"I often hear this from my patients: “Doctor, I hear a ringing in my ears. It’s driving me mad, but no one else can hear it.” This is tinnitus, or what many describe as a phantom sound. It can be a soft, occasional buzzing or a persistent high-pitched tone. While some people barely notice it, others find it impossible to ignore," shared Dr Manjunath MK, Senior Consultant – ENT Surgeon, Gleneagles BGS Hospital, Kengeri, Bengaluru.
Why Do Our Ears Ring When Nothing Is There?
Tinnitus is not a disease on its own; it’s a signal from your auditory system. Sometimes it appears when the nerves in the inner ear send extra signals to the brain. Think of it like static on a poorly tuned radio — your brain interprets these misfires as sound, even though there’s nothing outside producing it.
“The type of sound varies. Some patients hear a ringing, others a hissing, clicking, or even a pulsing that matches their heartbeat. The pitch, volume, and frequency are unique to each person, which is why tinnitus can feel so frustrating and personal,” said Dr Manjunath.
Also Read: Could Ringing In Your Ears Be Linked To High Blood Pressure Or Poor Circulation? Doctor answers
Unexpected Triggers of Ear Tinnitus
Many people connect tinnitus only with loud music or getting older, and while that’s often true, it can also show up in ways you might not expect:
- Stress and Anxiety: Emotional pressure can make the phantom ringing feel louder and more persistent.
- Noise Exposure: Sometimes, attending a concert or wearing headphones for an extended period can irritate the ear, causing ringing for a while.
- Medications or Health Conditions: Some medicines, including strong painkillers or certain antibiotics, can disturb the ear. Health issues like high blood pressure, thyroid disease, or diabetes may add to the problem.
- Silence: Strangely, complete silence can make tinnitus feel stronger. Without background noise, the brain locks onto the ringing more sharply.
Living With Tinnitus
No two people experience tinnitus the same way. A person with normal hearing may hardly notice it, while someone else with comparable hearing feels it dominating, disrupting sleep, making concentration difficult, and draining daily energy. The worry and irritation it generates are real, often harder to live with than the sound itself.
Managing the Noise
There isn’t a single cure for tinnitus, but there are ways to reduce its impact:
- Treat Underlying Conditions: Health issues, such as ear infections and hearing loss, can worsen tinnitus. Treating these often brings relief.
- Sound Therapy: Playing soft music, using a gentle hum, or keeping some background noise can help cover up the ringing in your ears.
- Stress Relief: Paying attention to your breathing, practicing mindfulness, or having a conversation with a therapist can help your body relax. As you calm down, the ringing in your ears usually becomes quieter and less distracting.
- Hearing Assistance: Hearing aids can help patients with hearing loss, making tinnitus less noticeable.
Also Read: Harmless Ear Bud Can Trigger Tinnitus, How to Safely Clean Your Ears?
Message From The Expert
Dr Manjunath said, "Tinnitus may be overwhelming at times, but it shouldn't dominate your life. The crucial first step is to recognise it and consult with a professional. Early consultation with an ENT specialist can help identify underlying causes, suggest effective coping strategies, and empower patients to take control. By understanding what triggers tinnitus and how it manifests, you can begin to find peace and reclaim your quiet moments."
Consider ringing in your ears to be a signal that your body requires treatment. While the noise can be unsettling, it doesn't have to dominate your life. With the right support and coping techniques, you can learn to manage it and reduce its impact.