What causes tinnitus in only one ear. How is unilateral tinnitus different from bilateral tinnitus. When should you seek medical attention for ringing in one ear. What are the potential underlying conditions associated with single-sided tinnitus. Which treatment options are available for tinnitus affecting only one ear.

Understanding Unilateral Tinnitus: When Ringing Occurs in One Ear

Tinnitus, often described as a ringing, buzzing, or whooshing sound in the ears, is a common condition affecting millions of people worldwide. While tinnitus frequently occurs in both ears (bilateral tinnitus), some individuals experience this phenomenon in only one ear, known as unilateral tinnitus. This distinct form of tinnitus can be particularly concerning and may indicate underlying health issues that require medical attention.

Unilateral tinnitus differs from bilateral tinnitus in several ways:

• It affects only one ear, creating an asymmetrical auditory experience
• The causes may be more specific and potentially more serious
• It often requires prompt medical evaluation to rule out certain conditions
• Treatment approaches may vary depending on the underlying cause

Common Causes of Tinnitus in One Ear

Unilateral tinnitus can stem from various factors, ranging from benign issues to more serious medical conditions. Understanding these potential causes is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Earwax Buildup

Can excessive earwax cause tinnitus in one ear? Yes, a buildup of earwax in a single ear can lead to unilateral tinnitus. This occurs when the excess wax creates pressure on the eardrum and inner ear structures, resulting in a ringing or buzzing sensation. Fortunately, this cause is easily treatable through professional earwax removal by a healthcare provider or audiologist.

Ménière’s Disease

Ménière’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear characterized by episodes of vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, and tinnitus. In many cases, the symptoms, including tinnitus, begin in one ear before potentially progressing to both. The exact cause of Ménière’s disease remains unknown, but it is believed to be related to abnormal fluid buildup in the inner ear.

Acoustic Neuroma

An acoustic neuroma is a benign tumor that develops on the vestibular nerve, which connects the inner ear to the brain. As the tumor grows, it can press against nearby structures, leading to symptoms such as unilateral tinnitus, hearing loss, and balance problems. Early detection and treatment of acoustic neuromas are essential to prevent complications.

Less Common but Serious Causes of Single-Sided Tinnitus

While less frequent, certain medical conditions can manifest as tinnitus in one ear and require immediate medical attention.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. In some cases, MS can damage the auditory nerve, disrupting the signals between the brain and the ear. This damage can result in unilateral tinnitus, along with other neurological symptoms.

Head and Neck Tumors

Tumors in the head or neck region, whether benign or malignant, can potentially cause unilateral tinnitus by exerting pressure on the auditory nerve or disrupting blood flow to the ear. These cases underscore the importance of thorough medical evaluation for single-sided tinnitus.

Diagnosing the Cause of Tinnitus in One Ear

Proper diagnosis of unilateral tinnitus is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment plan. Healthcare providers may employ various diagnostic tools and techniques to identify the underlying cause.

• Comprehensive hearing test
• Otoscopic examination
• Imaging studies (MRI, CT scan)
• Blood tests to check for underlying health conditions
• Vestibular function tests

How is pulsatile tinnitus different from other forms of tinnitus? Pulsatile tinnitus is characterized by a rhythmic pulsing sound that often aligns with the heartbeat. This type of tinnitus can be a sign of vascular abnormalities or increased blood flow near the ear and may require specialized diagnostic procedures.

Treatment Options for Unilateral Tinnitus

The treatment approach for tinnitus in one ear depends largely on the underlying cause. Here are some common strategies employed by healthcare professionals:

Earwax Removal

For cases caused by excessive earwax, professional removal can provide immediate relief. This procedure is typically quick, painless, and highly effective.

Medication

Depending on the underlying condition, medications may be prescribed to address the root cause of unilateral tinnitus. For instance, diuretics might be used in cases of Ménière’s disease to reduce fluid buildup in the inner ear.

Sound Therapy

Sound therapy involves using external noises to mask or distract from the tinnitus sound. This can be particularly helpful for managing the symptoms of chronic tinnitus, even when it affects only one ear.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT can be an effective tool for managing the psychological impact of tinnitus. It helps individuals develop coping strategies and change negative thought patterns associated with their tinnitus experience.

