Tinnitus is one of those health issues that may not be life-threatening but can be incredibly frustrating and disruptive to daily life. Many people describe it as hearing a constant ringing, buzzing, humming, or even hissing sound in one or both ears. For some, it’s a mild background noise they can ignore.

For others, it’s loud enough to interfere with sleep, focus, and even emotional well-being. In India, tinnitus is more common than many realise, especially among people over 40, those exposed to loud noises, or those with existing ear conditions. Understanding what causes tinnitus, how it can be treated, and what can be done to prevent it can make a big difference in managing the condition.

What exactly is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is not a disease itself-it’s a symptom. It occurs when you hear sounds that have no external source. This means the sound is not coming from your surroundings but from inside your auditory system. Tinnitus can be subjective (only you can hear it) or, in sporadic cases, objective (a doctor can also listen to it during an examination). It can happen temporarily, such as after attending a loud wedding or concert, or it can be a chronic issue lasting for months or years.

Common Causes of Tinnitus

Tinnitus can result from many different factors. Identifying the underlying cause is the first step toward treatment. Here are some of the most common reasons:

Hearing Loss due to Ageing (Presbycusis) - As we age, the tiny hair cells in the inner ear can become damaged or die. These cells help transmit sound signals to the brain, and when they don’t work correctly, the brain sometimes creates phantom noises to fill the gap.
Exposure to Loud Noises - Noise pollution is a growing problem. Firecrackers, loudspeakers, traffic horns, and high-volume music can damage hearing over time, leading to tinnitus.
Earwax Blockage - Earwax protects your ear canal, but too much can block it, causing pressure and affecting hearing. This sometimes triggers tinnitus.
Ear and Sinus Infections - Any inflammation or infection in the ear or sinus can affect hearing and cause temporary tinnitus.
Ototoxic Medications - Certain medicines, including some antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and high doses of aspirin, can harm the inner ear and cause tinnitus as a side effect.
Medical Conditions - Problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid disorders, and even jaw (TMJ) issues can sometimes trigger tinnitus.
Stress and Anxiety - While not a direct cause, stress can make tinnitus worse by heightening awareness of the sound.

Symptoms and How They Feel

The main symptom is hearing a noise with no external source. The sound can be:

Ringing
Buzzing
Clicking
Roaring
Hissing

Some people experience the sound continuously; others notice it comes and goes. It might be more noticeable at night or in quiet environments when there’s less background noise.

Diagnosing Tinnitus

If you notice persistent tinnitus, it’s essential to consult an ENT specialist. The doctor will:

Review your medical history
Conduct a hearing test (audiometry)
Examine your ears for blockages or infection
Check blood pressure and other health indicators
Sometimes, imaging tests like MRI or CT scans are used if a structural problem is suspected.

Treatment Options for Tinnitus

There’s no universal “cure” for tinnitus, but treatments aim to address the cause, reduce the perception of the sound, and improve quality of life. Options include:

Advanced Injection Therapy for Tinnitus

One of the most advanced methods in recent times is targeted injection therapy. This process injects anti-inflammatory or neuro-modulating drugs into the middle ear or adjacent tissues.

How It Works:

A trained doctor determines the cause and intensity of tinnitus.

A measured dose of therapeutic medication is injected close to the areas of the auditory nerve pathways.

The objective is to minimize inflammation, enhance nerve function, and restore equilibrium in processing auditory signals.

Benefits:

Minimally invasive

Aims for the targeted area directly

May provide quicker symptom relief than systemic drugs

When Recommended:

Injection treatment is usually recommended for patients with acute-onset tinnitus, inflammatory cases, or in cases where standard treatments have failed to yield adequate relief.

Treating the Underlying Cause - Removing earwax, treating infections, or adjusting medications can sometimes make tinnitus go away entirely.
Hearing Aids - If tinnitus is linked to hearing loss, hearing aids can help by amplifying environmental sounds, making the ringing less noticeable.
Sound Therapy - This involves listening to white noise, nature sounds, or specially designed tinnitus maskers that reduce the contrast between tinnitus and silence.
Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) - A combination of counselling and sound therapy that trains your brain to ignore the tinnitus sound.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) - A form of counselling that helps reduce the emotional distress caused by tinnitus.
Medications - While no drug directly cures tinnitus, certain medicines can help reduce anxiety, depression, or sleep problems linked to it.
Lifestyle Changes - Reducing caffeine, alcohol, and smoking can sometimes improve symptoms.

Living with Tinnitus

For many, tinnitus becomes a long-term companion. The key is learning how to live with it without letting it control your life. Some coping strategies include:

Playing soft background music at night
Practising relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation
Avoiding complete silence
Staying physically active to improve blood circulation
Managing stress through hobbies or exercise

Prevention Tips

While not all cases of tinnitus can be prevented, you can take steps to reduce your risk:

Protect Your Ears - Wear earplugs when attending loud events or working in noisy environments.
Keep Volume Moderate - Use the 60/60 rule for headphones: no more than 60% volume for 60 minutes at a time.
Regular Checkups - Get your hearing tested, especially if you work in a noisy place.
Manage Health Conditions - Keep blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol under control.
Reduce Stress - Chronic stress can worsen tinnitus, so find ways to relax.

When to See a Doctor Immediately

Seek urgent medical advice if:

Tinnitus starts suddenly
You have hearing loss in one ear.
You experience dizziness, weakness, or facial drooping.
The sound pulses in time with your heartbeat (pulsatile tinnitus)

Final Thoughts

Tinnitus might not have an all-encompassing cure, but it is manageable when you take the proper method. The early detection, awareness and a mix of lifestyle and medical treatments can make a significant difference in minimising the impact on everyday life.

If someone in your family or friends suffers from tinnitus, don't dismiss it. See with an ENT specialist, investigate treatment options and be proactive about the health of your ears.

Tinnitus Explained: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention