Ringing in the ears or tinnitus is a condition when someone hears a buzzing or ringing sound or a noisy sound (crackles) or like wind without any external sound source. This condition can be temporary or permanent and can interfere with daily activities. Here are the causes and how to overcome it:
Causes of Ringing in the Ears
- Disorders of the ear ranging from the outer ear such as earwax that blocks the ear, disorders of the middle ear such as the presence of fluid or infection or pressure disorders as a result of disruption of the Eustachian tube to problems with the cochlea such as Meniere's disease or sudden deafness.
- Drugs that have toxic effects on the cochlea such as TB drugs, high-dose aspirin, NSAIDs, aminoglycosides, antibiotic chemotherapy and several classes of antihypertensive drugs (diuretics) can cause tinnitus as a side effect.
- Noise Exposure and the Aging Process / Presbycusis . As we age, the hearing cells in the cochlea begin to weaken, causing hearing loss and often accompanied by tinnitus.
- Neurological Disorders
- Metabolic Problems or Disorders
- Blood vessel problems, from hypertension to blood vessel tumors that are close to the ear or tumors in the brain area that are close to the auditory nerve.
- Psychogenic / Psychology. Excessive stress can make the brain more sensitive to sounds in the body, including ringing in the ears, making tinnitus symptoms more pronounced.
How to Treat Tinnitus
- Avoid Loud Noises
Use ear plugs when in noisy environments and limit earphone volume to prevent further hearing damage. - Maintain Proper Ear Hygiene
Avoid cleaning your ears with cotton buds. If they feel blocked, use ear drops or consult an ENT doctor. - Manage Stress and Anxiety
Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or light exercise to reduce stress that can worsen tinnitus. - Reduce Caffeine, Alcohol, and Nicotine
This substance can affect blood circulation and worsen tinnitus, so it is best to reduce or avoid it. - Use Sound Therapy
Listening to nature sounds, soft music, or white noise can help distract from tinnitus, especially while sleeping. - Maintain Cardiovascular Health
Eat healthy foods, exercise regularly, and control your blood pressure to maintain good blood circulation to your ears. - Use Hearing Aids
If tinnitus is accompanied by hearing loss, hearing aids can help improve hearing and reduce the ringing. - Consultation with an ENT Doctor
If tinnitus is getting worse or does not improve, see a doctor immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment. Especially for tinnitus accompanied by balance disorders or hearing disorders or both.
By maintaining hearing health and avoiding triggers, tinnitus can be controlled so that it does not interfere with daily activities.
Article written by dr. Josuadi Siregar, Sp.THT-BKL (Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist, EMC Pulomas Hospital).