What is it?
Tinnitus means hearing a sound – ringing, buzzing, hissing or humming – in the ear or head when there is no outside sound. It is a symptom, not a disease. It is often linked to hearing loss, ear wax, ear infections, loud noise or stress.
Common symptoms
- Ringing, buzzing or whistling in one or both ears
- Sound more noticeable at night or in quiet rooms
- Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
- May come with hearing loss, ear fullness or dizziness
How we diagnose it here
- Ear examination with otoscope / microscope to look for wax, infection or eardrum problems
- Audiometry to check for hearing loss
- Balance tests if there is also dizziness
- Further tests only when needed – for example, tinnitus in one ear only
Tests used: Ear Microscopy Audiometry (Hearing Test)
Treatment options
- Treating the cause – for example, wax removal or treating an infection
- Advice on hearing aids if there is hearing loss
- Sound therapy and counselling to reduce how much the sound bothers you
- Tips on sleep, stress and protecting your ears from loud noise
The right treatment for you is decided by the doctor after examination and tests.
When to seek urgent care
If tinnitus starts with sudden hearing loss in one ear, see an ENT doctor as early as possible (within 24–48 hours).
If you have sudden severe dizziness with weakness, slurred speech, chest pain or loss of consciousness, go to the nearest emergency hospital immediately.