Most people have experienced a sudden ringing or buzzing in their ears at some point. These phantom sounds vary widely, with descriptions ranging from a high-pitched whine to a low hum, often likened to mechanical noises, crickets chirping, or cicadas singing.
While these sounds typically fade away on their own, for some individuals, they persist as tinnitus, a condition that can significantly impact daily life. Reports of tinnitus tend to increase during the winter months, likely due to reduced physical activity and more time spent indoors in quieter environments, making the sounds more noticeable.
Ear, nose, and throat specialists explained that tinnitus is not a disease but a subjective symptom in which individuals perceive sounds without an external source. This phenomenon, known as “ringing in the ears,” is distinct from auditory hallucinations, which involve hearing more complex, meaningful sounds.
Hearing loss is the most common cause of tinnitus. Dr. Lee Ho Yun from Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital stated that tinnitus often accompanies hearing loss due to changes in how the brain processes auditory information, leading to the perception of phantom sounds.
Other possible causes of tinnitus include exposure to ototoxic medications, head trauma, Meniere’s disease, ear infections, and tumors affecting the auditory nerves or brain. In rare cases, vascular abnormalities or muscle spasms near the ear can also cause tinnitus.
Vascular tinnitus occurs when blood flows through nearby vessels, such as the jugular vein or carotid artery, and becomes audible, often resembling a pulsing sound. Muscular tinnitus results from spasms in muscles attached to the middle ear’s sound-transmitting structures.
However, Dr. Choi Hyun Seung from the National Health Insurance Corporation Ilsan Hospital noted that the exact cause remains unknown in many cases. He explained that tinnitus symptoms tend to worsen during fatigue and stress or in quiet environments.
Medical attention is necessary if tinnitus lasts more than five minutes or is accompanied by ear fullness, hearing loss, headaches, or dizziness. These symptoms may indicate underlying conditions that require prompt treatment.
Conditions such as sudden hearing loss or Meniere’s disease require immediate medical intervention. Tinnitus may be accompanied by ear fullness, hearing impairment, and vertigo in such cases. Hearing tests are typically conducted during tinnitus evaluations to assess any correlation with hearing loss.
Chronic tinnitus can lead to secondary issues, including fatigue, stress, sleep disturbances, and mental health conditions such as difficulty concentrating, memory issues, depression, and anxiety. Dr. Choi emphasized the importance of identifying the root cause and beginning treatment to alleviate these symptoms.
Dr. Lee and Dr. Choi attributed the increased tinnitus complaints during winter to decreased physical activity and prolonged exposure to quiet indoor environments, which may amplify the perception of tinnitus. However, they noted that the subjective nature of tinnitus makes it difficult to establish direct medical correlations.
Treatment options for those experiencing tinnitus without an underlying medical condition may include medications to calm the auditory system and protect hearing and, in some cases, antidepressants. A promising approach involves rehabilitation therapy, which aims to retrain the brain to filter out unnecessary sounds, potentially reducing tinnitus perception.
Preventing tinnitus essentially involves avoiding triggers and protecting hearing. Since tinnitus is often associated with hearing loss, avoiding excessively noisy environments and managing stress effectively is essential.
Silent environments can be just as problematic as noisy ones, potentially making tinnitus more noticeable. Redirecting focus away from tinnitus sounds can help prevent them from becoming more pronounced.
Dr. Lee emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive outlook. He stated that negative perceptions of tinnitus can worsen the condition. He encouraged individuals to view tinnitus as a manageable symptom, highlighting the benefits of a positive mindset in coping with it.