Tinnitus in the Ear: What Causes It and How to Treat It

Tinnitus is an irritating symptom often perceived as persistent ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears. Although frequently considered a minor annoyance, for many, tinnitus can be an extremely uncomfortable condition that significantly impacts quality of life. According to Dr. Olga Papadopoulou, Director of Otorhinolaryngology at Metropolitan Hospital, ‘The nature and extent of tinnitus vary considerably among individuals, ranging from intermittent sounds barely noticed to constant noises that interfere with even simple daily activities.’ Tinnitus can be categorized into subjective and objective types. Subjective tinnitus, the most common type, is only heard by the patient and may result from issues in the outer, middle, or inner ear, auditory nerve disorders, or brain dysfunction in interpreting sound signals. Objective tinnitus, which is rarer and perceivable by others, might be caused by vascular disorders, middle ear bone conditions, or muscle spasms. Various factors can cause or worsen tinnitus, including damage to inner ear hair cells, age-related hearing loss, prolonged exposure to loud noises, excessive earwax buildup, improper functioning of the Eustachian tube, ear diseases, certain medical conditions like hypertension or diabetes, head injuries, and ototoxic medications. Alcohol, smoking, caffeine, stress, and anxiety can exacerbate tinnitus. Effective treatment depends on the underlying cause. Addressing underlying issues such as infections or earwax removal, using hearing aids or cochlear implants, sound masking devices, tinnitus retraining therapy, stress management, intra-tympanic injections, adopting healthy habits, and medication or dietary supplements can help manage symptoms. Dr. Papadopoulou emphasizes the importance of early evaluation by a specialized ENT specialist and adopting a comprehensive approach to mitigate the impact of tinnitus on daily life.