Tinnitus
Tinnitus is the perception of a sound in the ear or head that has no source in your surroundings: ringing, buzzing, hissing, or whistling.
Hearing
It can be constant, or it can only show up at certain times.
Tinnitus
It can be constant, or it can only show up at certain times, for example in a quiet room.
Why it happens
Tinnitus is often linked to changes in hearing: loud noise exposure, age-related hearing decline, earwax blockage, or middle-ear disease. Sometimes it appears with no clear cause. In rarer cases it can be related to changes in blood vessels or the nervous system.
Is it dangerous
Tinnitus itself is usually not dangerous, but it can be very tiring and make it hard to concentrate or sleep. Sometimes it is a sign that your hearing or ear health needs to be checked.
How it is treated
Treatment depends on the cause: if one can be found and removed, for example earwax, tinnitus can lessen or disappear. When no specific cause is found, hearing aids, sound therapy, or stress-management approaches can help. The first step is always finding the exact cause with a doctor.
This is general information and does not replace a consultation. If tinnitus persists, get in touch: contact page.