Emerging Research and Innovative Treatments

The field of tinnitus research is constantly evolving, with new treatments and therapies on the horizon. Some promising areas of study include:

• Neuromodulation techniques
• Gene therapy for inner ear disorders
• Advanced sound therapy protocols
• Pharmacological interventions targeting specific neural pathways

What role does neuroplasticity play in tinnitus treatment? Neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize itself, is a key focus in tinnitus research. Scientists are exploring ways to harness this natural process to “retrain” the brain and reduce the perception of tinnitus sounds.

Preventing Unilateral Tinnitus: Protecting Your Hearing Health

While not all cases of unilateral tinnitus can be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk and maintain overall ear health:

1. Protect your ears from loud noises
2. Maintain good ear hygiene
3. Manage stress levels
4. Avoid ototoxic medications when possible
5. Stay physically active and maintain a healthy diet

How does stress contribute to tinnitus? Stress can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms by increasing muscle tension, elevating blood pressure, and altering neurotransmitter levels in the brain. Managing stress through relaxation techniques and lifestyle changes can help reduce the impact of tinnitus.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Tinnitus in One Ear

Experiencing tinnitus in only one ear warrants prompt medical evaluation. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice:

• Sudden onset of tinnitus in one ear
• Tinnitus accompanied by hearing loss or dizziness
• Pulsatile tinnitus that aligns with your heartbeat
• Tinnitus associated with neurological symptoms

Early intervention can be crucial in identifying and addressing potentially serious underlying conditions.

Can unilateral tinnitus resolve on its own? While some cases of temporary tinnitus may resolve without intervention, persistent unilateral tinnitus should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out serious causes and determine the best course of treatment.

Living with Unilateral Tinnitus: Coping Strategies and Support

For individuals dealing with chronic unilateral tinnitus, developing effective coping strategies is essential for maintaining quality of life. Consider the following approaches:

• Join a tinnitus support group
• Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques
• Explore sound masking devices or apps
• Maintain a consistent sleep schedule
• Educate friends and family about your condition

How can mindfulness help manage tinnitus symptoms? Mindfulness practices can help individuals focus their attention away from the tinnitus sound and reduce the emotional distress associated with the condition. Regular mindfulness meditation has been shown to improve tinnitus-related quality of life for many sufferers.

The Importance of Regular Hearing Check-ups

Regular hearing evaluations are crucial for maintaining ear health and detecting potential issues early. For those with unilateral tinnitus, these check-ups can help monitor any changes in hearing and tinnitus perception over time.

Exploring Alternative Therapies

Some individuals find relief from unilateral tinnitus through alternative therapies such as acupuncture, hypnosis, or herbal supplements. While scientific evidence for these approaches is limited, they may provide symptomatic relief for some people. Always consult with a healthcare provider before trying alternative treatments.

The Role of Diet in Tinnitus Management

Can dietary changes impact tinnitus symptoms? Some people report that certain foods or drinks exacerbate their tinnitus. Common culprits include caffeine, alcohol, and high-sodium foods. Keeping a food diary can help identify potential triggers and inform dietary modifications that may help manage tinnitus symptoms.

Technological Advancements in Tinnitus Management

Advances in technology are offering new ways to manage tinnitus symptoms. From sophisticated hearing aids with built-in tinnitus masking features to smartphone apps that provide customized sound therapy, these innovations are expanding the toolkit for tinnitus sufferers.

The Psychological Impact of Unilateral Tinnitus

Living with tinnitus in one ear can have significant psychological effects, including anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances. Recognizing and addressing these mental health aspects is crucial for comprehensive tinnitus management.

Occupational Considerations for Unilateral Tinnitus Sufferers

How does unilateral tinnitus affect workplace performance? Tinnitus can impact concentration and communication in the workplace. Individuals with unilateral tinnitus may benefit from workplace accommodations such as noise-reducing headphones or quieter work environments to minimize tinnitus-related distress and maintain productivity.

