The term indicates a persistent sound in the ear which cannot be heard by others and is not caused by any external sound. It can be ringing, roaring, hissing, buzzing, chirping, hissing or tinkling. Tinnitus is not a disease and is not life-threatening.
Types
Subjective: heard by the patient only
Objective: sound is heard by the patient and the observer
Causes
The exact cause is unknown. The postulated causes are:
Noise induced
Ear wax
Medications: e.g Aspirin, Chloroquine, Antibiotics (Gentamicin), ACE inhibitors (Enapril)
Aging
Ear infections
Temporomandibular (Jaw) joint problems
Blood flow problems such as arterio-venous malformations, carotid artery atherosclerosis, hypertension
Barotrauma: rapid change in environmental pressure
Acoustic neuroma
Meniere's disease : increased pressure of the inner ear fluid (endolymph)
Otosclerosis (condition wherein there is fixation of the small stapes bone in the middle ear)
Diagnosis
Essentially, clinical. Investigations done to detect the cause of tinnitus are audiogram, X-rays, CT / MRI scan of the ear & brain, MR Angiography
Management
Consult your ENT doctor for persistent tinnitus.