accompanied by some form of hearing loss. It is estimated that over 90 percent of tinnitus patients also experience hearing loss. This can take the form of high-frequency hearing loss, where the ability to hear high frequencies is impaired. In such cases, the sufferer may have difficulty hearing certain consonants and high-pitched sounds, making it difficult to understand conversations. This indicates a close connection between tinnitus and damage to the inner ear, which is often responsible for hearing loss.

Diagnosis and treatment of tinnitus

An accurate diagnosis is crucial for the effective treatment of tinnitus. During the examination, an ENT specialist can use the audiogram, a test that measures hearing ability across different frequencies.

The treatment of tinnitus often focuses on treating the underlying cause. If hearing loss is the cause, hearing aid fitting can help. Hearing aids can amplify the sounds around you, which helps to drown out the ringing or buzzing in your ears. In some cases, noise and stress management therapy can be helpful.

Living with tinnitus

With the right support and treatment, people with tinnitus can lead a normal and fulfilling life. It is important to remember that everyone is different and there is no universal solution to tinnitus. What works for one person may not work for another. It is advisable to consult a specialist to develop an individualized treatment strategy to manage tinnitus. Additionally, it may be helpful to learn stress management techniques to improve overall wellbeing.