The Future of Unilateral Tinnitus Research

Ongoing research into the mechanisms of tinnitus continues to shed light on this complex condition. Future treatments may target specific neural pathways involved in tinnitus perception, offering more personalized and effective interventions for those suffering from unilateral tinnitus.

As our understanding of unilateral tinnitus evolves, so too do the strategies for diagnosis, treatment, and management. By staying informed about the latest developments and working closely with healthcare providers, individuals experiencing tinnitus in one ear can navigate their condition with greater confidence and hope for improved outcomes.

Tinnitus in one ear only? Here’s what it means

Tinnitus is the sound of ringing, clicking, whooshing, or whistling in your ears that isn’t coming from an external source. The most common cause of Tinnitus is hearing loss however, a variety of things can lead to the condition; from emotional stress to underlying medical conditions like anemia to some types of tumors, and even too much nicotine or alcohol. But what does it mean when you experience Tinnitus in one ear only? The causes of Tinnitus in one ear only can be different from the causes of Tinnitus experienced in both ears, here we explain unilateral Tinnitus, and how to get rid of Tinnitus in one ear.

Make Booking Enquiry

Store Locations

Tinnitus in one ear only (unilateral Tinnitus)

While bilateral Tinnitus (ringing in both ears) is quite a common condition, some forms of Tinnitus should prompt you to seek a medical evaluation; these include pulsatile Tinnitus, Tinnitus which causes dizziness, and Tinnitus in one ear only, as all these forms of Tinnitus could be indicative of underlying medical conditions.

Causes of Tinnitus in one ear only

Tinnitus in one ear only is less common than bilateral Tinnitus and can be caused by a range of things, from a relatively benign build-up of earwax to more serious underlying health conditions. If you are experiencing Tinnitus in one ear only, it is important you seek a medical assessment, to find the exact cause of the condition. Some common causes of Tinnitus in one ear only include:

• Earwax:  Tinnitus in one ear only can be caused by a build-up of excess earwax. Too much earwax can cause a build-up of pressure on the inner ear, leading to Tinnitus. A doctor or audiologist can easily remove this excess ear wax and relieve the condition.
• Ménière’s Disease: Ménière’s Disease is a condition which is characterised by a buildup of fluid in the inner ear. While the cause of Ménière’s Disease is unknown, it often leads to episodes of vertigo, pressure felt in the inner ear, and Tinnitus. With  Ménière’s Disease sometimes characterised by Tinnitus starting in one ear and moving to the other, if you are experiencing Tinnitus in one ear only, it is important to see a doctor to rule out the condition.
• Multiple sclerosis: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition which sees your body attacking its own healthy nerve sheaths, causing issues with communication between your brain and the rest of your body. MS can cause auditory nerve damage, disrupting the signals between your brain and your ears. This can cause hearing loss or Tinnitus in one ear only.

• Cancer: Anything which disrupts the nerves in your ear or creates pressure within your ear can result in unilateral Tinnitus. Cancer can be a contributor to Tinnitus in one ear only in many ways, from a tumour in your head or neck creating pressure in your ear to cancerous cells disrupting your auditory nerves.
• A ruptured eardrum: Eardrum ruptures or perforations can be caused by infections, physical injuries or acoustic injuries (noises which were too loud). This can lead to hearing loss, physical pain, and Tinnitus in one ear only.
• Benign ear cysts: Known as Cholesteatoma, cysts within your ears can be caused by cells clumping together and creating an air or fluid-filled sac. This small sac can then grow from your eardrum towards your middle and inner ear creating a build-up of pressure, resulting in everything from leaking fluid to numbness in your face and Tinnitus in one ear only.

Treatments for Tinnitus in one ear only

If you do experience Tinnitus in one ear only, it’s essential that you have it investigated further.  The first step would be to make an appointment with an Audiologist for a full diagnostic hearing test.  The best way to treat the Tinnitus depends on what the root cause is. If the issue is a build-up of earwax, this can be removed easily by your doctor or by purchasing ear wax softener from any Bay Audio store. If the issue is a Cholesteatoma, the cyst will likely need to be removed through surgery. Other root causes such as Ménière’s Disease, MS, or cancer will need to have their own treatment plans which may then lead to the symptom of unilateral Tinnitus being resolved.

