What Causes Tinnitus and Finding Relief

Tinnitus, that persistent ringing in the ears, can be more than just an annoyance. For many, it disrupts daily life, interfering with sleep, concentration, and even emotional well-being. Tinnitus is a symptom often indicating underlying issues with the ear, ranging from hearing loss to ear infections. Understanding the root cause is key to finding effective tinnitus treatment.

Common causes

The first step in evaluating tinnitus is to rule out common physical causes such as earwax buildup, ear infections, or fluid behind the eardrum. Addressing these can often lead to immediate relief. “Tinnitus is often a signal from the ear that something deeper is at play,” says Dr. Ho, ENT specialist and The ENT Clinic. “By addressing ear health fundamentals like earwax buildup or infections, we can frequently bring swift relief.” For instance, removing impacted earwax or strands of hair on the eardrum can result in an instant cessation of symptoms. Similarly, treating ear infections can provide relief, though it may take a bit longer for symptoms to subside.

However, the most common cause of tinnitus is the degeneration of delicate inner ear hair cells and hearing nerves. This degeneration is often due to factors such as aging, excessive noise exposure, or ototoxic medications that damage the ear. Interestingly, many patients are more affected by the ringing in their ears than by the associated hearing loss, which they may be less aware of. “Patients often report that the tinnitus is far more bothersome than the hearing loss itself,” observes Dr. Ho.

Strategies for tinnitus relief

For many, tinnitus becomes more noticeable in quiet environments, as the lack of background noise allows the ringing to be more prominent. One helpful solution is to introduce pleasant, unobtrusive sounds, such as a fan, soft music, or nature sounds like rain, waves, or forest sounds. “Adding soothing, natural sounds can be an effective way to mask tinnitus and provide comfort in quiet settings,” advises Dr. Ho.

For individuals with significant hearing loss, hearing aids can be extremely effective. By restoring sound stimulation, hearing aids help the brain better interpret sound signals, which can alleviate tinnitus.

Tinnitus may also be exacerbated by certain conditions like migraines. Patients with migraines may notice their tinnitus worsening during migraine episodes. In these cases, managing migraine triggers—such as hydration, sleep, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol—can offer significant relief.

Additionally, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be beneficial for patients whose tinnitus has caused severe emotional or psychological distress. CBT can help change the way patients perceive and respond to their tinnitus, reducing their stress and anxiety over time.

Seeking support

Some patients experience extreme distress by the time they seek medical help. Dr. Ho emphasizes the importance of empathetic support: “When patients are highly distressed, it’s crucial they receive a compassionate consultation and a personalised management plan that addresses both physical and emotional needs.”

Whether the goal is reducing the intensity of ringing in the ears or finding effective treatment, a personalised approach offers the best path to relief.

Dr Ho is an ENT specialist at The ENT Clinic.  He is available for consultations at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, Gleneagles Hospital and Camden Medical Centre.

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