Hearing a ringing, buzzing, humming, or whistling sound in your ear when there is no external noise can be unsettling. For many people, this sensation comes and goes. For others, it becomes a constant background sound that affects sleep, concentration, and overall peace of mind. This condition is commonly known as tinnitus, and it is far more common than most people realise.
While tinnitus is not a disease by itself, it is often a sign that something inside the ear, nose, throat, or brain pathway needs attention. If you are looking for reliable information or considering tinnitus treatment in Kerala, this guide will help you understand what might be causing the sounds in your ear and when it’s important to consult a qualified ENT specialist.
People describe tinnitus in different ways:
The sound may be present in one ear, both ears, or inside the head. Some experience it occasionally, while others feel it continuously throughout the day.
Even though tinnitus is common, the underlying cause must be evaluated, especially if it’s sudden, persistent, or associated with hearing loss.
Tinnitus can have multiple triggers. Understanding these causes is the first step toward proper treatment.
1. Earwax Accumulation
Compact earwax is one of the simplest and most overlooked reasons behind ear noise. When wax blocks the ear canal, it creates pressure and disrupts sound transmission, resulting in ringing or whistling.
Avoid using earbuds, as they push wax deeper and worsen the symptoms.
2. Noise-Induced Ear Damage
Exposure to loud sound—whether from headphones, machinery, horns, concerts, or sudden blasts—can damage the sensitive hair cells inside the ear. Once damaged, these cells cannot repair themselves, causing persistent tinnitus.
This is increasingly common among young adults and professionals using headphones for long hours.
3. Middle Ear Infections
Fluid accumulation from ear infections or colds can cause:
Children are especially prone to this due to smaller eustachian tubes.
4. Sinus or Allergy-Related Issues
Allergies and sinus congestion block the eustachian tube, leading to pressure imbalance inside the ear. This frequently causes ringing, crackling, or whistling sounds.
This is why many patients seeking ENT specialist care in Ernakulam or Thrissur come with allergy-related ear complaints.
5. Age-Related Hearing Decline
As people grow older, the inner ear gradually becomes less efficient. Tinnitus is often the earliest warning sign of age-related hearing loss.
6. Medication Side Effects
Some medicines are ototoxic (harmful to the ear), including:
Always share your medication list with your ENT specialist during evaluation.
7. Jaw and Muscle Disorders
Problems with the jaw joint (TMJ) or neck muscles can also trigger tinnitus. This is commonly overlooked but easily treatable once diagnosed.
8. Inner Ear Disorders
Conditions like Ménière’s disease, otosclerosis, or vestibular disorders can produce tinnitus along with dizziness or fluctuating hearing.
9. Stress and Sleep Disturbances
High stress makes the nervous system hypersensitive, making even mild tinnitus feel louder. Many patients report worsening symptoms during periods of anxiety or poor sleep.
Not all tinnitus is serious, but some symptoms require immediate medical evaluation:
If you notice any of these, consult an ENT specialist without delay. Early diagnosis prevents long-term complications.
A complete medical evaluation helps identify the exact cause. A typical assessment may include:
1. Ear Examination
Checking for wax, infection, structural issues, or eardrum problems.
2. Audiology Tests
Hearing tests such as pure-tone audiometry and speech tests help identify nerve-related hearing changes.
3. Tympanometry
Evaluates middle ear pressure and eustachian tube function.
4. Tinnitus Matching & Measurement
Used to assess pitch and intensity of tinnitus.
5. Imaging (if required)
CT scans or MRI may be recommended in rare cases with one-sided tinnitus or neurological symptoms.
6. Allergy Assessment
If sinus or allergy-related triggers are suspected, the specialist may evaluate nasal and throat pathways as well.
Treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause. ENT specialists use a combination of medical, audiological, and lifestyle approaches.
1. Addressing the Root Cause
Once the root cause is treated, tinnitus often improves significantly.
2. Tinnitus Management Therapy
Specialized therapies help the brain ignore tinnitus signals.
3. Sound Therapy & Masking
White-noise generators, sound machines, or apps help reduce the perception of tinnitus.
4. Hearing Aids
Modern hearing aids have built-in tinnitus masking features. They help by:
This option is especially helpful for age-related or noise-induced hearing loss.
5. Lifestyle & Stress Management
A balanced diet, reduced caffeine, regular exercise, meditation, and better sleep routines can significantly improve symptoms.
6. Medication for Associated Issues
While there is no “tinnitus cure pill”, medicines may be prescribed to treat anxiety, infection, allergies, or inflammation where needed.
You should consult an ENT specialist if:
Whether you are in Ernakulam, Thrissur, or nearby regions, early evaluation reduces the risk of long-term hearing problems.
Dr. Prasobh Stalin is an experienced ENT & Head Neck Surgeon and the Head of the ENT Department at Little Flower Hospital & Research Centre, Angamaly. Trained in Pune and Mumbai, he specialises in:
His patient-focused approach and advanced diagnostic methods make him one of Kerala’s trusted specialists for tinnitus and hearing complaints.
Not always. Many cases improve once the root cause—wax, infection, hearing loss, or allergies—is treated.
Yes. Nasal congestion and eustachian tube blockage from allergies are common triggers.
Yes. Modern hearing aids with masking features reduce tinnitus perception significantly.
Absolutely. Stress amplifies nerve sensitivity and worsens symptoms.
Most cases are benign, but one-sided tinnitus or sudden onset requires immediate ENT evaluation.
It varies. Some episodes last a few days; chronic cases may persist without treatment.
Conclusion
If you are experiencing persistent ringing or whistling sounds in your ear, do not ignore the symptoms. Early diagnosis helps prevent long-term hearing complications.
To schedule a consultation with
Dr. Prasobh Stalin, ENT & Head Neck Surgeon
Little Flower Hospital & Research Centre, Angamaly,
Visit DrPrasobh.com.
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