Need to talk to an audiologist?

Your local Bay Audio clinicians are on hand to answer any questions you have.

Chat to a Bay Audio clinician

Causes, Treatments & New Research

Tinnitus is usually a benign, if frustrating, condition – but what if you hear a ringing sound in only one ear? Is it a sign of something more serious?

There are many reasons you could develop tinnitus, and the most common conditions are generally not dangerous. Unilateral tinnitus, however, may have a different set of causes and could be related to underlying conditions.

Dr. Ben discusses tinnitus in one ear, including diagnosis, causes, and treatments.

What Is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is defined as the perception of sound when there is no external source. This can be heard as a ringing in your ears, buzzing, whooshing, clicking, or many other kinds of sounds. This phantom auditory phenomena is extremely common. Almost everyone experiences tinnitus at least once, and for about 15% of adults, it can be persistent and sometimes bothersome. 

Most tinnitus is subjective – that is, only you can hear the tinnitus sounds. A small number of people will experience objective tinnitus that can be heard by others. This is usually related to blood pressure or a blood flow problem. 

Why Do We Experience Tinnitus?

Most causes of tinnitus are benign (not dangerous) and result from changes in the auditory mechanism. Specifically, changes or damage to the hearing organ can trigger phantom sound perception. 

The sensory organ of hearing, called the organ of Corti, is located deep inside the inner ear, also known as the cochlea. The organ of Corti has thousands of tiny hairs that are responsible for sending hearing impulses to the hearing nerve, which then brings those signals to the brain in the form of electrical signals. The hearing mechanism is quite fragile, so when too many of these hair cells are damaged, our ability to interpret sound changes. For many of us, this leads to tinnitus. 

Bilateral and Unilateral Tinnitus

Most often, tinnitus is experienced as a vague sound “somewhere in your head” or a general ringing in both ears. This is called bilateral tinnitus, since it’s perceived on both sides. However, sometimes people will notice tinnitus in one ear only – this condition is known as unilateral tinnitus. The majority of conditions related to tinnitus are not harmful, but a few can be cause for concern, especially if they lead to unilateral tinnitus. Determining the underlying cause is a crucial step in managing tinnitus, so speak to your doctor if you notice significant tinnitus in only one ear. Your doctor may recommend a physical exam, hearing test, or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to help diagnose what’s causing your tinnitus. 

Common Tinnitus Causes

Tinnitus itself is usually caused by a range of underlying conditions related to your ears. In the majority of cases, tinnitus is a phantom sound perceived by the auditory areas of the brain because the brain does not receive enough information from the inner ear hair cells. 

Aging Process and Age-Related Hearing Loss

As we age, our bodies go through natural changes and are exposed to loud noise and environmental toxins. This causes a gradual decline in the number of hair cells, eventually leading to age-related hearing loss. About 90% of people who have tinnitus also experience some degree of hearing loss. Tinnitus due to the aging process is typically bilateral – that is, present in both ears.

Loud Noise Exposure

Another common cause of tinnitus is exposure to loud noises. Damage to the hair cells of the cochlea could occur from a single extremely loud sound, such an explosion. It can also happen over time due to a prolonged and repeated exposure to medium to high level sounds. For this reason, musicians, veterans, and people who work with loud machinery tend to develop tinnitus due to loud noise exposure more often than others.

Tinnitus caused by noise is usually bilateral. However, in some cases it could also be unilateral if the exposure occurred in one ear only. For example, people  who spend a lot of time behind the wheel, such as taxi or truck drivers, have poorer hearing and unilateral tinnitus in the left ear because of the traffic noise exposure over time.

What Does Tinnitus In One Ear Mean?

