Tinnitus

Overview

More than a third of people occasionally hear noises in their ears for which there doesn't seem to be an outside source. If these noises don't disappear on their own after a while, a doctor should be consulted. Tinnitus retraining therapy can help for chronic cases.

Symptoms

Main symptoms

• Thumping, tapping, buzzing or hissing
• Whistling, squeaking, ringing
• Whooshing, whizzing

The noises can vary from person to person. The most common symptom of chronic tinnitus is a high-pitched ringing.

Other symptoms

• The noise is always there or only appears at specific times
• The sound is constant, pulsing, or gets louder and softer
• The quality of life can be affected, especially if the sounds within the ear are loud

Tinnitus can spontaneously stop for a while or disappear completely at any time.

Causes and treatment

Causes

• Impaired circulation in the inner ear
• Accident (with a blow to the head)
• Stress and other psychological factors
• Viral infection, middle ear infection, inflammation of the Eustachian tube
• Medication, poison, alcohol, nicotine
• Diabetes mellitus
• Underactive or overactive thyroid
• Muscular tension, in particular around the cervical spine

In many cases, however, the cause remains unclear.

Further treatment by your doctor / in hospital

Possible tests

• Hearing test (audiometry)
• Blood test (search for infection)
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)

Possible therapies

• Cortisone tablets
• Tinnitus retraining therapy comprises four areas:
  • Explanation of disease
  • Psychological counselling
  • Relaxation methods
  • Use of devices that produce sounds to mask the tinnitus

What can I do myself?

• Wear ear protectors
• Give your ears some rest without any noise

When to see a doctor?

• Tinnitus isn’t an emergency, but a doctor should be consulted reasonably quickly
  • The noises heard in the ear are accompanied by sudden deafness
  • Severe dizziness occurs at the same time
  • The noises in the ear don't disappear on their own

Synonyms

Tinnitus