Overview
Tinnitus is the perception of noise or ringing in the ears. It's a common problem that affects about 15% to 20% of people. Tinnitus isn't a condition itself – it's a symptom of an underlying condition, such as age-related hearing loss, ear injury or a circulatory system disorder.
Common symptoms
- Ringing, buzzing, roaring, clicking, or hissing sounds in the ears
- Sounds that may vary in pitch from a low roar to a high squeal
- Sounds that may be heard in one or both ears
- Pulsatile tinnitus: A rhythmic pulsing or whooshing sound, often in time with your heartbeat
When to see an ENT
- Tinnitus that occurs suddenly or without an apparent cause
- Tinnitus in only one ear (unilateral tinnitus)
- Tinnitus that is accompanied by hearing loss or dizziness
- Tinnitus that significantly affects your sleep, work, or daily activities
- Pulsatile tinnitus
What we do
- Comprehensive history and physical examination of the head and neck
- Full audiometric evaluation (hearing test) to identify any associated hearing loss
- Tympanometry to assess middle ear function
- Imaging (MRI or CT) if specific underlying causes are suspected
Management options
- Treating the underlying medical condition (e.g., wax removal, treating infection)
- Hearing aids if hearing loss is present
- Sound masking devices or white noise machines
- Counseling and Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT)
- Lifestyle adjustments (reducing caffeine, managing stress)