Ringing in the ears, or better known as tinnitus, is a condition that often makes sufferers feel uncomfortable. Usually, tinnitus is characterized by a buzzing sound or other sounds that can only be heard by the person experiencing it. This sound can appear temporarily or last for a longer period of time.
Although many people experience this condition, often the cause of tinnitus is not immediately known. However, there are various factors that can trigger tinnitus. This article will discuss the causes of tinnitus and how to overcome the problem.
What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is a condition in which a person hears sounds in their ears or head, even though there is no external sound source causing it. The sounds heard can be buzzing, hissing, rumbling, or even a sound like a ringing bell. This condition can occur in one or both ears and is usually temporary. However, for some people, tinnitus can become a chronic problem that interferes with their quality of life.
Causes of Tinnitus
There are a variety of factors that can cause or worsen tinnitus. Some of the most common causes include:
1. Exposure to Loud Noise
Exposure to loud noises over long periods of time, such as listening to music at high volume or working in a high-noise environment (e.g. a factory or concert), is one of the main causes of tinnitus.
These loud sounds can damage the hair cells in the ear that are responsible for sending sound signals to the brain, causing disorders in the hearing system.
2. Ear Disease
Various health problems in the ear, such as infections, wax buildup, or disorders of the eardrum, can trigger tinnitus. Ear infections can cause inflammation that interferes with hearing and triggers ringing sounds.
3. Hearing Disorders
A common cause of tinnitus is age-related hearing loss or presbycusis. As a person ages, their hearing naturally declines, which can lead to tinnitus.
This hearing loss is often caused by damage to the hair cells in the cochlea (the part of the inner ear responsible for detecting sound).
4. Head or Neck Injury
An injury to the head or neck, such as a concussion or trauma to the cervical spine, can disrupt blood flow to the inner ear and auditory system. This can lead to tinnitus, which may occur immediately after the injury or some time later.
5. Side Effects of Drugs
Some medications, such as antibiotics, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), diuretics, and chemotherapy drugs, can trigger tinnitus as a side effect. Long-term or high-dose use of medications can affect ear function and cause hearing loss.
6. Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety can worsen tinnitus. When the body is under high stress, tinnitus symptoms can become more pronounced or occur more frequently. Unstable emotions can affect blood flow and nerve function related to hearing.
Tinnitus Symptoms
In addition to hearing sounds that have no source, tinnitus sufferers often experience additional symptoms, such as:
- Sleep disturbance due to disturbing sounds.
- Fatigue or feeling stressed due to constant hearing of sounds.
- Difficulty concentrating on work or daily activities.
How to Treat Tinnitus
Although tinnitus often cannot be completely cured, there are ways to manage and reduce its impact:
- Avoiding Exposure to Loud Noises
It is important to protect your ears from loud noises by using ear protection or earplugs, especially when working in noisy environments. Reducing the volume of music and other sounds can also help reduce the risk of ear damage.
- Medical Treatment
If tinnitus is caused by an ear infection, earwax buildup, or other medical condition, proper medication or medical treatment can help reduce symptoms. See an ENT specialist for further examination and treatment.
- Sound Therapy
Some tinnitus sufferers find relief from listening to background noises such as soft music or nature sounds to distract them from their tinnitus. This sound therapy can help shift focus away from the annoying ringing sound.
- Stress Management
Managing stress through relaxation, meditation, or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help reduce the impact of tinnitus. Reducing anxiety and body tension can also minimize tinnitus symptoms.
- Consultation with a Health Professional
If tinnitus starts to affect your quality of life, you should immediately consult a medical professional to get the appropriate treatment. Sometimes, hearing aids or sound masks can be given to help sufferers cope with tinnitus.
Preventing and Managing Tinnitus for Optimal Ear Health
Tinnitus is a condition that can affect the quality of life of sufferers, but by knowing the causes and how to treat it, we can reduce its impact. If you experience tinnitus that lasts a long time or gets worse, consult a doctor immediately to get the right treatment.
Remember, hearing health is very important, and keeping your ears healthy is the first step to preventing tinnitus.
Article written by dr. Yupitri Pitoyo, Sp.THT-KL (Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist, Head and Neck Surgery, EMC Pekayon Hospital).