Tinnitus is abnormal ear noise, commonly experienced as a ringing, swishing, or other type of noise that seems to originate in the ear or head. In many cases it is not a serious problem, but rather a nuisance that eventually resolves.

However, loud noise exposure is a very common cause of tinnitus, and often causes hearing damage as well. It could be an early warning sign that requires urgent attention!

Tinnitus can arise in any of the four sections of the ear: the outer ear, the middle ear, the inner ear, and the brain. If tinnitus persists and cannot be sufficiently explained, then evaluation by an audiogram- or hearing test – may be necessary and measures taken to lessen the intensity.

In almost all cases, only the patient can hear the noise and it is important to be aware that tinnitus is not a single disease, but a symptom of an underlying condition, possibly due to deafness causes. A possible outcome could be the later deterioration into full blown noise induced hearing loss .

Some tinnitus or head noise is normal. We are usually not aware of these normal body sounds, because outside noise masks them but when normal outside noise is diminished, because of wax or a foreign body in the external ear, one becomes aware of these normal internal sounds. Fluid, infection, or disease of the middle ear bones or ear drum can also cause tinnitus.

One of the most common causes of tinnitus is damage to the microscopic endings of the hearing nerve in the inner ear. Loud noise exposure in the workplace can be a very common cause of tinnitus, leading eventually, to industrial deafness.

Unfortunately, many people realise the harmful effects of constant exposure to excessively loud noise too late. Tinnitus can, in very rare situations, be a symptom of such serious problems as an aneurysm or a brain tumour.

Tinnitus associated with hearing loss or loss of balance (vertigo) will need medical assessment and seeking of hearing loss advice. Urgent attention may be required if the tinnitus is constant, intermittent or pulsating in time with the heart beat.