Unilateral tinnitus can be a warning sign of a serious medical condition. Compared to bilateral tinnitus, it is more likely to have an underlying medical issue that needs to be addressed. Audiologists consider unilateral tinnitus an otologic red flag, so do not try to wait for tinnitus to go away on its own. In cases like this, a medical professional will be able to determine if your tinnitus could be a symptom of something serious. Your doctor will ask several questions to uncover the root cause of your tinnitus:

Your doctor will ask several questions to uncover the root cause of your tinnitus:

• What is the nature of your tinnitus? Tinnitus in one ear only is a symptom that may require urgent care. Consider the duration, sound type, frequency, intensity, and other symptoms associated with your tinnitus. 
• How long have you noticed tinnitus? New onset tinnitus should be checked out quickly in general. 
• Does your tinnitus come and go, or is it a constant sound? Ongoing tinnitus can be a sign of a medical condition, and it can greatly affect your life. Tinnitus can be very stressful, and some people with persistent tinnitus experience anxiety, depression, or insomnia. 
• Is your tinnitus synchronized with your heartbeat? Some people may have pulsatile tinnitus, which means that your tinnitus pulses in time with your heartbeat. Pulsatile tinnitus can be relatively harmless, but could also be a sign of a serious medical condition, such as a brain tumor or heart problem, so be sure to talk to your doctor.
• What other symptoms are you experiencing? If you have ear pain, dizziness or vertigo, vision changes, headaches, and/or facial numbness, you should seek medical attention as quickly as possible. If you have symptoms such as a head injury, facial weakness, or other urgent symptoms you should seek out immediate medical care at the emergency room immediately. 

Ear Conditions That Could Cause Unilateral Tinnitus

There are many known causes of tinnitus, but some conditions are more likely to impact just one ear, leading to unilateral tinnitus:

• Blockage in the ear canal, often from excessive earwax
• Foreign objects in the ear canal
• Congestion in the ear and sinus infections
• Middle ear infection
• Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL)
• Meniere’s disease
• Labyrinthitis
• Acoustic neuroma

Causes Of Unilateral Tinnitus Explained

As we can see, there are many possible causes of unilateral tinnitus. It could be something as simple as an active ear infection or a certain medication. On the other hand, it could be from something more intense, such as an acoustic trauma from exposure to loud noise. This may be from a sound like the discharging of a gun close to the ear. It may or may not resolve on its own, and may also be accompanied by hearing loss. 

Middle Ear Infections

Middle ear infections, also known as otitis media, could cause tinnitus in just one ear. Ear infections are typically accompanied by earache, hearing loss, and sometimes discharge. In cases of acute ear infection, the pain can be quite severe and spark a fever. In this case, seek urgent medical attention. With proper medical treatment, ear infections typically resolve.

Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL)

Hearing loss itself can cause tinnitus. In the absence of sound input, your brain attempts to compensate, leading to a nuisance ringing in your ears. If you have a new onset of hearing loss, make an appointment with your audiologist right away. Tinnitus and hearing loss are closely related, so having sudden new hearing loss can definitely be accompanied by tinnitus, in either one or both ears.  

Acoustic Neuroma

Another possible cause of a unilateral tinnitus could be something called an acoustic neuroma, also known as vestibular schwannoma. This is a slow-growing, benign (non-cancerous) tumor that grows on the auditory nerve and can cause hearing loss and dizziness, as well as tinnitus. Even though acoustic neuromas are not cancerous, they can grow rapidly and interfere with brain function. Getting early and regular medical exams is important to prevent long-term issues and make sure that a neuroma is being managed safely and properly. 

Labyrinthitis

Your inner ears do more than pick up on auditory signals. The vestibular system controls your sense of balance, coordinates your eye and head movements, and helps you detect your spatial position. Diseases of the vestibular system include labyrinthitis and Meniere’s disease.

Labyrinthitis is a viral or a bacterial infection of the inner ear, or the vestibular and cochlear nerve branches connected to it. It is called labyrinthitis because the most troublesome symptom – dizziness – comes from the dysfunction of the labyrinth, the inner ear organ within the vestibular system which controls our balance. You may also have hearing loss, vertigo and tinnitus. Like other ear infections, labyrinthitis may affect only one ear. It usually lasts only a few weeks with treatment from your doctor. 

Meniere’s Disease

Meniere’s disease is a less common disorder of the inner ear, which can trigger attacks of vertigo and hearing loss in only one ear. These symptoms are also often accompanied by roaring tinnitus and pressure in the ear (aural fullness). Unfortunately, Meniere’s disease is a chronic progressive condition. You may experience temporary hearing loss, but it can eventually become permanent. Aside from progressive hearing loss, the symptoms are likely to come and go, and have the potential to lessen over time. There is no cure for Meniere’s disease, but there are treatments that can help ease symptoms.  

