What Can Cause Chronic High-pitched Noise In The Ear That Disturbs My Normal Sleep?

Posted on Fri, 6 Apr 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 6 Apr 2018 Answered on

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : XXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXX has been getting a high pitch sound in my left ear. This problem has been bothering me
for many years. Since July of 1989 when I attended the 1989 National Scout Jamboree at Fort A. P. Hill, XXXXXXX I am having a hard time sleeping with the constant high pitched sound inside my left ear.
Please give me some suggestions on how I can comfortably solve this inconvenience.

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Possibly due to age-related degenerative changes of the hearing apparatus.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

The high pitched sound that you have developed, is called tinnitus. Sensorineural degenerative changes or even certain viral infections can give rise to such presentations. However, since it has been persisting rather long, I would not consider the viral cause. The organ of hearing lies in our inner ear (vestibulocochlear apparatus) and is also associated with the sense of balance. Vestibulocochlear stabilizing agents like cinnarizine or betahistine might be needed. Please discuss with your treating physician whether they would be right for you.

You need to get audiometry done to understand the exact nature of the problem. Based on the findings you can get a hearing aid with masking sound. The masking sound reduces the bothersome sound you mention.

Hope I have answered your query.

Regards,
Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha, General & Family Physician

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T