Tinnitus: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Tinnitus refers to a condition where hearing is reduced, or a person perceives sounds such as ringing, buzzing, or high-pitched tones in the ears.
Not everyone with tinnitus necessarily has hearing loss, but the condition may occur alongside varying degrees of hearing impairment.
Sometimes, it may also be a side effect of medication or a warning sign of an underlying health issue.

Common Causes of Tinnitus

1. Age-related hearing loss
Hearing ability naturally declines with age, usually starting around 60 years old and above.
This gradual hearing loss can often lead to tinnitus.

2. Prolonged exposure to loud noise
Working in noisy environments — such as construction or road drilling — can damage hearing and increase the risk of tinnitus.
In modern times, many people also wear earphones for long periods, especially on public transport, or frequently attend concerts.
Over time, this can result in tinnitus as well.

3. Earwax blockage (Cerumen impaction)
Earwax is a natural substance composed of oils, dead skin cells, and hair, secreted by glands in the ear canal to protect the ear.
Normally, jaw movement helps push old earwax outward, allowing it to fall out naturally.
However, excessive earwax buildup can block the ear canal, leading to hearing loss or discomfort in the outer ear — and possibly tinnitus.

4. Lack of rest and stress
More than 70% of tinnitus cases are associated with insufficient sleep.
Poor rest reduces blood circulation, especially to the inner ear, which requires a steady blood supply to maintain fluid balance and support nerve cells responsible for hearing and balance.
When this balance is disrupted, tinnitus or dizziness can occur.
Maintaining emotional well-being and managing stress effectively can also help alleviate tinnitus symptoms.

These are only the most common causes of tinnitus — in many cases, the exact cause remains unknown.
If the above methods do not relieve the symptoms, it is recommended to consult a medical specialist for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Treatment Options for Tinnitus

Currently, there is no definitive cure for tinnitus.
Effective treatment options are still under research.
In most cases, treatment depends on identifying and addressing the underlying cause.
Doctors will first examine and determine the root cause before prescribing a specific course of treatment.

Here are some commonly used treatment methods:

• Remove earwax buildup:
  Suction or cleaning to remove excess earwax can relieve tinnitus caused by blockage.

• Equalize ear pressure:
  Swallowing, chewing gum, yawning widely, or gently blowing while pinching the nose can relieve tinnitus caused by air pressure changes.

• Treat underlying medical conditions:
  If tinnitus is caused by a disease or health condition, treating that illness may help relieve symptoms.

• Change medication:
  If tinnitus is a side effect of certain drugs, your doctor may recommend switching to another prescription.

• Surgical treatment:
  In severe cases — such as eardrum perforation or middle ear infection — surgery may be required to restore normal hearing function.

Prevention and Long-Term Care

For tinnitus that can be diagnosed and treated, it’s important to address the root cause, such as:

• Removing excess earwax

• Draining fluid from the middle ear

• Reducing muscle tension and stress

Additionally, avoid habits that can damage your ears, such as:

• Listening to loud music for extended periods

• Using fingers or sharp objects to clean ears (which can push wax deeper or cause injury)

By following proper prevention and care, you can maintain healthy hearing and reduce the risk of tinnitus in the long term.