Non-Ear Related Causes Of Tinnitus In One Ear

It should be noted that unilateral tinnitus can also be due to a non-ear related disorder, such as:

• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems
• Certain antibiotics
• Cancer drugs
• Nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Blood vessel disorders
• High blood pressure
• Carotid artery issues
• Multiple sclerosis
• Autoimmune disorders
• Brain tumors
• Head and neck injuries

What To Do If You Develop Tinnitus In One Ear

Managing tinnitus can be tricky, especially because everyone’s experience is unique. The type, sound, and severity of tinnitus can vary, even from day to day. However, if you’re experiencing tinnitus in one ear, you should make it a priority to see a medical professional, such as an ENT doctor or audiologist. Your doctors will complete tests to assess your hearing ability. They’ll also test whether the hearing between both ears is the same, or if each ear hears at a different level. Depending on the results of the tests, your doctor may order further tests and evaluations such as an MRI to determine if there is a more serious underlying issue. 

What can be done about unilateral tinnitus? That depends on the root cause. If it is something simple like ear wax impacted in your ears, the wax can be removed fairly easily. If there is a sudden hearing loss or an active infection, you will likely require additional treatment. Only a doctor will be able to properly diagnose and treat you, so it is important to follow their instructions to avoid further, and possibly permanent, damage.

Whatever the cause of your tinnitus, rest assured knowing that our team of audiologists at Treble Health have helped thousands of patients reduce their tinnitus symptoms over time.

Noise in the ears. Everything you need to know about it!

General information

Quiet or loud, constant or pulsating noise in the head is a common phenomenon. It affects up to 30% of the population. Of these, one in four hears extraneous sounds constantly, and in one case out of a hundred, interference causes real suffering. So it’s a pretty nasty…disease?

Do I need to see a doctor?

Tinnitus is not considered a disease, it is a symptom, sometimes a serious one. It indicates a malfunction in the body. So you need to go to the hospital, especially if it brings inconvenience, appeared suddenly, lasts several hours, or is accompanied by dizziness.

You should prepare for a visit to the doctor, try to determine what provokes auditory pathology, after what events it occurs. And also to understand its character (ringing, squeaking, hum, etc.) and remember how strong it is. This helps the technician find the cause. For example, a hissing pulsating sound indicates a violation of the work of blood vessels. Intense “grasshopper trill” or “crunch of snow” – muscles contract next to the ear. Periodic loud noise in the ears, which increases with an attack of headache – swelling in the head. Low-frequency with hearing loss and a feeling that the ears are stuffed up – a problem of the auditory organs (wax plug, otitis media, etc.). Getting worse before dizziness, possibly with nausea – Meniere’s disease. Noise “according to circumstances” (an airplane takes off, diving into water, etc.) plus nausea and dizziness – barotrauma, and so on.

It is not superfluous to have your blood pressure measured several days before your visit to a health facility.

Types of noise

The described disease is of two types. The objective one really exists, it can be traced. It is generated in the process of vibration of any areas due to vascular disorders, neuromuscular, joint and muscle disorders, when the blood flow from laminar turns into turbulent.

Subjective sounds do not exist, although the patient perceives them as real. They occur due to irritation of the auditory nerve. This type is called tinnitus (lat. tinnitus – ringing). According to prof. P. Yastreboff (USA), these are “auditory sensations that are solely the result of the activity of the nervous system and are not associated with mechanical and oscillatory processes in the cochlea.”

Subjective auditory sensations are usually found in the elderly. Often they are accompanied by partial hearing loss in the medium frequency range. Children almost never have them.

Classification

Acad. IB Soldatova (USSR) distinguish 4 degrees of tinnitus:

1. Working capacity is not reduced. A person gets used to extraneous sounds “in the brain” relatively easily and painlessly.
2. Noise is distinct. Especially well “heard” at night. Slightly annoying.
3. Extraneous sounds are heard all the time. They are distracting and disturbing. The patient becomes irritable, sleeps badly.
4. Noise disturbs the patient constantly and is very hard to bear. Efficiency drops down to zero.

