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I Have Slight Buzzing In My Ears - Sounds Like
Question: I have slight buzzing in my ears - sounds like a dimmer light switch that isn’t turned on all the way - humming.
Brief Answer:
This sound is known as Tinnitus.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. This buzzing or humming sound is known as tinnitus. It is the perception of sound in the absence external sounds.
2. Get your ears examined to rule out any ear wax which is one of the commonest causes of Tinnitus. Also rule out any perforation of the ear drum. Decreased hearing also makes one more aware of tinnitus. Get a PTA (Pure Tone Audiogram) done. If you have a hearing loss, amplification may help mask the tinnitus. You may also get your middle ear pressures checked by a simple test known as Impedance Audiometry (Tympanometry).
3. If you have had a recent cold, take steam inhalation through the nose and mouth for 10 minutes a day for 5 days and an OTC (Over The Counter) cold remedy.
4. The exact cause of Tinnitus is unknown. However one of the the agreed pathologies is damage to or loss of to hair cells in the inner ear. The role of the brain in the perception of Tinnitus also exists.
5. Many normal people get a slight decline in hearing power by the age of 65-70. What is your exposure to occupational noise and loud music / earphones / XXXXXXX phones? Exposure to loud noise is also a leading cause for tinnitus.
6. If your Tinnitus increases on clenching the teeth, it may require dental bite correction.
7. Do you have diabetes or hypertension? Are you under any stressful situation? I have noticed patients who have increased Tinnitus when they are stressed, have fluctuations of blood pressure, low hemoglobin, low blood sugar levels and so on.
8. Kindly let me know the results of your investigations. This will help in suggesting further treatment.
9. I must emphasise that in a vast majority of patients of tinnitus, the cause is never found. However there are further treatment options depending on the type of tinnitus.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
This sound is known as Tinnitus.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. This buzzing or humming sound is known as tinnitus. It is the perception of sound in the absence external sounds.
2. Get your ears examined to rule out any ear wax which is one of the commonest causes of Tinnitus. Also rule out any perforation of the ear drum. Decreased hearing also makes one more aware of tinnitus. Get a PTA (Pure Tone Audiogram) done. If you have a hearing loss, amplification may help mask the tinnitus. You may also get your middle ear pressures checked by a simple test known as Impedance Audiometry (Tympanometry).
3. If you have had a recent cold, take steam inhalation through the nose and mouth for 10 minutes a day for 5 days and an OTC (Over The Counter) cold remedy.
4. The exact cause of Tinnitus is unknown. However one of the the agreed pathologies is damage to or loss of to hair cells in the inner ear. The role of the brain in the perception of Tinnitus also exists.
5. Many normal people get a slight decline in hearing power by the age of 65-70. What is your exposure to occupational noise and loud music / earphones / XXXXXXX phones? Exposure to loud noise is also a leading cause for tinnitus.
6. If your Tinnitus increases on clenching the teeth, it may require dental bite correction.
7. Do you have diabetes or hypertension? Are you under any stressful situation? I have noticed patients who have increased Tinnitus when they are stressed, have fluctuations of blood pressure, low hemoglobin, low blood sugar levels and so on.
8. Kindly let me know the results of your investigations. This will help in suggesting further treatment.
9. I must emphasise that in a vast majority of patients of tinnitus, the cause is never found. However there are further treatment options depending on the type of tinnitus.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Thank you. I will check
Brief Answer:
Thank you.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for following up. It is better to discuss with reports.
Wishing you good health!
Regards.
Thank you.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for following up. It is better to discuss with reports.
Wishing you good health!
Regards.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
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