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Some people complain of hearing ringing or other sounds, such as hissing or whistling, in one or both ears. These sounds can be loud or low-pitched and interfere with concentration and hearing.

This complaint is called tinnitus, and it is a relatively common condition that can be temporary or chronic.

Symptoms of tinnitus:

● Tinnitus can be described as phantom noises with no external sound present, but rather ringing in the ears accompanied by:
(a hissing, buzzing, clicking, or roaring sound).

● In rare cases, tinnitus occurs as a rhythmic pulsation or whistling sound, which may coincide with the heartbeat.
This condition is called rhythmic tinnitus.

What causes tinnitus?

● The most common cause is long-term exposure to loud noises, as the noise affects the sound-sensitive cells in the cochlea.

● Some medical conditions can lead to tinnitus, such as earwax blockage, ear infection, or a benign tumor on the acoustic nerve.

● Side effects of certain medications, such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, aspirin, antidepressants, and diuretics.

● Aging: Aging causes deterioration of the cochlea and may lead to tinnitus.

● Hardening of the small bones in the middle ear.

● Other conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, immune diseases, diabetes, and hypothyroidism.

● Head and neck injuries.

● As a result of smoking, alcohol consumption, stress, and fatigue.

Hearing Test (Audiometry):

● If you may be experiencing tinnitus, visit your doctor for a physical examination of your ears to detect any apparent symptoms.

● You will also need a hearing test to check your ability to hear a range of tones and view the results of an audiogram of your ears.

Eardrum Measurement:

● Your doctor will perform an otogram, which involves examining your eardrum using a device called a tympanometer.

● He or she may also require other procedures, such as an MRI, to view detailed images of your ear.

● This is to determine what is causing your tinnitus and determine the best treatment approach.

Tinnitus Treatment:
If the noise is caused by any other cause, the first step in treatment is to address the underlying cause. For example:

● If your tinnitus is caused by excessive earwax, your audiologist will clean your ear by suctioning the wax out with an instrument or rinsing your ear with warm water.

● If you have an ear infection, you may need hydrocortisone drops to clear the infection.

There are also some treatment options that can help reduce tinnitus, including:

1. Medications: Some anti-anxiety and antidepressant medications, taken in low doses and under the supervision of a physician, have been shown to help reduce tinnitus.
2. Hearing aids: If tinnitus is accompanied by some hearing loss, hearing aids are a good option to help you hear better.
   Hearing aids such as sound generators, mask tinnitus by producing soothing sounds that mask the tinnitus.
3. Relaxation: Stress and anxiety can increase the severity of tinnitus. Relaxation techniques can help you learn to relieve stress and better manage anxiety.
4. Alternative treatments: There are many nutritional supplements and herbal preparations, such as Ginkgo biloba, that have been shown to be effective in reducing tinnitus.