Otolarynologists distinguish extraneous sounds – vascular, muscular, sensorineural (central or peripheral) and others. As well as constant and periodic, low- or high-frequency, strongly and weakly expressed, in one ear or in both.

According to the ranking in German clinics, tinnitus can be of duration: topical (acute, up to 3 months), moderate (non-acute, 3 months – 1 year) or chronic (over 1 year). According to symptoms: compensated, in which the noise in the head is insignificant, without big troubles. Or decompensated, which leads to the appearance of secondary neuropsychiatric diseases (depression, insomnia, lack of concentration, constant anxiety).

Causes of tinnitus

There are several thousand auditory cells in the inner ear. With their hairs, they pick up sound vibrations and convert them into electrical signals that are sent to the brain. When the organ is functioning normally, the movements of the hairs correspond to sound waves. If these biosensors are damaged or irritated, then they move randomly. As a result, the brain receives a mixture of unmodulated electrical impulses, which it considers noise.

Most often, the functionality of the cells of the inner ear is impaired due to presbycusus, when age-related changes occur closer to old age (usually after 60 years). Or as a result of damage due to prolonged exposure to too loud sounds. Not in the last place are ear diseases, hypertension and anemia. As well as stress and neurosis. The latter form a vicious circle. A person is excited, because of this, he makes a noise in his head, and the noise, in turn, worsens the psychological state.

There are other causes of tinnitus. Among the most famous are the ingress of a foreign body or the formation of a sulfur plug. Taking certain medications for a long time. This is especially true of antibiotics and aspirin. This also includes factors that raise blood pressure: alcohol, stress, caffeine. A similar result will be as a result of an injury with damage to the inner ear.

In the etiology, there are also more rare reasons, such as a change in the structure or a decrease in the mobility of the auditory ossicles, diabetes mellitus and atherosclerosis. There may be a violation of the capillaries, a head or cervical tumor, pathology of the temporomandibular joint or cervical spine. In general, we can say that extraneous sounds appear due to many diseases: ENT, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, blood and metabolism, nervous system, including mental ones. A specific list of diseases deserves a separate article.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of tinnitus begins with the patient describing their symptoms and medications they are taking. Next – otoscopy (examination of the ear canal to detect sulfur plugs, secretions, infections, tumors). Then there may be endoscopy, audiometry, tympanometry, MRI and ultrasound. A general examination is also necessary, as the problem often occurs due to other, non-hearing diseases. If necessary, then consultation of an oncologist, audiologist, otoneurologist.

Treatment

Treatment for tinnitus depends on the diagnosis. The sulfur plug is washed out with saline. A medication with a side effect is canceled. With a tumor, the patient is referred to an oncologist. There is no single treatment regimen and a “universal” drug. Basically, conservative methods are used: physical, therapeutic, audio maskers, hearing aids, reflex and psychotherapy.

The TRT model (tinnitus retraining therapy, authored by Prof. P. Jastreboff, USA) is the dominant one in the world practice. The essence of the technology is that the masker generates “white noise”, which is perceived by the subcortical auditory pathways as neutral. Similarly, disturbing noise also loses its significance and ceases to be taken seriously by the brain.

Surgical intervention is rarely practiced. It is prescribed for tumors, injuries of the auditory organs, slippage of the cervical vertebrae and in some other cases.

Noise in the ears varies in frequency – in the form of a hum, squeak, ringing or “gurgling”

What to do about tinnitus?

Try to identify your disease by the symptoms described below and go to the page with a description of the methods of its treatment.

What causes tinnitus?

Low-frequency noise – in the form of a hum – occurs in inflammatory diseases of the middle ear (acute otitis media and chronic otitis media) and sometimes in the presence of cerumen in the external auditory canal.
High-frequency noise – like a squeak or whistle – appears when the auditory receptors in the inner ear or brain are damaged (sensoneural hearing loss).

How to get rid of tinnitus?

Low-frequency murmur resolves with conservative or surgical treatment (eg adhesive otitis media).

