Tinnitus

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Ear anatomy

Ringing in the ears; Noises or buzzing in the ears; Ear buzzing

• Tinnitus can be masked by competing sounds, such as low-level music, ticking clocks, or other noises. Tinnitus is often more noticeable when you go to bed at night because your surroundings are quieter. Any noise in the room, like a humidifier, white noise machine, or dishwasher, can help mask tinnitus and make it less irritating.
• Learn ways to relax. Feeling stressed or anxious can worsen tinnitus.
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and smoking.
• Get enough rest. Try sleeping with your head propped up in an elevated position. This lessens head congestion and noises may become less noticeable.

Call your doctor if:

• Ear noises start after a head injury.
• The noises are associated with other unexplained symptoms like dizziness, feeling off balance, nausea, or vomiting.
• You have unexplained ear noises that bother you even after self-help measures.

The health care provider will perform a physical examination, which will include looking in your ears. You may be questions, such as:

• What does the noise sound like?
• Is the sound throbbing or rhythmic?
• Is it in one or both ears?
• What other symptoms do you have?

The following tests may be done:

• Audiology/audiometry to test hearing loss
• Head CT scan
• Head MRI scan
• Blood vessel studies (angiography)
• X-rays of the head

TREATMENT

If your doctor can determine the cause, fixing the problem (for example, removing ear wax) may make your symptoms go away.

Many medicines have been used to relieve symptoms of tinnitus, but no drug works for everyone. Medications may include anti-arrhythmics (usually used for irregular heart rhythms), antidepressants, vasodilators, tranquilizers, anticonvulsants, and antihistamines.

A tinnitus masker is a device worn like a hearing aid. This helps some people. It delivers low-level sound directly into the ear to cover or disguise the ear noise that is bothering you.