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Tinnitus

Tinnitus
Alternative Names: 

Ringing in the ears

Noise in the ears

Definition: 

Tinnitus is a medical term referring to hearing a noise or ringing in the ears when no external sound actually exists.

The two forms of tinnitus include:

  • Subjective tinnitus: Tinnitus heard only by the patient.
  • Objective tinnitus: Tinnitus heard by the patient and a doctor during an examination.

According to the American Tinnitus Association, more than 50 million Americans experience tinnitus to some degree. Approximately 2 million Americans experience a more severe form of tinnitus, with the condition interfering with day-to-day living.

Symptoms: 

Patients who experience tinnitus typically note the presence of a ringing noise in the ears when no sound is actually present. Noises noted by patients with tinnitus include:

  • Buzzing
  • Clicking
  • Hissing
  • Ringing
  • Roaring
  • Whistling

The noises heard by those with tinnitus may be heard in one or both ears and may vary in volume and pitch. Patients may experience a continuous sound of intermittent noises.

Exams/Testing: 

To test for tinnitus, a patient will undergo a hearing examination, known as an audiological exam. A doctor will ask questions about symptoms experienced and health conditions or illnesses you may have. Patients should inform a doctor of all medications they are taking or have taken, as certain drugs may cause tinnitus.

During the audiological exam, a doctor will examine the patient’s ears, neck and head. Additional tests, such as X-rays, CT or MRI scans may be requested to help determine the cause of tinnitus.

Outlook/Prognosis: 

For patients with tinnitus, the prognosis is often very good. In many cases, tinnitus will go away on its own, often without treatment or intervention.

Patients with tinnitus caused by a health condition may undergo treatment including removal of earwax or, in the case of a blood vessel condition, surgery to address the problem.

When a medication is at the root of tinnitus, a doctor may recommend changing prescriptions, altering the dose of the drug or stopping use of the medication altogether.

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