Sounds in ear - Tinnitus
Tinnitus (pronounced ti-ni-tis) or ringing in the ears is the sensation of hearing ringing, buzzing, hissing, chirping, whistling, or other sounds. The noise can be intermittent or continuous, and can vary in loudness. It is often worse when background noise is low so you may be most aware of it at night when you're trying to fall asleep in a quiet room. In rare cases, the sound beats in sync with your heart (pulsatile tinnitus).
What Causes Tinnitus?
- Blockages of the ear due to a buildup of wax, an ear infection, or rarely, a benign tumor of the auditory nerve.
- Certain drugs – most notably aspirin, several types of antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and antidepressants.
- The natural aging process, which can cause deterioration of the cochlea or other parts of the ear.
- Meniere's disease or Otosclerosis which affects the middle or inner part of the ear.
Complications
Tinnitus can significantly affect quality of life. You may also experience:
- Fatigue & Stress
- Sleep problems
- Trouble concentrating
- Anxiety and irritability