The high-pitched noise that occurs with acute sensorineural hearing loss usually resolves with treatment.
Prevention of hearing loss in chronic sensorineural hearing loss reduces the intensity of constant long-term high-frequency noise.

Please rate the article.:

Experienced ENT doctors

Fundamental theoretical training and extensive practical experience, combined with a careful individual approach, are the reason for the success of the treatment of thousands of our patients

Every day 27

ENT doctors work in the clinic

Including 4

candidates of medical sciences

Over 12 000

successfully performed operations

Lebedinskaya Elena Aleksandrovna

ENT doctor, surgeon, founder of the Ear, Throat, nose

Candidate of Medical Sciences

Utkina Natalia Pavlovna

ENT doctor

Candidate of Medical Sciences

Sindyaev Aleksey Viktorovich

ENT doctor, surgeon. Head of the clinic at G. Zvezda, 31a

Shaidurova Valentina Nikolaevna

ENT doctor, surgeon

Vereshchagina Lidia Vladimirovna

ENT doctor, surgeon

Sushkov Mikhail Germanovich

ENT doctor, phoniatrist, surgeon. Head of the clinic at K. Zetkin, 9

Dolgikh Elena Pavlovna

ENT doctor

Makarova Lyudmila Germanovna

ENT doctor, audiologist, surgeon.

Zykin Oleg Vladimirovich

ENT doctor, surgeon

Gasheeva Irina Valerievna

ENT doctor, surgeon

Semerikova Natalia Alexandrovna

ENT doctor, surgeon

Candidate of Medical Sciences

Zaitsev Kirill Yurievich

Anesthesiologist

Anfil atov Andrey Viktorovich

ENT doctor, surgeon

Golovach Svetlana Vyacheslavovna

ENT doctor

Voronchikhina Natalia Valerievna

Otoneurologist, surgeon

Candidate of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of PSMU

Osadchy Anton Pavlovich

ENT doctor, surgeon. Head of the ENT department

Generalchuk Lyudmila Vladimirovna

ENT doctor

Volkova Nadezhda Gennadievna

ENT doctor

Yurkov Vladislav Sergeevich

ENT doctor, surgeon 9 0005

Sushkov Mikhail Germanovich

ENT doctor, phoniatrist, surgeon. Head of the clinic at K. Zetkin, 9

Korotaeva Vladlena Alexandrovna

ENT doctor, surgeon

Tervo Svetlana Olegovna

Akutina Alena Vladimirovna

ENT doctor, surgeon

Ivanova Anastasia Alexandrovna

ENT doctor

Shevyrina Natalia Grigorievna

ENT doctor

Antonova Elena Vasilievna

Doctor allergist-immunologist

Be healthy!

Make an appointment with a doctor!

Enter your name *

Enter your phone *

Select an ENT doctor
Choose an ENT doctorLebedinskaya Elena AleksandrovnaUtkina Natalya PavlovnaTervo Svetlana OlegovnaKotelnikova Yuliya YurievnaSindyaev Aleksey ViktorovichShaidurova Valentina NikolaevnaVereshchagina Lidia VladimirovnaSushkov Mikhail GermanovichDolgikh Elena PavlovnaMakarova Lyudmila GermanovnaZykin Oleg VladimirovichMeltseva Elena VladimirovnaGasheeva Irina ValerievnaSemerikova Na Taliya AlexandrovnaZaytsev Kirill YuryevichAnfilatov Andrey ViktorovichSamolovskikh Larisa VasilievnaGolovach Svetlana VyacheslavovnaVoronchikhina Natalia ValerievnaOsadchy Anton PavlovichGeneralchuk Lyudmila VladimirovnaMorgunenko Igor DmitrievichKomlik Lyubov NikolaevnaVolkova Nadezhda GennadievnaOstanin Sergey GrigorievichTen Maxim EduardovichYurkov Vladislav SergeevichOkulova Olga ViktorovnaKorotaeva Vladlena AleksandrovnaDavlyatshina Olesya AlekseevnaGilyazova Larisa Levonovna

By submitting data, I consent to the processing of personal data * *

Hello, when cleaning the ears with chopsticks, there is blood (a little) from two ears at the end.