Tinnitus, or the perception of ringing, buzzing, whistling or clicking in the ears without an external source, can be frustrating and annoying. It affects many people and can have a variety of causes, including exposure to loud noises, stress or underlying health conditions.
Types of
tinnitus Subjective tinnitus: Only the person affected hears the sound.
Objective tinnitus: A rare form that can sometimes be heard by a doctor during an examination.
Common causes
Exposure to loud noise: Damage to the hair cells in the inner ear caused by prolonged loud sounds.
Hearing loss: Often age-related and linked to tinnitus.
Ear blockages: A build-up of earwax, infections or fluid that affects hearing.
Health problems: Conditions such as Meniere’s disease, acoustic neuroma, or high blood pressure.
Medications: Some medications, including high doses of aspirin or antibiotics, can cause tinnitus as a side effect.
Symptoms and diagnosis
The main symptom is hearing a persistent or intermittent sound that varies in pitch and intensity.
A healthcare professional can perform a physical exam, hearing tests, and imaging to determine the cause.
Treatment and management
While there is no cure-all, several strategies can help manage tinnitus:
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