Earwax Impaction

Perception of ringing or other noises in the ears, not caused by external sounds.

Prevalence

Affects approximately 15–20% of the population, especially common in older adults.

Cause

Often associated with underlying conditions like hearing loss, ear injury, or circulatory system problems.

Treatment

Focuses on addressing the underlying cause and/or managing the perceived noise.

Tiruvalla Medical Mission Hospital

If you’re experiencing tinnitus, consult with a healthcare professional at Tiruvalla Medical Mission Hospital for timely evaluation and appropriate treatment. Our experienced team can provide personalized care to manage your condition and improve your quality of life.

Additional Information

Types of Tinnitus: Constant or intermittent, ringing, buzzing, hissing, clicking, or other sounds.
Severity: Can range from mild to severely bothersome.
Impact: Can affect sleep, concentration, and overall well-being.

Symptoms

Ringing: The most common sound, but other noises like buzzing, roaring, clicking, hissing, or humming can also occur.
Subjective Tinnitus: Only heard by the affected individual.
Pitch Variation: Sounds can vary from low roars to high squeals.
Severity: Can range from mild to severely disruptive.
Persistence: Can be constant or intermittent.
Pulsatile Tinnitus: A rhythmic pulsing or whooshing sound synchronized with the heartbeat.

Causes

Hearing Loss: Age-related hearing loss or damage to the inner ear from loud noises.
Ear Problems: Ear infections, earwax buildup, ear canal blockages.
Head or Neck Injuries: Trauma affecting the inner ear, hearing nerves, or brain.
Medications: NSAIDs, antibiotics, cancer drugs, diuretics, antimalarial drugs, antidepressants.
Meniere’s Disease: Inner ear disorder with abnormal fluid pressure.
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: Persistent openness of the Eustachian tube.
Otosclerosis: Stiffening of the middle ear bones.
Muscle Spasms: Inner ear muscle spasms can affect hearing and cause tinnitus.
TMJ Disorders: Joint problems affecting the jaw can lead to tinnitus.
Acoustic Neuroma or Other Tumors: Benign or cancerous tumors in the head or neck.
Blood Vessel Disorders: Atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, or abnormal blood vessel formation.
Chronic Conditions: Diabetes, thyroid problems, migraines, anemia, autoimmune diseases.

Risk Factors

Loud Noise Exposure: Exposure to loud noises from various sources, including heavy equipment, firearms, and portable music devices.
Age: The risk of tinnitus increases with age due to age-related hearing loss.
Sex: Men are more likely to experience tinnitus than women.
Tobacco and Alcohol Use: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk.
Health Conditions: Obesity, cardiovascular problems, high blood pressure, arthritis, or head injury can elevate the risk.

Complications

Quality of Life: Tinnitus can significantly impact daily life, affecting sleep, concentration, and overall well-being.
Psychological Effects: Tinnitus can lead to fatigue, stress, sleep problems, anxiety, depression, and irritability.
Social and Occupational Challenges: Tinnitus can interfere with work, relationships, and social interactions.

Prevention

Hearing Protection: Use ear protection when exposed to loud noises to prevent hearing loss and tinnitus.
Volume Control: Listen to music at moderate levels and avoid prolonged exposure to loud sounds.
Cardiovascular Health: Maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, a balanced diet, and managing blood pressure and cholesterol.
Limit Substances: Reduce consumption of alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine.

When to see a doctor

Ringing or Other Noises: Can vary in pitch, intensity, and persistence.
Subjective Tinnitus: Only heard by the affected individual.
Impact: Can disrupt daily life, affect sleep, concentration, and overall well-being.

When to See a Doctor:

Bothersome Tinnitus: If tinnitus is significantly affecting your daily life, consult with a healthcare professional.
Recent Onset: If tinnitus developed after an upper respiratory infection and persists for more than a week, seek medical attention.
Additional Symptoms: If tinnitus is accompanied by hearing loss, dizziness, anxiety, or depression, prompt evaluation is recommended.